Surah Ash-Shura — Verse 4

Word Meanings:

• Al-‘Aliyy (العلي): The One Who is exalted in His essence, His power, and His supremacy above all creation.
• Al-‘Azheem (العظيم): The One of infinite greatness, majesty, and grandeur, to Whom belongs all glory and dominion.

Tafsir (Explanation):

To Allah alone belongs everything that exists in the heavens and everything that exists on the earth—whether it be their creation, their ownership, or their management and administration. Nothing in all of existence falls outside His dominion, and no creature holds any independent power or authority over anything except by His will and permission. He is the One Who created all things, sustains all things, and controls all affairs with perfect wisdom and justice.

And He is Al-‘Aliyy—the Most High—exalted in His essence above all His creation, exalted in His power over all things, and exalted in His subjugation of everything that exists. No one can reach Him, no one can overcome Him, and no one can rival Him. He is also Al-‘Azheem—the Magnificent—possessing absolute greatness in His essence, His attributes, and His authority. His majesty fills the heavens and the earth, and all hearts that truly know Him are filled with awe and reverence for Him.

This verse instills in the believer a profound sense of humility and submission. When you realize that everything you own, everything you see, and everything you hope for is entirely in the hands of Allah—the Most High, the Magnificent—your heart naturally turns to Him alone in worship, trust, and reliance. No matter how great your trials may seem, remember that the One who controls all of creation is greater still. And no matter how small your deeds may appear, know that they are presented before the One whose greatness knows no bounds—and He rewards even the smallest act of goodness with boundless generosity. So raise your hopes in Him, fear Him with sincere reverence, and let your heart find peace in knowing that the Most High, the Magnificent, is your Lord, your Protector, and your ultimate refuge.