The Comprehensive Definition of AL-BAṢĪR
Al-Baṣīr (البصير) stands as one of the most revered attributes among the ninety-nine names of Allah in Islamic tradition. The term Al-Baṣīr translates to “The All-Seeing One,” encapsulating God’s omniscience and His ability to witness all things, be they evident or hidden.
Etymology and Origin
The Arabic word Al-Baṣīr stems from the root ب-ص-ر, which broadly refers to seeing, perceiving, or witnessing. This root is instrumental in several related Arabic terms, with a central theme of vision and perception.
Etymology in Detail
- Root: ب-ص-ر (ba-ṣa-ra) - meaning “to see” or “to be insighted.”
- Verb: بَصَرَ (baṣara) - which means “He saw” or “He perceived.”
- Noun derived: بَصِيرَة (baṣīrah) - which translates to “insight” or “discernment.”
Historical and Cultural Context
The name Al-Baṣīr is reiterated in the Qurʾān, emphasizing Allah’s transcendental and infinite capacity to observe His creation. This attribute highlights that nothing escapes the sight of Allah, adding layers of accountability and spiritual awareness to believers’ lives.
Qur’anic References
- “Indeed, Allah is Ever, over you, an Observer (رَقِيبًا).” [Qurʾān 4:1]
- “Certainly is Allah ever, over them, an Observer (بَصِيرًا).” [Qurʾān 17:96]
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Understanding Al-Baṣīr allows for intriguing comparative analysis with other religious traditions:
- Christianity: Comparatively, God’s omniscience in Christianity is emphasized through similar connotations, particularly in the phrases like “the eyes of the Lord.”
- Hinduism: Deities like Lord Vishnu are often attributed with qualities of omnipresence and omniscience, coined as ‘Sarvadarshi’ - the All-Seeing One.
Synonyms
- The Knower (Al-‘Alīm)
- The Witness (Ash-Shahīd)
- The Aware (Al-Khabīr)
Antonyms
- The Unseeing (Blind)
- The Uninformed
Related Terms with Definitions
- Al-‘Alīm (العليم): The All-Knowing, another name signifying God’s unlimited knowledge.
- Ash-Shahīd (الشهيد): The Witness, denoting God’s attribute as the omnipresent observer.
- Al-Khabīr (الخبير): The Aware, highlighting God’s deep knowledge of every intricacy of existence.
Exciting Facts
- Inclusivity: The concept of God being “All-Seeing” invites a sense of perpetual presence, reminding believers that their actions, intentions, and thoughts are always observed.
- Inner Vision: Baṣīrah (بصيرة), derived from the same root, translates to perception, insight, or the ‘inner eye’, emphasizing an enlightened, internally aware state.
Quotations from Notables
“God is indeed all-seeing; sight among His creations is but a spark from His vision.” — Al-Ghazali
”Perceiving Al-Baṣīr reminds us to live with honesty, knowing that nothing we do goes unnoticed in the immense vision of the Divine.” — Rumi
Suggested Literature and Sources for Further Studies
- The Ninety-Nine Beautiful Names of God by Ghazzali
- Divine Reality by Hamza Andreas Tzortzis
- The Study Quran by Seyyed Hossein Nasr et al.
- Al-Asma’ wa Sifat by Imam Al-Bayhaqi
- God and His Attributes by Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi
Quizzes
May the insight granted by understanding Al-Baṣīr inspire you to seek truth and wisdom in all your endeavors.
Ibrahim El-Masri
October 3, 2023
