Sabeel An-Nur

الْعَلِيُّ

Al-ʿAliyy

1. Explanation of the Name

Al‑ʿAlī comes from the root ع‑ل‑و (ʿ‑L‑W), meaning “to be high,” “to be exalted,” and “to be lofty.” This Name proclaims that Allah is The Most High, The Exalted Above All, whose status transcends everything in existence.

As The Exalted, He is above all creation in rank, authority, and majesty. Nothing in the heavens or earth can compare to His loftiness.

2. About This Name

Al‑ʿAlī appears in the Qur’an to remind us that Allah’s exalted nature is beyond our comprehension and that He alone deserves ultimate reverence.

“He is Allah, other than whom there is no deity, Knower of the unseen and the witnessed. He is the Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful, the Sovereign, the Pure, the Perfection, the Bestower of Faith, the Overseer, the Exalted in Might, the Compeller, the Superior (Al‑ʿAlī), the Most Generous...”
— Qur’an 59 : 23

Recognizing Allah as Al‑ʿAlī elevates our worship and humility, drawing our hearts to honor His supreme position.

3. Spiritual Reflection

Reflecting on Al‑ʿAlī invites us to raise our thoughts and actions toward what is noble and high, aligning our intentions with divine exaltation.

“And to Allah belong the highest names, so invoke Him by them...”
— Qur’an 7 : 180
Reflection prompt:
What lofty goal or value do you aspire to uphold? Whisper “Yā ʿAlī” and set your sights on excellence.
Action step:
Choose one noble aspiration—like honesty, kindness, or patience—and elevate it in your daily life, striving to reflect the exalted attribute of Al‑ʿAlī.
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