Al-Muta'ali الْمُتَعَالِي
Transliteration: Al-Muta'aali
Meaning: The Most Exalted, The Supremely High
معنی: سب سے بلند، عروج والا
Arabic Root: ع-ل-و ('Ala) — to be exalted, high, above — intensive reflexive form
Al-Muta'ali is the Supremely and Actively Exalted — not just high in status (Al-Ali) but actively, continuously exalting Himself above all that creation might attribute to Him. The 'Muta' prefix in Arabic indicates a reflexive, continuous action — Al-Muta'ali actively maintains His exaltedness above all limitations, comparisons, and inappropriate attributions. The Quran states: 'Knower of the unseen and the witnessed, the Grand (Al-Kabir), the Supremely Exalted (Al-Muta'ali).' (13:9). This name is Allah's own declaration that He rises above every human conception, every theological construct, and every philosophical description that might limit Him.
Complete Meaning of Al-Muta'ali
Al-Muta'ali is the Supremely and Actively Exalted — not just high in status (Al-Ali) but actively, continuously exalting Himself above all that creation might attribute to Him. The 'Muta' prefix in Arabic indicates a reflexive, continuous action — Al-Muta'ali actively maintains His exaltedness above all limitations, comparisons, and inappropriate attributions. The Quran states: 'Knower of the unseen and the witnessed, the Grand (Al-Kabir), the Supremely Exalted (Al-Muta'ali).' (13:9). This name is Allah's own declaration that He rises above every human conception, every theological construct, and every philosophical description that might limit Him.
Benefits of Al-Muta'ali
- 1.Reflecting on Al-Muta'ali purifies theology — removing all limited human projections onto Allah
- 2.It builds proper Islamic aqidah (creed) — understanding that Allah transcends all comparisons
- 3.Calling upon Al-Muta'ali seeks connection with the One who is above all limitations
- 4.It protects against anthropomorphism (comparing Allah to human attributes) and atheism (denying attributes altogether)
- 5.Meditating on Al-Muta'ali produces the highest form of Islamic awe — tazim (glorification)
How to Do Dhikr of Al-Muta'ali
Recite 'Subhana Rabbil A'la' (سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى) in sujood — combining Al-Ali and Al-Muta'ali. Also recite 'Subhana Allahi 'amma yasifun' (سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ) — Glory be to Allah above what they describe — clearing all limited human descriptions of Al-Muta'ali.
How to Use Al-Muta'ali in Dua
When purifying one's conception of Allah: 'Ya Muta'ali, anta muta'alin 'an kulli sifatin la taliquka — subhanaka 'amma yasifuka al-wasifun' — O Supremely Exalted, You are exalted above every attribute that does not suit You — glory be to You above what the describers describe You as. When seeking connection with the transcendent: 'Ya Muta'ali, ma'a ta'aliyk anta aqrab ilayya min hablil warid — faj'al qalbi qariban minka' — O Supremely Exalted, despite Your transcendence You are closer to me than my jugular vein — make my heart close to You.
Spiritual Lesson from Al-Muta'ali
Al-Muta'ali protects Islamic theology from two opposite errors: anthropomorphism (making Allah too human-like) and negative theology (saying nothing positive can be said about Him). The correct Islamic path is: affirm what Allah affirms about Himself, deny what He denies, and acknowledge that even what is affirmed applies to Him in a way beyond human comprehension. Al-Muta'ali is above all comparisons while remaining knowable through His names.
Al-Muta'ali in the Quran
عَالِمُ الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ الْكَبِيرُ الْمُتَعَالِ
"Knower of the unseen and the witnessed, the Grand, the Supremely Exalted."
Prophetic Tradition
"Allah has ninety-nine names, one hundred minus one, and whoever believes in their meanings and acts accordingly will enter Paradise."
Al-Muta'ali is name number 78 of the 99 Beautiful Names of Allah. Understanding and reflecting on its meaning — The Most Exalted, The Supremely High — is a means of drawing closer to Allah and entering Paradise through the promise of the Prophet ﷺ.
Frequently Asked Questions about Al-Muta'ali
Q1.What does Al-Muta'ali mean?
Al-Muta'ali means 'The Supremely and Actively Exalted' — Allah continuously maintains His exaltedness above all limitations, comparisons, and inappropriate attributions that creation might apply to Him.
Q2.How is Al-Muta'ali different from Al-Ali?
Al-Ali (The Most High) states Allah's supreme highness as a quality. Al-Muta'ali (The Supremely Exalted) is the active, continuous form — He actively rises above all attempts to limit, compare, or inappropriately describe Him. Al-Muta'ali is the dynamic, reflexive expression of divine transcendence.
Q3.Where is Al-Muta'ali in the Quran?
Al-Muta'ali appears once in Surah Ar-Ra'd (13:9): 'Knower of the unseen and the witnessed, the Grand (Al-Kabir), the Supremely Exalted (Al-Muta'ali).' This pairing with Al-Kabir shows that supreme greatness and supreme exaltedness are inseparable divine qualities.
Name Information
Related Names
Understanding Al-Muta'ali — A Complete Islamic Guide
Al-Muta'ali (الْمُتَعَالِي) 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 Most Exalted, The Supremely High. In Urdu, it is explained as سب سے بلند، عروج والا. This page explores its meaning and its place within the Glory & Perfection theme.
Arabic Root: ع-ل-و ('Ala) — to be exalted, high, above — intensive reflexive form
Verified Quran occurrence count: 1
Understanding the Glory & Perfection Theme
The category shown here is an editorial theme used to organize the names for easier study. Explore how Al-Muta'ali relates to this theme through its meaning, relevant Quranic passages, and explanations supported by reliable sources.
Other Glory & Perfection Names:
Reflecting on Al-Muta'ali in Daily Life
Understand the Meaning
Study the meaning of Al-Muta'ali 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)