Names of Allah
Al-Basit
Al-Bāsiṭ
The Extender — who expands and increases sustenance, mercy and provisions for whom He wills.
What does Al-Basit mean?
Al-Basit is one of the 99 Names of Allah, meaning "The Expander," "The Extender of Bounty". It affirms that Allah expands and gives abundantly by His wisdom — extending provision generously, opening and expanding the hearts of His servants with joy, contentment, and faith, and granting ease where there was hardship. It is the counterpart of Al-Qabid (the Withholder).
The Meaning in Depth
The bast of Al-Basit reaches both the outward and the inward: He expands wealth, opportunity, and provision in the world, and He expands the heart (bast al-qalb / sharh al-sadr) — a state of spiritual openness, joy, and capacity for good. The Quran speaks of God expanding (sharh) the breast for Islam and for guidance (39:22, 94:1). Both forms of expansion are pure gifts from Al-Basit, never earned, always by His grace and wisdom.
Al-Basit in the Quran (related meaning)
- "...And Allah withholds and grants abundance (yaqbidu wa yabsutu), and to Him you will be returned." (2:245)
- "...So is one whose breast Allah has expanded (sharaha) to Islam, so he is upon a light from his Lord?" (39:22)
Living by This Name
Al-Basit fills the believer with hope and gratitude: the One who expands can open any door, ease any hardship, and fill any heart with light. The believer asks Al-Basit for the expansion of the breast (sharh al-sadr) — the openness to faith, patience, and good — as the Prophet Musa prayed: "My Lord, expand for me my breast" (20:25). It also inspires generosity, that the servant might extend good to others as Al-Basit extends it to all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "expansion of the breast" (sharh al-sadr)?
It is a state of inner openness, light, ease, and joy that Allah, Al-Basit, grants — making the heart receptive to faith, patient in trial, and content. The Quran describes it as a sign of guidance (39:22). It is a treasured gift, sought through faith, remembrance, and turning to Al-Basit.
How do Al-Basit and Al-Qabid teach balance?
Life moves between contraction (qabd) and expansion (bast), and both are from Allah by wisdom. In expansion, the believer is grateful and not heedless; in contraction, patient and not despairing — knowing the same wise Lord governs both, and that He can turn one into the other at any moment.
Etymology & origin
Al-Basit (الباسط) is from the root B-S-Ṭ (ب-س-ط), meaning "to expand, spread out, extend, give abundantly". From it come bast (expansion) and basata (to extend). Al-Basit is the Expander: the One who extends provision abundantly, expands hearts with joy and faith, and grants ease and openness to whom He wills.
References
- Quran:
- 2:245, 20:25, 39:22, 42:12, 94:1
- Hadith:
- Tirmidhi 1314 (Allah is the Withholder, the Expander, the Provider); Bukhari 5641 (Allah's expansion of the heart through trials); Muslim 2999 (the believer's affair is good in ease); Bukhari 6502 (Allah turns hearts)
Related terms
Al-Karim
The Most Generous, the Noble — who gives abundantly without expecting return, even to those who disobey.
Al-Qabid
The Constrictor — who restricts sustenance, lifespan or grace as part of His wisdom.
Al-Wahhab
The Bestower — who continuously grants gifts and favors without expecting return.
An-Nur
The Light — the source of all light, guiding hearts and illuminating the heavens and earth.
Ar-Razzaq
The Provider — who creates and distributes sustenance for all living beings.