Reflections on the Name of Allah: Al-Aliyy
The Most High, The One who is clear from the attributes of the creatures.
Al-Aliyy, Al-Ala, and Muta-Ali:
There are two names, Al-Aliyy (The High) and Al-Ala (The Most High). This is separate from the name, Al-Muta’Ali, which means The High Above, The Exalted. These names describe the transcendent nature of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ and His loftiness when compared to all other creations. Imam al-Ghazali mentions, “[He] is the one above whose rank there is no rank, and all ranks are inferior to Him. This is because high is derived from ‘height’, and ‘height’ is taken from an elevation that is the opposite of lowness.” Al-Aliyy is the all-high without any reference point. This is an intrinsic quality. Al-Muta-Ali is a variation that is a more intensified form.
(لقمان 31: 30 ( ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الْحَقُّ وَأَنَّ مَا يَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِهِ الْبَاطِلُ وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْكَبِيرُ
(That is because Allah ˹alone˺ is the Truth and what they invoke besides Him is falsehood, and ˹because˺ Allah ˹alone˺ is the Most High, All-Great ) Luqman 31:30
(سَبِّحِ ٱسْمَ رَبِّكَ ٱلْأَعْلَى)
(Glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most High) Al-A’la 87:1
Acknowledging Allah’s transcendence and exaltedness is fundamental in Islamic theology. When we say that Allah is above, it signifies His supreme position and superiority over all creation. This understanding encompasses both His physical position, as He is above His creation, and His metaphysical status, with His attributes being elevated above all.
Allah’s attributes, such as His mercy, grace, hearing, and seeing, are described in superlative terms to emphasize their incomparable greatness and perpetuity. For instance, when we say He is “The Most Merciful” or “The Most Gracious,” it signifies that His mercy and grace surpass any human understanding or comparison.
By acknowledging Allah’s grandeur and perpetual attributes, believers cultivate a deeper reverence and awe for Him. It reinforces the belief in His unmatched power, wisdom, and benevolence, inspiring devotion and submission to His will.
Understanding Allah’s exaltedness reminds believers of His omnipotence and omniscience, encouraging them to seek His guidance and mercy in all aspects of their lives. It reinforces the notion of Allah as the ultimate source of guidance, protection, and mercy, deserving of worship and praise.
In the Qur’an, the name Al-Ala appears 5 times, Al-Aliyy 5, and Al-Muta’Ali only once.
The Incomparable Highness of Al-Aliyy
The name Al-Aliyy signifies Allah’s absolute highness and separation from all creation, highlighting His unique status above all. This attribute underscores His supremacy in both rank and essence, which is uniquely His own, unshared and unmatched by anything in creation.
(ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الْحَقُّ وَأَنَّ مَا يَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِهِ الْبَاطِلُ وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْكَبِيرُ) لقمان 31:30
(That is because Allah alone is the Truth, and what they invoke besides Him is falsehood, and because Allah alone is the Most High, All-Great.) Luqman 31:30
This verse emphasizes the exclusive truthfulness and greatness of Allah, contrasting His reality with the falsehood of other entities that people might erroneously elevate. It captures the essence of Al-Aliyy, illustrating how His highness transcends all perceived ranks and powers, establishing Him as the ultimate authority and reality.
The Metaphysical Superiority of Al-Aliyy
Al-Aliyy not only implies physical elevation but also metaphysical superiority, reflecting His attributes’ transcendence over human attributes. This aspect of Allah’s name encourages believers to acknowledge and revere His absolute perfection and the supreme quality of His attributes.
(سَبِّحِ ٱسْمَ رَبِّكَ ٱلْأَعْلَى) الأعلى 87:1
(Glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most High.) Al-A’la 87:1
In this succinct command, believers are called to glorify Allah, recognizing His highest status. It reinforces the understanding that His attributes, such as mercy, wisdom, and justice, are not only perfect but are the epitome of these qualities, unmatched and beyond the comprehension or attainment of creation.
The Role of Al-Aliyy in Islamic Worship and Life
Recognizing Allah as Al-Aliyy has profound implications on the worship and daily lives of believers. It instills a sense of humility and dependence on Allah, acknowledging His supreme power and wisdom as the ultimate source of all guidance and mercy.
The understanding of Allah’s exaltedness enriches the believer’s relationship with Him, fostering a deeper sense of trust and reliance on His decrees and judgments. It also cultivates an attitude of humility and submission, essential for true worship and obedience.
This reflection on Al-Aliyy’s role in personal and communal worship can help believers align their actions and intentions with the recognition of Allah’s supreme authority and benevolence, guiding them to seek His pleasure in all their endeavors.