Comprehensive Definition:
AL-BĀSIT̤ (الباسط), one of the ninety-nine Beautiful Names (Asma ul Husna), signifies “The Expander” or “The One Who Stretches Out.” Within Islamic theology, AL-BĀSIT̤ points to God’s ability to expand sustenance, life, mercy, and provision, and to increase happiness or knowledge as He wills.
Etymology:
- Arabic Root: AL-BĀSIT̤ (الباسط) comes from the root ب س ط (B-S-T), which means to spread, extend, or stretch.
- Linguistic Evolution: The term signifies the act of expanding, reflecting how Allah dispenses His provisions and blessings.
Background and Significance:
- Mentioned in the Qur’an, Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:15), AL-BĀSIT̤ portrays the characteristic of Allah as the ultimate source of expansion. This includes the dispensation of wealth, knowledge, and personal growth.
- It complements other Divine Names associated with balance and provision, such as Al-Qābiḍ (الْقَابِضُ), “The Constrictor,” who withholds as necessary.
Cultural Differences and Similarities:
- Cultural Adaptation: In various Islamic cultures, AL-BĀSIT̤ is invoked in prayers for the increase of provisions, spiritual growth, and relief from constriction.
- Intercultural Reflection: Expansion as a divine quality is not restricted to Islam. Concepts of divine provision and abundance can be compared to similar attributes in other Abrahamic faiths.
Synonyms and Antonyms:
- Synonyms: The Expander, The Provider, The Giver of Abundance.
- Antonyms: Al-Qābiḍ (الْقَابِضُ) - The Constrictor.
Related Terms:
- Ar-Razzaq (الرَّزَّاقُ): Another name of Allah which means “The Provider.”
- Al-Wahhab (الوهاب): Signifying “The Bestower.”
Exciting Facts:
- The concept of AL-BĀSIT̤ is often used in Islamic jurisprudence to argue for the ethical distribution of wealth and alleviation of poverty.
- Invoking AL-BĀSIT̤ is common in supplications (duas) for increased wealth and inferentially called upon in times of financial hardship.
Quotations from Notable Writers:
- Ibn Kathir, a renowned Islamic scholar, writes: “He who believes in AL-BĀSIT̤ understands that any expansion in their sustenance, knowledge, or happiness is a result of Allah’s will.”
References and Further Reading:
- Nasir al-Din al-Mawardi’s “The Names and Attributes of Allah”
- “The Ninety-Nine Beautiful Names of God” by Ghazzi al-Khauf
- Tafsir Ibn Kathir - Exegesis of Qur’an, Surah Ar-Ra’d.
Suggested Literature:
- “The Sublime Names of the Creator” by Imam Ali Al-Nawawi
- “Tafseer of Divine Names” by Sa’id Bakhtawar
- “Asma ul Husna: Understanding the Attributes of Allah” by Dr. Tariq Ramadan
- “Engaging with the Divine: Practical Reflections on the Beautiful Names” by Sughra Ansari
### Which of the following best represents the meaning of AL-BĀSIT̤?
- [x] The Expander
- [ ] The Restrictor
- [ ] The Provider
- [ ] The Healer
> **Explanation:** AL-BĀSIT̤ signifies "The Expander," referring to He who spreads out or dispenses.
### What is the root of AL-BĀSIT̤ in Arabic?
- [ ] ب ر ك (B-R-K)
- [ ] ك ت ب (K-T-B)
- [ ] ن ص ر (N-S-R)
- [x] ب س ط (B-S-T)
> **Explanation:** The Arabic root of AL-BĀSIT̤ (الباسط) is ب س ط (B-S-T), meaning to spread or extend.
### In which Sūrah of the Qur'an is AL-BĀSIT̤ mentioned?
- [x] Surah Ar-Ra’d
- [ ] Surah Al-Baqarah
- [ ] Surah Al-Ikhlas
- [ ] Surah Al-Anfal
> **Explanation:** AL-BĀSIT̤ is mentioned in Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:15).
### What is the antonym of AL-BĀSIT̤?
- [x] Al-Qābiḍ
- [ ] Al-Wahhab
- [ ] Ar-Razzaq
- [ ] Al-Hayy
> **Explanation:** The antonym of AL-BĀSIT̤ is Al-Qābiḍ, meaning "The Constrictor."
### True or False: AL-BĀSIT̤ can be invoked in supplications related to financial hardships?
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True, AL-BĀSIT̤ is often invoked in supplications for increasing wealth and alleviating financial hardships.
### What is a related term to AL-BĀSIT̤ also among the Asma ul Husna?
- [ ] Al-Mumtaz
- [x] Ar-Razzaq
- [ ] Al-Bari
- [ ] Al-Mutakabbir
> **Explanation:** Ar-Razzaq, "The Provider," is a related term among the Asma ul Husna.
### Who provides an explanative exegesis on the term AL-BĀSIT̤ in Islamic literature?
- [ ] Al-Ghazali
- [x] Ibn Kathir
- [ ] Rumi
- [ ] Al-Farabi
> **Explanation:** Ibn Kathir provides comprehensive exegesis on AL-BĀSIT̤ in his Tafsir of the Qur'an.
### Which of these following terms means "The Bestower"?
- [ ] Al-Wahhab
- [ ] Al-Mu'min
- [x] Al-Wahhab
- [ ] Al-Malik
> **Explanation:** Al-Wahhab signifies "The Bestower," one who grants generously.
### True or False: AL-BĀSIT̤ is unrelated to divine mercy in its connotation?
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False, AL-BĀSIT̤, while primarily referencing expansion, also ties deeply to the mercy extended through abundance and provisions.
### Which scholar's works are suggested for further reading on the Names of Allah including AL-BĀSIT̤?
- [x] Imam Ali Al-Nawawi
- [ ] Dr. Tariq Ramadan
- [ ] Sughra Ansari
- [ ] Sa'id Bakhtawar
> **Explanation:** Imam Ali Al-Nawawi's works are highly recommended for deeper insight into the Names and Attributes of Allah, including AL-BĀSIT̤.
May these reflections inspire your inner journey towards understanding the vastness of the Divine attributes. Immerse in the sacred texts, and let knowledge expand your heart!
Farewell Thought: “In the tenacity of Allah’s expansion do we find solace, for every constriction, there lies a Divine promise of abundant relief.”
Written by: Zaynab Al-Hussein
