Al-Azim الْعَظِيمُ
Transliteration: Al-'Azeem
Meaning: The Magnificently Great
معنی: عظیم، بے حد بڑا
Arabic Root: ع-ظ-م ('Azuma) — to be great, immense, magnificent
Al-Azim is the One whose greatness is beyond comprehension — in His essence, His attributes, His power, and His glory. The greatest ayah in the Quran — Ayat al-Kursi (2:255) — concludes with 'wa huwal-Aliyy ul-Azim': 'And He is the Most High, the Most Great.' This connection between Al-Ali (The Most High) and Al-Azim (The Most Great) encompasses every dimension of divine greatness: He is great above everything (transcendent) and great beyond everything (in magnitude). The greatest tasbih in Islam — 'Subhana Rabbiyal Azim' said in ruku (bowing) — directly invokes this name in the most physical act of submission in prayer.
Complete Meaning of Al-Azim
Al-Azim is the One whose greatness is beyond comprehension — in His essence, His attributes, His power, and His glory. The greatest ayah in the Quran — Ayat al-Kursi (2:255) — concludes with 'wa huwal-Aliyy ul-Azim': 'And He is the Most High, the Most Great.' This connection between Al-Ali (The Most High) and Al-Azim (The Most Great) encompasses every dimension of divine greatness: He is great above everything (transcendent) and great beyond everything (in magnitude). The greatest tasbih in Islam — 'Subhana Rabbiyal Azim' said in ruku (bowing) — directly invokes this name in the most physical act of submission in prayer.
Benefits of Al-Azim
- 1.Reciting 'Subhana Rabbiyal Azim' in ruku is Sunnah — connecting prayer directly to Al-Azim
- 2.Reflecting on Al-Azim crushes all feelings of arrogance — who are we before the Magnificently Great?
- 3.It expands the heart's capacity for awe and wonder in worship
- 4.Calling upon Al-Azim for great needs — 'Your need is not too great for the Magnificently Great'
- 5.Ayat al-Kursi — the greatest verse in the Quran ending with Al-Azim — is recited for protection
How to Do Dhikr of Al-Azim
In every ruku (bowing position in prayer), say 'Subhana Rabbiyal Azim' (سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيم) — Glory to my Lord, the Magnificently Great — at least 3 times. This is Sunnah. Also recite Ayat al-Kursi (2:255) after every obligatory prayer.
How to Use Al-Azim in Dua
Before making a great request: 'Ya Azim, anta al-Azim wa hajati azima — fa ajib du'a'i bi azamatik' — O Magnificently Great, You are the Great and my need is great — answer my dua by Your greatness. After ruku: continue the dhikr with consciousness of bowing before Al-Azim.
Spiritual Lesson from Al-Azim
Al-Azim is why ruku (bowing) exists in prayer. The physical act of bending before the Creator while declaring His greatness is the human body acknowledging what the heart should always know: there is something infinitely greater than you, and that greatness deserves your submission. Every ruku is a physical conversation with Al-Azim.
Al-Azim in the Quran
وَهُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْعَظِيمُ
"And He is the Most High, the Most Great."
وَهُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْعَظِيمُ
"And He is the Most High, the Most Great."
Prophetic Tradition
"Allah has ninety-nine names, one hundred minus one, and whoever believes in their meanings and acts accordingly will enter Paradise."
Al-Azim is name number 33 of the 99 Beautiful Names of Allah. Understanding and reflecting on its meaning — The Magnificently Great — is a means of drawing closer to Allah and entering Paradise through the promise of the Prophet ﷺ.
Frequently Asked Questions about Al-Azim
Q1.What does Al-Azim mean?
Al-Azim means 'The Magnificently Great' — Allah's greatness is beyond all comprehension, encompassing every dimension: His essence, attributes, power, and glory are all immeasurably great.
Q2.How is Al-Azim connected to prayer?
In every ruku (bowing), Muslims say 'Subhana Rabbiyal Azim' — Glory to my Lord, the Magnificently Great. This Sunnah directly connects the physical act of Islamic submission to acknowledging Al-Azim.
Q3.What is Ayat al-Kursi's connection to Al-Azim?
Ayat al-Kursi (2:255) — the greatest verse in the Quran — concludes with 'wa huwal-Aliyy ul-Azim': And He is the Most High, the Most Great. The Prophet ﷺ called it the greatest verse in the Quran.
Name Information
👶 Baby Names from Al-Azim
Related Names
Understanding Al-Azim — A Complete Islamic Guide
Al-Azim (الْعَظِيمُ) is one of the names included in the traditional list of the 99 Names of Allah, commonly known as Asma ul Husna. Its English meaning is The Magnificently Great. In Urdu, it is explained as عظیم، بے حد بڑا. This page explores its meaning and its place within the Glory & Perfection theme.
Arabic Root: ع-ظ-م ('Azuma) — to be great, immense, magnificent
Verified Quran occurrence count: 8
Understanding the Glory & Perfection Theme
The category shown here is an editorial theme used to organize the names for easier study. Explore how Al-Azim relates to this theme through its meaning, relevant Quranic passages, and explanations supported by reliable sources.
Other Glory & Perfection Names:
Reflecting on Al-Azim in Daily Life
Understand the Meaning
Study the meaning of Al-Azim and consult reliable Islamic sources to understand its context and significance.
Use in Dua
The Quran teaches believers to call upon Allah by His Beautiful Names (Quran 7:180). Consider the meaning of this name when making a supplication appropriate to its meaning.
Reflect on Its Meaning
Reflect on what this name teaches about Allah. Distinguish personal reflection from a specific religious practice or promised outcome that would require separate evidence.
Islamic Baby Names Derived from Al-Azim
Some Muslim names are formed using “Abd” or “Abdul,” meaning “servant of,” together with a name of Allah, according to established Arabic naming conventions. Check the Arabic form and the meaning of each suggested name carefully before choosing it. The names listed below are related suggestions, not necessarily direct derivatives of this particular divine name.
Continue Learning the 99 Names of Allah
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"And to Allah belong the most beautiful names, so call upon Him by them." — Quran (7:180)