Reflections on the Name of Allah: Al-Badi’
Allah’s Name Al-Badee’ is mentioned in the following Noble Ayah in which He says:
(بَدِيعُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ ۖ وَإِذَا قَضَىٰٓ أَمْرًۭا فَإِنَّمَا يَقُولُ لَهُۥ كُن فَيَكُونُ)البقرة 2 : 117
“The Originator of the heavens and the earth. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it : “Be!” – and it is.” Al-Baqarah 2:117
The meaning of Allah’s Name Al-Badi’
Ibdaa’ (creativity) means to innovate something without any previous example to imitate or any instruction to follow.
All man-made things are based on imitating designs or ideas found in nature, whereas Allah the Almighty created the entire universe without any former example to follow.
Allah the Almighty created light, created the sun as the main source of heat and light energy, and gave to each thing its form and nature; gave water, air, and all other substances distinctive properties,
Al-Badi’ means the Unique in His Entity, since nothing is like Him and nothing resembles Him in any way whatsoever.
Al-Badi’ also means the Unique in His Creation since He has created the entire universe as well as all creatures without precedent.
Al-Badi’ also means the Unique in His Actions, since He arranges one’s matters in a way he may never expect.
Thus, Al-Badi’ means the Unique in His Entity, Attributes, and Actions.
The believer’s connection with Allah’s Name Al-Badee’:
The implementation of Allah’s Name Al-Badi’ in the believers’ life, they should be creative and innovative at work, as well as in agriculture, industry, and other fields that confer the greatest benefit to mankind.
Allah the Almighty says:
ٱلْيَوْمَ يَئِسَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ مِن دِينِكُمْ فَلَا تَخْشَوْهُمْ وَٱخْشَوْنِ ۚ ٱلْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِى وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ ٱلْإِسْلَـٰمَ دِينًۭا ۚ فَمَنِ ٱضْطُرَّ فِى مَخْمَصَةٍ غَيْرَ مُتَجَانِفٍۢ لِّإِثْمٍۢ ۙ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌۭ رَّحِيمٌۭ
(“This day, those who disbelieved have given up all hope of your religion, so fear them not, but fear Me. This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” ) Al-Ma’idah 5:3
It is mentioned 2 times in the Holy Quran
The Infinite Creativity of Al-Badi’
Al-Badi’, the Originator, highlights Allah’s unparalleled ability to create from nothing, a concept that profoundly impacts the understanding of creation in Islam. This name emphasizes that unlike human creativity, which manipulates existing materials, Allah’s creative act is ex nihilo, without any pre-existing model or material. The Quran states: “Is the description of Him the same as that of any others? Nothing is like Him, and He is the Hearing, the Seeing.” (Ash-Shura 42:11). This verse reinforces the concept of Allah’s unique ability to create, underscoring His distinction from creation in both essence and act.
In reflecting on Al-Badi’s creativity, believers are reminded of the vastness and complexity of the universe which Allah has fashioned in perfect harmony. Each component of the cosmos, from the laws of physics to the biological intricacies of living organisms, bears witness to a Creator who designs flawlessly. This awareness encourages Muslims to appreciate the world around them as a reflection of divine artistry and to seek understanding through the study of natural sciences, as each discovery reveals more about the Creator’s ingenuity.
Al-Badi’ and the Manifestation of Divine Will
The name Al-Badi’ also relates to the immediacy and decisiveness of Allah’s will. When Allah intends for something to exist, His command is simply “Be,” and it becomes reality. This process is captured in numerous Quranic passages, perhaps most famously in Al-Baqarah 2:117. The immediacy of this divine command reflects not only the power of Allah’s will but also its perfect wisdom and timing.
For believers, the understanding that Allah’s will is both instantaneous and infallible offers comfort during uncertain times. It reassures them that their affairs are governed by a wisdom far greater than human understanding can fathom. This trust in divine timing and decree shapes a Muslim’s approach to life, fostering patience and submission to Allah’s greater plan, even when that plan remains hidden.
Practical Implications of Believing in Al-Badi’
Belief in Al-Badi’ has practical implications for how Muslims view their role in the world. Recognizing Allah as the ultimate Creator inspires believers to emulate aspects of this creativity within their own capacities. This emulation is not about creating new forms of life—something only Allah can do—but about innovating and improving the world through technology, arts, and sciences.
Moreover, Muslims are encouraged to reflect on the purpose of their own creation. The Quran states: “And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” (Adh-Dhariyat 51:56). This verse clarifies that the creative purpose behind human life is to achieve a deeper connection with Allah through worship, which encompasses both ritual practices and ethical living.
As believers engage with the world, whether through environmental conservation, artistic expression, or scientific research, they do so as stewards of Allah’s creation. This stewardship is a form of worship, reflecting an understanding that human creativity is a gift from Allah, meant to be used in service of the community and the world.