Khalaqah

Khalaqah, derived from the Arabic root (خ ل ق), carries a significant meaning encompassing creation, bringing something into existence, fashioning, and shaping. It is a foundational concept in Islamic theology and philosophy. The word is used to describe God's act of creating the universe and everything within it. Beyond the initial act of creation, Khalaqah also implies the ongoing sustenance and ordering of the cosmos. It suggests a purposeful and intricate design inherent in existence, reflecting the divine will and wisdom of the Creator. The term is often associated with concepts like divine power (Qudrah) and knowledge ('Ilm) in understanding the relationship between God and His creation. The Quran frequently uses variations of the root (خ ل ق) to emphasize the uniqueness and perfection of God's creative acts and to encourage reflection upon the created world as signs of His existence and attributes. In a broader sense, Khalaqah can also refer to human creativity, but always with the understanding that human creativity is a derivative and reflection of God's original creative power.