About
the Meaning
Allah
calls Himself Al-Musawwir— The Fashioner, or The Bestower of
Forms— once in the Quran, in the last ayah of Surah
al-Hashr.
Al-Musawwir has
the root saad-waw-raa, which has the following meanings: to make
something incline, lean or bend, and to form, fashion, sculpt, imagine, or
picture something, or to have an inclination or desire towards something.
Al-Musawwir is
the One who has given everything in creation its own distinct shape and He has
bestowed things with a special inclination or desire even though His creation
is so great and so varied. He has bestowed forms and not by way of
copying— every single thing is unique, Allahu Akbar!
The
Relation of Al-Khaaliq, Al-Baari‘, and Al-Musawwir
In Surah
al-Hashr, Al-Musawwir’ is mentioned after al-Khaaliq (The
Creator, The Maker) and al-Baari’ (The Originator).
Some
scholars have said that in this ayah the attribute of creation refers
specifically to Allah’s determination of what He creates, so it comes first.
The name Al-Bāarī’ refers to the creative act of bringing
about what Allah wills to create. Finally, the name Al-Musawwir (the
Fashioner) refers to giving each created thing its particular form. So Allah
decrees what He creates, brings it into existence, and specifies its
particular, unique form.
Scholars also have
mentioned that Al-Khaaliq is a general word, Al-Baari’ is
more specific,and Al-Musawwir is even more specific.
How Can You Live by This Name?
Be
happy with how al-Musawwir shaped you.
We live in a time of cosmetic surgery. If you don’t like how you look, you can change yourself with a medical procedure. Allah also says: He it is who shapes you in the wombs as He pleases. There is no god but He, the Mighty, the Wise. [Sūrah Āl `Imrān: 6] .
Live
by the name Al-Musawwir by being content with how He shaped
you by His ultimate wisdom. For example; if we were as beautiful as the Prophet
Yuusuf alayhi salam, would we be able to withstand the temptations he faced?
When
you look at yourself in the mirror, say alhamdulillah! If Shaitaan
tempts you to complain about any of your facial or body features, remember
those who are blind, sick, or handicapped. Thank Allah (swt) that you are
sound and healthy.
Ask Al-Musawwir.
When He wills a thing, He merely says to it, Be! and it is, with the attributes that He wills and the form that He has chosen for it. He does what He wills and creates what He wills in the form that He wills. Al-Musawwir perfected everything you see around you; don’t you think He can solve all your problems? So remember when you make duaa’ that nothing is impossible for al-Musawwir!
Reflect
on the perfect creation of Al-Musawwir.
Allah ‘azza wajal says: Then We made the seed a clot, then We made the clot a lump of flesh, then We made (in) the lump of flesh bones, then We clothed the bones with flesh, then We caused it to grow into another creation, so blessed be Allah, the best of the creators. [Sūrah al-Mu'minūn: 14] . Everything in the universe is Allah’s creation, and it attests by its very existence to its Creator, its Lord and Sustainer. Everything we see around us is proof of Allah’s existence!
To
please our eyes, He has designed the flowers, trees, fruits, cows, and sheep to
have very appealing shapes. Amazingly, when it comes to outside our range
of normal vision, the mosquitoes, bees, and other insects are very terrifying
to look at. He ensured that we live a pleasant life here, and we must
thank Him for this too!
Worship Al-Musawwir alone.
Allah alone deserves our worship. Allah says: This is the Creation of Allah. Now show me that which those (you worship) beside Him have created. Nay, but the wrong-doers are in manifest error! [Sūrah Luqmān: 11]
Live up to your potential!
Allah Al-Musawwir says: Indeed, We have created the human being upon the best of forms.[Sūrah al-Tīn: 4] We are created with a particular brain, heart, face, and limbs, which differentiates us from the animals. How do we use them? We will be questioned on the Day of Judgement as to how we use our hearing, our sight, and our hearts!
Wallahu ta’alaa
‘alem.
O
Allah, Al-Musawwir’, make us of the shaakireen (the
grateful ones) and in times of difficulty and ease may we ask and worship You
only, andhelp us ponder Your creations, ameen!
