The Names of Allaah Al-Khaaliq, Al-Baari’, Al-Musawwir
Fatwa No: 30635

Question

What is the difference in meaning between Al-Khaaliq, Al-Baari’ and Al-Musawwir?

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His Slave and Messenger.

Ibn Katheer clarified the difference between these three Names in his interpretation of the verse (which means): {He is Allaah, Al-Khaaliq (the Creator), Al-Baari’ (the Inventor), Al-Musawwir (the Fashioner).} [Quran 59: 24] He pointed out that Al-Khaaliq is derived from Al-Khalq, which means predestining creation; Al-Baari’ is derived from Bar’, which means carrying out and bringing into existence what He predestined and determined. Not anyone who premeditates and arranges something is able to carry it out and bring it to existence, except Allaah the Almighty. Al-Musawwir is the One who says to a thing that He wills it to “be” and it comes into being in the form and the fashion that He wanted. Allaah the Almighty Says (what means): {In whatever form He willed has He assembled you.} [Quran 82: 8]

Allaah Knows best.

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