🌟 Exploring AL-KABĪR (الكبير): The Great One
Definition: AL-KABĪR (الكبير) translates to “The Great One,” reflecting the attribute of Allah’s immeasurable grandeur and superiority. It denotes Allah’s exalted and unparalleled nature. Found in Sūrah Al-Saba (34:22) of the Quran, it reads: “He is the High (al-ʻAlī) and the Great (al-Kabīr).”
Etymology: The Arabic term “Kabīr” (كبير) derives from the root “k-b-r” (كبر), which signifies greatness and magnification. Its usage embodies ultimate reverence and deference towards the divine enormity of Allah.
Background: Among the 99 names (Al-Asma’ul Husna), AL-KABĪR articulates the vastness and supremacy of Allah, fundamental to Islamic theology. These names collectively portray Allah’s attributes, allowing Muslims to grasp the infinite and complex nature of the Divine.
Cultural Differences and Similarities:
- Islamic Context: Muslims frequently use “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest) in prayers, portraying the centrality of God’s greatness.
- Comparative Religious Perspective: Similar concepts of divine greatness exist in other monotheistic faiths; for instance, in Christianity, God is often referred to as “Almighty.”
Synonyms:
- Al-ʿAẓīm (العظيم): The Supreme, The Magnificent.
Antonyms:
- Al-Ḥaqīr (الحقير): The Lowly, The Insignificant.
Related Terms with Definitions:
- Al-ʿAlī (العلي): The Most High, another attribute signifying Allah’s elevated status.
- Al-Mutaʿāl (المتعال): The Self-Exalted, reinforcing divine transcendence.
Exciting Facts:
- Muslims recite Allah’s greatness multiple times during daily prayers (Salah) through phrases like “Allahu Akbar.”
- Islamic epigraphy often decorates mosques with “AL-KABĪR,” infusing sacred spaces with theological depth.
Quotations from Notable Writers:
- “In ‘AL-KABĪR,’ we witness the manifestation of divine vastness that transcends human comprehension, invoking both awe and humility.” — Tariq Ramadan
- “The name AL-KABĪR reminds believers of the supremacy and sovereignty of the Divine, irrespective of human limitations.” — Reza Aslan
References:
- Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya. “Names and Attributes of Allah.”
- Al-Ghazali. “Al-Maqsad al-Asna.”
Suggested Literature and Further Studies:
- “The 99 Names of Allah: Meaning and Significance in Islamic Mysticism” by Amina Wadud.
- “Tafsir Ibn Kathir” (Commentaries on the Quran) by Ibn Kathir.
- Seyyed Hossein Nasr’s “The Heart of Islam.”
Farewell Thought: In recognizing Allah as AL-KABĪR, we are reminded to approach our lives with humility and reverence. The greatness of the Divine invites us to embrace awe and deeper spiritual awareness in our journeys.
With enlightenment and knowledge,
Zahra Al-Yamani
