Reflections on the Name of Allah: Al-Muta’al
His honour is higher than what any one of His creations can imagine or understand, what is described, measured, computed or defined in His creation.
There are three forms of which we should be aware of Al-Aliyy (The High), Al-Ala (The Most High), and Al-Muta’ali (The Highest). Each successive name goes into a more exaggeratory form. Together they characterize Allah’s loftiness, Him being the High above in all respects (i.e., might, wisdom, knowledge, judgment, power, etc.). ,The names: “Al-Aliyy” and “Al-Muta’ali”, both convey the idea of highness or exaltation, but “Al-Muta’ali” intensifies this meaning, emphasizing the supreme elevation of Allah.
(عَالِمُ الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ الْكَبِيرُ الْمُتَعَالِ) الرعد 13 : 9
( “He is the Knower of the unseen and the visible, the All-Great, the Exalted.” ) Surat Ar-Ra`d, 13:9
(إِلَّا ٱبْتِغَآءَ وَجْهِ رَبِّهِ ٱلْأَعْلَىٰ)
(but seeking the pleasure of their Lord, the Most High.) Al-Layl 92:20
It is mentioned 1 time in the Holy Quran
Al-Muta’al: The Supreme and Exalted
Reflecting on the name Al-Muta’al, we delve into the profound realization of Allah’s supreme exaltation and unparalleled honor. Al-Muta’al signifies that Allah’s status and dignity are far beyond anything that His creation can imagine, understand, or describe. This name, along with Al-Aliyy (The High) and Al-A’la (The Most High), characterizes Allah’s loftiness and His exalted nature in all respects—be it might, wisdom, knowledge, judgment, or power. Together, these names emphasize the supreme elevation and incomparability of Allah.
The Loftiness of Al-Muta’al
Al-Muta’al takes the concept of highness to its highest degree, indicating the supreme and absolute elevation of Allah. This name underscores that Allah’s honor and status are beyond any human comprehension or measurement. The Quran beautifully captures this in Surah Ar-Ra’d (الرعد):
عَالِمُ الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ الْكَبِيرُ الْمُتَعَالِ
“He is the Knower of the unseen and the visible, the All-Great, the Exalted.” (13:9)
This verse highlights Allah’s comprehensive knowledge and His exalted status, reinforcing the idea that His greatness and loftiness are beyond anything we can perceive. Reflecting on Al-Muta’al encourages believers to recognize the supreme and incomparable nature of Allah, fostering a sense of awe and reverence.
The Gradation of Highness in Allah’s Names
The names Al-Aliyy, Al-A’la, and Al-Muta’al convey a gradation of highness, each intensifying the meaning of exaltation. Al-Aliyy signifies that Allah is the High, exalted above all others. Al-A’la, the Most High, further emphasizes His supreme status. Al-Muta’al, the Highest, takes this concept to its pinnacle, stressing that Allah’s exaltation is beyond any comparison or analogy.
The Quran further illustrates this exalted nature in Surah Al-Layl (الليل):
إِلَّا ٱبْتِغَآءَ وَجْهِ رَبِّهِ ٱلْأَعْلَىٰ
“But seeking the pleasure of their Lord, the Most High.” (92:20)
This verse reflects the ultimate goal of a believer’s actions—to seek the pleasure of Allah, the Most High, acknowledging His supreme authority and status. Understanding this gradation of highness helps believers appreciate the different dimensions of Allah’s exalted nature.
Recognizing Allah’s Supreme Authority
Understanding Allah as Al-Muta’al reinforces the concept of Tawhid, the oneness of Allah, emphasizing His unique and supreme authority over all creation. This attribute assures believers that Allah’s wisdom, power, and judgment are unparalleled and beyond human understanding. It encourages Muslims to place their trust in Allah, knowing that He is the supreme ruler and the most exalted in every aspect.
Reflecting on Al-Muta’al, believers are reminded that Allah’s loftiness and exaltation encompass all aspects of existence. This includes His unmatched knowledge of the unseen and the visible, His absolute power over all creation, and His perfect judgment and wisdom. Recognizing these attributes deepens a believer’s faith and reliance on Allah.
The Practical Implications of Al-Muta’al in Daily Life
Understanding and reflecting on the name Al-Muta’al has practical implications for a Muslim’s life. It encourages believers to approach Allah with humility and reverence, acknowledging His supreme status and authority. This understanding fosters a sense of gratitude and submission, as believers recognize that everything they have and experience is a result of Allah’s supreme will and power.
Moreover, Al-Muta’al inspires Muslims to strive for excellence in their own lives, seeking to align their actions with Allah’s commands and striving for His pleasure. By acknowledging Allah’s exalted status, believers are motivated to act with integrity, justice, and compassion, reflecting the lofty values that Allah embodies.
The Quran emphasizes the importance of recognizing Allah’s supreme authority in Surah Al-Hashr (الحشر):
هُوَ اللَّهُ الَّذِي لَا إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ۖ عَالِمُ الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ ۖ هُوَ الرَّحْمَـٰنُ الرَّحِيمُ هُوَ اللَّهُ الَّذِي لَا إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْمَلِكُ الْقُدُّوسُ السَّلَامُ الْمُؤْمِنُ الْمُهَيْمِنُ الْعَزِيزُ الْجَبَّارُ الْمُتَكَبِّرُ ۚ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ
“He is Allah, other than whom there is no deity, Knower of the unseen and the witnessed. He is the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. He is Allah, other than whom there is no deity, the Sovereign, the Pure, the Perfection, the Bestower of Faith, the Overseer, the Exalted in Might, the Compeller, the Superior. Exalted is Allah above whatever they associate with Him.” (59:22-23)
These verses encapsulate Allah’s supreme attributes, reinforcing His exalted and unparalleled nature.
In conclusion, the name Al-Muta’al offers profound insights into Allah’s supreme and exalted nature. It emphasizes His unmatched honor, authority, and wisdom, encouraging believers to approach Him with reverence and humility. By reflecting on Al-Muta’al, Muslims can deepen their understanding of Allah’s omnipotence, cultivate gratitude and submission, and strive to embody the lofty values that reflect His supreme nature. This divine name serves as a reminder of Allah’s unparalleled greatness and His role as the highest and most exalted.