Explanation
Al-Musawwir is one of the attributes of ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ in Islam. It means “The Shaper of Beauty” or “The Fashioner”. Allah can create anything and in any way that He pleases. He says, “Be! and it is,” kun faya kun. Everything has a special shape that makes it stand out because he is the one who created it.
Musawwir derives from the root saad-waw-raa , which denotes three different meanings. Making something tilt, lean, or bend is the first main meaning, and forming, fashioning, sculpting, imagining, or picturing something is the second. Possessing a tendency or desire for something is the third main meaning.
Al-Musawwir’ is mentioned in Surah al-Hashr after al-Khaaliq (The Creator, The Maker) and al-Baari’. (The Originator). According to some scholars, the attribute of creation in this ayah clearly refers to ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ determination of what He creates, hence it comes first.
Al-Baar’ refers to the creative act of bringing about what ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ desires. Finally, Al-Musawwir (the Fashioner) refers to the process of giving each created thing its unique form. So ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ decrees what He makes brings it into being and specifies its specific, one-of-a-kind form.
Additionally, scholars have made the following distinctions between these three names: Al-Khaaliq, Al-Baari’, and Al-Musawwir. All living things were formed by Al-Khaaliq from nothing, in accordance with their predetermined qualities. Al-Baari is the One Who created man from clay, or al-baraa. Al-Musawwir is the One Who gives life to different shapes and forms. al-Khaaliq is a general word, al-Baari’ is more particular, and al-Musawwir is even more specific.
This name has special value for Muslims. It reminds us that ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is the ultimate creator and that everything in the world has a reason and a plan. ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ divine hand has created and fashioned everything, from the smallest atom to the most significant universe.
Furthermore, the name Al-Musawwir also reminds the importance of beauty in Islam. Islam places a great emphasis on aesthetics and encourages Muslims to appreciate and create beauty in all aspects of life. Whether it’s through art, architecture, or even our personal appearance, we are encouraged to strive for beauty and excellence in all that we do.
Al-Musawwir is a representation of ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ power to mold and fashion everything in accordance with His almighty purpose and plan. It underlines the significance of acknowledging and thanking ALLAH سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ creative skill and helps remind us of His immense power, knowledge, and wisdom as the Creator of the universe.
Quran References
He is Allāh, the Creator, the Producer, the Fashioner; to Him belong the best names. Whatever is in the heavens and earth is exalting Him. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise. (Quran 59:24)