Comprehensive Definition:
AL-AʿLA (الاعلى): Translating to “The Most High,” this term is part of the 99 names of Allah (Asma’ Allah al-Husna) in Islam, emphasizing the unparalleled exaltation and supreme sovereignty of God. The term is prominently featured as the title of the 87th chapter (Surah Al-Aʿla) of the Qur’an, which begins with a command to “Glorify the name of your Lord, the Most High.”
Etymology:
Root: The Arabic root of Al-Aʿla is “ʿ-ʟ-و,” which denotes height, exaltation, and elevation. The structure of the word, with the prefix “Al-” meaning “The,” signifies its function as one of the divine names highlighting Allah’s attribute of utmost elevated status.
Background:
Qur’anic Usage: Surah Al-Aʿla consists of 19 verses and opens with “Glorify the name of your Lord, the Most High.” The signification goes beyond mere praise; it calls for a deep internalization of God’s supreme and untouchable nature.
Theological Context: Recognizing God as Al-Aʿla is intrinsic to understanding monotheism in Islam, reinforcing the belief that no entity can compare to God’s grandeur and lofty status.
Cultural Differences and Similarities:
Islamic Culture: Al-Aʿla embodies reverence found in daily prayers and religious rituals; phrases like “Subhana Rabbiya Al-Aʿla” (Glory to my Lord, the Most High) are recited during sujood (prostration).
Comparative Religion: Similar to the Judaic concept of “El Elyon” (God Most High) and the Christian recognition of God’s supreme sovereignty, portraying a shared reverence for a supreme divine entity.
Synonyms:
- Elative: Greatest, Loftiest, Supreme.
- Divine Names: Al-Muta’ali (The Self-Exalted), Al-Kabeer (The Most Great).
Antonyms:
- Navisome Representation: None (since antonyms imply comparison, and there is no comparable but opposite for the Most High).
Related Terms with Definitions:
- Tawhid: The oneness and uniqueness of Allah.
- Tasbih: Act of glorifying God, often through repeating phrases like “SubhanAllah” (Glory be to God).
Exciting Facts:
- All-in-One: The 87th chapter, Al-Aʿla, was among the earliest revelations Prophet Muhammad received and remains one of the most recited in prayers.
- Remembrance Practice: Diverse Islamic traditions encourage the habitual invocation of Al-Aʿla for spiritual upliftment and attaining closeness to God.
Quotations from Notable Writers:
- Rumi: “The names of the Beloved are a fountain of light, and Al-Aʿla is the ever-glowing torch in the hearts of those who seek.”
- Muhammad Iqbal: “To recognize Al-Aʿla is to see beyond the veils of the world, to know the Most High is to truly understand the depth of divine love.”
References and Suggested Literature:
- “99 Names of Allah: Illuminate with Divine Light” by Jamal Rahman
- “In the Presence of the Almighty: Understanding the Names of Allah” by Safi-ur-Rahman al-Mubarakpuri
- “Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged): Commentary on Surah Al-Aʿla.
Quizzes:
### In which Surah of the Qur'an does the term Al-Aʿla appear prominently?
- [ ] Surah Al-Fatiha
- [x] Surah Al-Aʿla
- [ ] Surah Al-Baqarah
- [ ] Surah An-Nisa
> **Explanation:** The term Al-Aʿla appears as the title and in the opening verse of Surah Al-Aʿla, the 87th chapter of the Qur’an, which begins with an instruction to glorify the Most High.
### The phrase “Subhana Rabbiya Al-Aʿla” is often recited during which part of the prayer?
- [x] Sujood (prostration)
- [ ] Rukoo (bowing)
- [ ] Tashahhud (sitting position)
- [ ] Qiyam (standing position)
> **Explanation:** “Subhana Rabbiya Al-Aʿla” means “Glory to my Lord, the Most High” and is traditionally recited during Sujood (prostration) in Islamic prayers.
### Which is NOT a synonym of Al-Aʿla?
- [ ] Loftiest
- [ ] Supreme
- [ ] Greatest
- [x] Ordinary
> **Explanation:** Al-Aʿla means “The Most High,” which conveys an incomparable level of exaltation. Ordinary is starkly contrasting and cannot be a synonym in this context.
### True or False: The belief in Al-Aʿla supports the concept of Tawhid in Islam.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True, the belief in Al-Aʿla (The Most High) as a supreme, uncontested God is integral to the concept of Tawhid (the oneness and uniqueness of Allah) in Islam.
### How many verses are there in Surah Al-Aʿla?
- [ ] 10
- [ ] 15
- [x] 19
- [ ] 25
> **Explanation:** Surah Al-Aʿla consists of 19 verses, making it one of the shorter chapters that are often memorized by Muslims for daily prayers.
May these explorations of divine names deepen your understanding, enrich your spirit, and guide your paths under the light of wisdom. Remember, each name is a step closer to the Most High.
Ibrahim Hassan October 10, 2023
