Using the word “create” in relation to anyone other than Allaah

Undoubtedly Allaah is the Only Creator. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Is there any creator other than Allaah who provides for you from the sky (rain) and the earth?” [Faatir: 35:3]

 But the word khalaqa (create) has been used in reference to others apart from Allaah, for example in the verse (interpretation of the meaning);

“So Blessed is Allaah, the Best of creators”

[al-Mu’minoon 23:14]

 And in al-Saheehayn it is narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) that on the Day of Resurrection it will be said to the image-makers, “Bring to life that which you have created!”

 When the word khalaqa (create) is used in reference to Allaah, it means bringing something into existence from nothing. This is what no one else is able to do besides Allaah. But when the word khalaqa is used in reference to man, it means transforming something from one shape into another.

 If it is used with reference to someone other than Allaah, saying that he creates in the sense that he changes a thing from one shape into another, then this is correct. But if it is used with reference to someone other than Allaah, saying that he creates in the sense that he brings something into existence from nothing, then this is not permissible. And Allaah knows best.

Kitaab al-Qawl al-Mufeed ‘ala Kitaab al-Tawheed by Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 1/6

 With regard to what some people say, “So and so has a creative mind”, what they mean by that is that he is smart, and is able to come up with new and good ideas. There is nothing wrong with that, Islamically speaking, but it is better to explain to avoid such phrases which may be misunderstood.

 And Allaah knows best. May Allaah send blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad.