Basic
States of the Heart
Surah: Al-Ala (1)
Glorify the Name of Your Lord, the Most High — Natural Glorification
سَبِّحِ ٱسۡمَ رَبِّكَ ٱلۡأَعۡلَى
— الأعلى الآية 1
Verse: "Glorify the name of your Lord, the Most High — who created and proportioned, who decreed and guided." (87:1-3)
"Glorify the name": Glorification directed to the name not the essence — the word pointing to Allah deserves reverence. Hence "Subhana Rabbi Al-A'la" in prostration.
The triad of creation, decree, and guidance: Created and proportioned — decreed and guided — brought forth pasture and made it dark debris. A description of the entire cosmic cycle.
Lesson: Say "Subhana Rabbi Al-A'la" in prostration and contemplate its meaning — "I exalt my Lord, Most High, above all deficiency and all description."
"Glorify the name": Glorification directed to the name not the essence — the word pointing to Allah deserves reverence. Hence "Subhana Rabbi Al-A'la" in prostration.
The triad of creation, decree, and guidance: Created and proportioned — decreed and guided — brought forth pasture and made it dark debris. A description of the entire cosmic cycle.
Lesson: Say "Subhana Rabbi Al-A'la" in prostration and contemplate its meaning — "I exalt my Lord, Most High, above all deficiency and all description."
Source: Ibn Kathir (8/385); Al-Sadi; Sahih Muslim (722)
Test Yourself
What is the wisdom in saying "glorify the name of your Lord" not just "glorify your Lord"?
Show Answer