Episode 1In us
Human invention builds on precedent.
But: Every invention has a prior art.
The 99 Names · Name 95 of 99 · Act
الْبَدِيعُal-Badīʿ
The Incomparable Originator, creating without precedent
Recited as it sounds in the Qur'an, 2:117.
Heard together with: al-Khāliq / al-Badīʿ
Start with what we know
Then take away everything it needs. What is left is not a bigger version of us. It is the Name.
Episode 1
Episode 2In nature
Bowerbirds create unique displays.
Episode 3At our best
Snowflakes: Libbrecht (Caltech): 'The number of ways to make a complex snowflake is far greater than the total number of atoms in the universe' (NPR, c.2008).
But: Each flake follows the same physics; novelty within law.
Episode 4The Break
Take away precedent, template, rules imposed from outside.
A game makes a new world from a seed and rules. al-Badīʿ made the rules.
From the tradition: Nahj Sermon 1: creation 'without… making use of any experiment'. Isaiah 43:19 'I am about to do something new'.
On screen
Minecraft makes a new world from a seed and an algorithm. al-Badīʿ needed neither seed nor algorithm.
Where it shows up
- In scripture
- Q 2:117; 6:101; Isa (peace be upon him) 43:19.
- The same thread in Jewish and Christian scripture
- Isa (peace be upon him) 43:19; Rev 21:5. Moderate.
- In the universe
- JWST surprises (early bright galaxies).
- In nature
- Snow crystals (Libbrecht).
- In people
- Invention and art.
- In science
- Combinatorics; crystal growth.
Watch and listen
Films, documentaries and voices that reach towards this Name. Each links out to where you can watch it.
Sources for this page
npr.org/transcripts/18033619