Al-Mutakabbir الْمُتَكَبِّرُ
Transliteration: Al-Mutakabbir
Meaning: The Supreme, The Possessor of Greatness
معنی: بڑائی والا، عظمت کا مالک
Arabic Root: ك-ب-ر (Kabura) — to be great, large, supreme
Al-Mutakabbir means Allah is the One who rightfully and exclusively possesses supreme greatness. He is great in His essence, great in His attributes, and great in His actions. Importantly, while arrogance (kibr) is a sin for human beings, Al-Mutakabbir is a perfection for Allah — because His greatness is real, absolute, and without any deficiency. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Greatness is My garment and might is My lower garment — whoever contests Me in either of them, I will punish.' Allah's greatness is not pride born from weakness or insecurity; it is the natural expression of His infinite, perfect being.
Complete Meaning of Al-Mutakabbir
Al-Mutakabbir means Allah is the One who rightfully and exclusively possesses supreme greatness. He is great in His essence, great in His attributes, and great in His actions. Importantly, while arrogance (kibr) is a sin for human beings, Al-Mutakabbir is a perfection for Allah — because His greatness is real, absolute, and without any deficiency. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Greatness is My garment and might is My lower garment — whoever contests Me in either of them, I will punish.' Allah's greatness is not pride born from weakness or insecurity; it is the natural expression of His infinite, perfect being.
Benefits of Al-Mutakabbir
- 1.Meditating on Al-Mutakabbir crushes arrogance in the heart — who are we to be arrogant before the Supremely Great?
- 2.It teaches the proper place of creation — all greatness belongs to Allah, humans have only what He lends them
- 3.Reciting Ya Mutakabbir when feeling inferior helps restore dignity rooted in Allah's greatness, not self-pride
- 4.Reflecting on this name increases awe and reverence (khushoo) in worship
- 5.It reminds that the arrogant will be humbled — bringing comfort to those wronged by proud people
How to Do Dhikr of Al-Mutakabbir
Recite 'Allahu Akbar' (الله أكبر) — which shares the same root — during prayer and throughout the day. This is the takbir: declaring that Allah is the Greatest, which is the verbal expression of Al-Mutakabbir.
How to Use Al-Mutakabbir in Dua
When humbled by arrogant people: 'Ya Mutakabbir, anta al-akbar, akbir sha'ni fi 'uyun al-khalq' — O Supremely Great, You are the Greatest, magnify my standing in the eyes of creation. When struggling with one's own arrogance: 'Ya Mutakabbir, athhibil kibra min qalbi' — O Supremely Great, remove arrogance from my heart.
Spiritual Lesson from Al-Mutakabbir
Al-Mutakabbir is a mirror for the believer: when you see your own arrogance in that mirror, it should shatter instantly. How can a created being, who came from dust and will return to dust, feel arrogant before the Supremely Great? This name is the cure for the disease of kibr (arrogance), which the Prophet ﷺ identified as preventing entry into Paradise.
Al-Mutakabbir in the Quran
الْعَزِيزُ الْجَبَّارُ الْمُتَكَبِّرُ ۚ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ
"The Exalted in Might, the Compeller, the Superior. Exalted is Allah above whatever they associate with Him."
Prophetic Tradition
"Allah has ninety-nine names, one hundred minus one, and whoever believes in their meanings and acts accordingly will enter Paradise."
Al-Mutakabbir is name number 10 of the 99 Beautiful Names of Allah. Understanding and reflecting on its meaning — The Supreme, The Possessor of Greatness — is a means of drawing closer to Allah and entering Paradise through the promise of the Prophet ﷺ.
Frequently Asked Questions about Al-Mutakabbir
Q1.What does Al-Mutakabbir mean?
Al-Mutakabbir means 'The Supremely Great' — Allah rightfully and exclusively possesses supreme greatness. Unlike human arrogance, His greatness is real, perfect, and without any deficiency.
Q2.Is arrogance (kibr) allowed in Islam?
No — the Prophet ﷺ said: 'No one who has even a mustard seed of arrogance in his heart will enter Paradise.' Arrogance is a sin for humans. Al-Mutakabbir is exclusively Allah's rightful attribute because His greatness is genuinely absolute and perfect.
Q3.What is the connection between Al-Mutakabbir and Allahu Akbar?
Both share the root ك-ب-ر (greatness). 'Allahu Akbar' (Allah is the Greatest) is the verbal declaration of Allah's Al-Mutakabbir attribute, recited in every prayer and at key moments throughout a Muslim's day.
Name Information
Related Names
Understanding Al-Mutakabbir — A Complete Islamic Guide
Al-Mutakabbir (الْمُتَكَبِّرُ) 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 Supreme, The Possessor of Greatness. In Urdu, it is explained as بڑائی والا، عظمت کا مالک. This page explores its meaning and its place within the Power & Majesty theme.
Arabic Root: ك-ب-ر (Kabura) — to be great, large, supreme
Verified Quran occurrence count: 1
Understanding the Power & Majesty Theme
The category shown here is an editorial theme used to organize the names for easier study. Explore how Al-Mutakabbir relates to this theme through its meaning, relevant Quranic passages, and explanations supported by reliable sources.
Other Power & Majesty Names:
Al-Malik
الْمَلِكُ
The King and Owner of All
Al-Aziz
الْعَزِيزُ
The Almighty, The Invincible, The Most Honored
Al-Jabbar
الْجَبَّارُ
The Compeller, The Restorer, The Repairer
Al-Qahhar
الْقَهَّارُ
The All-Prevailing, The Subduer
Al-Qabid
الْقَابِضُ
The Withholder, The Constrictor
Al-Khafid
الْخَافِضُ
The Abaser, The Humiliator of the Arrogant
Reflecting on Al-Mutakabbir in Daily Life
Understand the Meaning
Study the meaning of Al-Mutakabbir 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.
Continue Learning the 99 Names of Allah
Explore More Islamic Names
"And to Allah belong the most beautiful names, so call upon Him by them." — Quran (7:180)