Concept of the Name
Linguistic Meaning:
The Linguistic Meaning:
Al-Bari': It is said that Allah created the creatures, and He continues to bring them into existence, meaning He originated them.
The term bara’ signifies creating in a specific form, so everything that is created in this specific manner is considered mabru'. However, not all that is created is considered mabru' because bara’ also implies clearing or absolving something from something else. For instance, they say, "I was cured of the illness" or "I am absolved from debt," meaning to be freed from it. Some creations, when separated from others, are referred to as the one who performs this action (bara') or as Bari' in reference to the Divine. As mentioned in the oath, "No, by Him who splits the grain and creates the soul."
Abu Ali said that bara' refers to the characteristic by which forms are distinct from one another. For example, the form of Zayd is different from the form of 'Amr, and the form of a donkey is distinct from that of a horse. Blessed be Allah, the Creator and the Shaper.
[Interpretation of the Names of Allah by Al-Zajjaj, 1/37]
References from the Quran
Occurrence in the Qur’an:
The name of Allah, Al-Bari' (The Originator), is mentioned in the Qur'an in four instances. It appears in the form Al-Bari' in one verse, nabra’uha ("We bring it into existence") in another verse, and bari’ukum ("your Originator") in two instances within a single verse.
First: The instance where the name of Allah Al-Bari' is mentioned.
References from the Sunnah
Occurrence in the Sunnah:
On the authority of Abu Huraira, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Allah has ninety-nine names, one hundred minus one. Indeed, He is One (Witr) and loves what is odd-numbered (such as acts of worship). Whoever memorizes them will enter Paradise. They are: Allah, the One, the Eternal Refuge, the First, the Last, the Manifest, the Hidden, the Creator, the Originator, the Fashioner, the Sovereign, the Truth, the Source of Peace, the Faithful, the Protector, the Mighty, the Compeller, the Majestic, the Merciful, the Compassionate, the Subtle, the All-Aware, the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing, the All-Knowing, the Great, the Benefactor, the Exalted, the Majestic, the Beautiful, the Living, the Sustainer, the Able, the Overpowering, the High, the Wise, the Near, the Responsive, the Rich, the Bestower, the Loving, the Appreciative, the Glorious, the Finder, the Patron, the Rightly-Guiding, the Pardoner, the Forgiving, the Forbearing, the Generous, the Accepter of Repentance, the Lord, the Majestic, the Guardian, the Witness, the Clear, the Proof, the Kind, the Compassionate, the Initiator, the Restorer, the Resurrector, the Inheritor, the Strong, the Firm, the Harmful, the Beneficial, the Eternal, the Protector, the Abaser, the Exalter, the Constrictor, the Expander, the Honorer, the Humiliator, the Just, the Provider, Possessor of Power, the Strong, the Sustainer, the Everlasting, the Preserver, the Trustee, the Originator, the Listener, the Giver, the Giver of Life, the Causer of Death, the Withholder, the Gatherer, the Guide, the Sufficient, the Everlasting, the All-Knowing, the Truthful, the Light, the Illuminator, the Perfect, the Ancient, the Unique, the One, the Eternal Refuge, who neither begets nor is born, and there is none like unto Him."
Zuhair said: "We have learned from more than one person among the scholars that it begins with: 'There is no deity except Allah, alone with no partner; His is the dominion and the praise, in His hand is all good, and He has power over all things. There is no deity except Allah; He has the Most Beautiful Names.'"
Approach of the Salaf with the Name
Worship by the Name
Worshiping Allah through His Name Al-Bari':
1- Worship through Loving Allah because He created us: It is only fitting that we deeply love the One who created us and that we humble ourselves to Him with utmost humility. These two elements are the core pillars of worshiping Allah, the Almighty.
2- Belief in the Name of Allah, Al-Bari' (The Originator), implies acknowledging His knowledge of every detail of His creation: