Meaning & Explanation
Al-'Ali is the One who is supremely high and exalted above all creation. His highness is both in essence and attributes. Nothing is above Him, and He is exalted far beyond any comparison to creation.
Quran References
2 versesContext: Ayat al-Kursi
وَهُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْعَظِيمُ
“And He is the Most High, the Most Great”
Context: Affirming Allah's supreme highness
لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَهُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْعَظِيمُ
“To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth, and He is the Most High, the Most Great”
Exemplifying Story
quranThe Prophet's Ascension Beyond Creation
Reference: Surah An-Najm 53:1-18
During the Mi'raj, the Prophet ﷺ ascended through the seven heavens. At each level, he met prophets and witnessed wonders. He passed the angels, passed the prophets, passed even Jibril at the Lote Tree. He ascended beyond all creation to stand before Al-'Ali. No creation can reach where he reached. He was granted audience with the Most High, Who is above all heavens, above all thrones, above all existence. The Prophet returned changed forever, having witnessed true highness.
Al-'Ali is infinitely high above all creation. Even the greatest creation cannot comprehend His exaltedness. We can only humble ourselves in recognition of His supreme height.