Reflections on the Name of Allah: Al-Kabeer
The Most Great, The Great, The One who is greater than everything in status.
The word “kabir” in Arabic is commonly associated with physical size or magnitude, its application to Allah transcends mere physical attributes.
In the context of Allah, Al-Kabir signifies His greatness in all respects, encompassing His attributes, power, and sovereignty. The use of the definite article “al” emphasizes that Allah is not just great but the greatest, surpassing any human comprehension or comparison.
The essence of the name Al-Kabir and its significance affirms the concept of Tawhid, the oneness of Allah.
Furthermore, pairing Al-Kabir with Al-Aliyy (The Most High) underscores the notion that Allah’s greatness extends beyond physical dimensions to encompass His exalted status above all creation. This combination highlights Allah’s unparalleled greatness and supremacy, emphasizing His perfection and uniqueness.
Understanding Allah as Al-Kabir reminds believers of His incomprehensible greatness and serves as a source of awe, reverence, and humility. It reinforces the belief in Allah’s omnipotence and omnipresence, inspiring devotion and submission to His will.
Overall, Al-Kabir serves as a powerful reminder of Allah’s absolute greatness and perfection, transcending any human limitations or mental constructs. It underscores the uniqueness and incomparability of Allah, inviting believers to contemplate His magnificence and submit to His divine will with utmost reverence and humility.
( ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الْحَقُّ وَأَنَّ مَا يَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِهِ الْبَاطِلُ وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْكَبِيرُ ﴿لقمان30 : 31
(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
(وَلَا تَنفَعُ ٱلشَّفَـٰعَةُ عِندَهُۥٓ إِلَّا لِمَنْ أَذِنَ لَهُۥ ۚ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا فُزِّعَ عَن قُلُوبِهِمْ قَالُوا۟ مَاذَا قَالَ رَبُّكُمْ ۖ قَالُوا۟ ٱلْحَقَّ ۖ وَهُوَ ٱلْعَلِىُّ ٱلْكَبِيرُ)
(No intercession will be of any benefit with Him, except by those granted permission by Him. ˹At last,˺ when the dread ˹of Judgment Day˺ is relieved from their hearts ˹because they are permitted to intercede˺, they will ˹excitedly˺ ask ˹the angels˺, “What has your Lord ˹just˺ said?” The angels will reply, “The truth! And He is the Most High, All-Great.”) Saba 34: 23
Recognizing that only Allah possesses true greatness underscores the principle of Tawhid, ascribing uniqueness and incomparability to Him alone. This understanding leads to the realization that true worth and value reside only in Allah, while everything else is transient and perishable.
By acknowledging Allah’s greatness, believers affirm His divine oneness and sovereignty, paving the way for a life lived in accordance with His guidance and wisdom. This recognition allows individuals to transcend their own ego and desires, finding fulfillment and purpose in serving Allah and following His decrees.
Ultimately, living in consciousness of Allah’s greatness not only affirms Tawhid but also enables believers to lead a life guided by divine wisdom and aligned with their ultimate purpose. It creates a sense of detachment from worldly pursuits and fosters a profound connection with the Creator, allowing believers to find contentment and fulfillment in serving Him.
It is mentioned 6 times in the Holy Quran
The All-Encompassing Greatness of Al-Kabeer
The name Al-Kabeer affirms Allah’s absolute greatness, which transcends physical dimensions and encompasses all aspects of His divine nature—His power, wisdom, mercy, and authority. This attribute assures believers of the supreme and unparalleled nature of Allah.
(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 not only declares Allah’s incomparable greatness but also contrasts His reality with the falsehood of other deities. It underscores that any other object of worship is inherently lesser and incapable of rivaling His greatness. This realization should cultivate a profound respect and awe in the hearts of believers, reinforcing their commitment to uphold Tawhid, the oneness of Allah.
The Ultimate Authority in Judgment
Al-Kabeer’s greatness also extends to His role as the supreme judge, whose decisions and decrees are final and executed with perfect wisdom and justice. This aspect of Allah’s greatness is particularly significant in understanding His role on the Day of Judgment.
(وَلَا تَنفَعُ ٱلشَّفَـٰعَةُ عِندَهُۥٓ إِلَّا لِمَنْ أَذِنَ لَهُۥ ۚ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا فُزِّعَ عَن قُلُوبِهِمْ قَالُوا۟ مَاذَا قَالَ رَبُّكُمْ ۖ قَالُوا۟ ٱلْحَقَّ ۖ وَهُوَ ٱلْعَلِىُّ ٱلْكَبِيرُ) سبأ 34:23
(No intercession will be of any benefit with Him, except by those granted permission by Him. When the dread of Judgment Day is relieved from their hearts, they will excitedly ask the angels, “What has your Lord just said?” The angels will reply, “The truth! And He is the Most High, All-Great.”) Saba 34:23
This verse illustrates that on the Day of Judgment, only those whom Allah permits can intercede for others, emphasizing His absolute authority and the finality of His judgments. Recognizing Allah as Al-Kabeer in this context helps believers understand the seriousness of the accountability they will face and motivates them to live righteously.
Living in Awareness of Al-Kabeer’s Presence
Understanding Allah as Al-Kabeer influences how believers perceive their existence and purpose in life. It reminds them that Allah’s greatness overshadows all aspects of human life, providing a framework within which they can align their actions and intentions.
By acknowledging Allah’s greatness, believers are inspired to transcend their ego and desires, submitting wholly to His divine will. This recognition instills a sense of purpose and direction in their lives, guiding them to seek fulfillment in accordance with Allah’s commands rather than worldly pursuits.
Living in consciousness of Al-Kabeer not only deepens a believer’s faith but also enriches their daily experiences by attaching a greater significance to their actions, viewing them as part of a larger divine plan. This leads to a more fulfilling life, characterized by a constant awareness of Allah’s presence and a persistent endeavor to align with His divine will.
These reflections on Al-Kabeer serve to deepen the understanding of Allah’s greatness and its implications for a believer’s faith and practice, fostering a life of devotion, reverence, and purposeful action aligned with the divine.