Definition
Al-Mutakabbir (المتكبر) – Meaning “The Great” or “The Majestic.” As one of the ninety-nine names of Allah, Al-Mutakabbir signifies the absolute greatness and grandeur of God. This divine attribute indicates a level of majesty and superiority that is absolute and beyond human comprehension.
Etymology
The root of Al-Mutakabbir (المتكبر) comes from the Arabic root k-b-r (كبر), which denotes greatness or grandeur. When used to describe Allah, it means an omnipresent greatness that dwarfs all other forms of power and ego.
Background
Al-Mutakabbir is an expression of God’s infinite preeminence. It occurs in the Qur’an, notably in Surah Al-Hashr (59:23): “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.”
In the human context, “mutakabbir” voluntarily applied to oneself signifies arrogance and haughtiness, traits considered sinful.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Al-Mutakabbir as a divine attribute primarily resonates within the Islamic tradition. Similar concepts of a supreme being possessing unparalleled greatness can be found in other monotheistic faiths, like Christianity and Judaism. However, the term directly correlates with the sacred epistemology and theology endemic to Islam.
- Similarities: Attributes such as omnipotence and majesty are shared across monotheistic religions, highlighting the greatness and omnipresence of their supreme deities.
- Differences: Linguistic and theological interpretations, as well as scriptural contexts, differ significantly among various religious traditions.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms:
- Al-‘Adheem (The Magnificent)
- Al-Qahhar (The Subduer)
- Al-Aziz (The Almighty)
Antonyms:
- Adz-Daleel (The Humble)
- Al-Faqir (The Needy)
Related Terms and Definitions
Al-‘Adheem (العظيم):
- Another sublime attribute of Allah, translating to “The Magnificent.”
Al-Jabbar (الجبار):
- Denotes “The Compeller,” emphasizing Allah’s ultimate power and will.
Asmaa Al-Husna (الأسماء الحسنى):
- “The Most Beautiful Names of Allah,” referring to the 99 attributes.
Exciting Facts
- Recitation Reward: Calling upon Allah with His names is believed to bring blessings and mercy.
- Nomenclature: Usage of “Mutakabbir” in human traits is a clear divergence as it adopts a highly negative connotation against the virtue it denotes for Allah.
Quotations from Notable Writers
“If thou knew the immensity of the Magnificent One, then truly would you see the world’s wealth as no more valuable than ephemeral vapor.”
- Ibn Arabi
References and Suggestions for Further Studies
- Al-Ghazali: “65th Name: Al-Mutakabbir” in Al-Maqsad al-Asfi
- Fazlur Rahman’s “Major Themes of the Qur’an”
- Martin Lings, “The Book of Certainty: The Sufi Doctrine of Faith, Vision and Gnosis”
Quizzes
May we perpetually strive to learn and understand the divine names that reveal the profound depths of our faith.
— Nurrahman Al-Hadi, 2023
