What does Allahu Akbar mean? | Blog

Once again, as we confront the rising tides of Islamophobia in different parts of the world, the phrase “Allahu Akbar” is thrown around by political pundits, media outlets, and so-called security experts as a term that is a harbinger of violence and terrorism. But what does the phrase actually mean, and what is its significance for the nearly 2 billion Muslims around the world?

From the moment of birth, when the phrase “Allahu Akbar” is softly whispered into the ear of a newborn, to the comforting lullabies that drift them to sleep—Subhanallah, Walhamdulillah, Wala Ilaha Illallah, Wallahu Akbar—these praises of God become the melody of our existence. They are words that connect us to the Infinite, to the Creator who is beyond all imagination. Allah is the greatest, the Creator of everything, the Owner of the Universes, the Sublime, the One, and the only. He is greater than all words could ever express, greater than all else in existence.

We recite “Allahu Akbar” more than 100 times throughout our day, as we flow through the positions of prayer, salah. We whisper it as we stretch in the morning, or as we step outside our homes, embracing the day ahead. It’s a phrase we often use to begin a task, a sacred reset button. Sometimes, we utter it with glee and joy, for Allah is the greatest, and He grants us these precious moments of happiness. Other times, we say it in the depths of sorrow, to remind ourselves that Allah is greater than any hardship we might face. But what is the essence of this beautiful phrase?

Allahu Akbar - اللّٰهُ أَكْبَر

Let us break down the profound meaning within these two words:

If we were to translate it word for word, it would mean:
Allah – He is – The Greatest.

But to understand “Allahu Akbar” fully, we must delve into the depth of the Arabic language.

The word Akbar is derived from the trilateral root kāf―bā―rā (ك ب ر), which carries the connotation of greatness. These root letters are also found in words that describe nobility, magnificence, and power. The beauty of this root lies in its versatility, capturing the essence of all that is grand and beyond human comprehension.

In its grammatical form, Akbar is an ism tafdīl, a term in Arabic grammar that indicates either a comparative (greater than) or a superlative (greatest). Usually, when we say “Allahu Akbar,” we are invoking the comparative form, leaving the phrase wonderfully open-ended: “Allah is greater …”

Greater than what, you might ask? Greater than anything and everything. Greater than our happiness, greater than our worldly joy. When we say it in moments of frustration, stress, or disappointment, we are reminding ourselves that Allah is greater than whatever trial we are facing. It is a profound attachment of the heart to the boundless greatness of our Creator.

When the call to prayer, the adhan, begins with “Allahu Akbar,” it signals that this call is greater than any task we are engaged in. It beckons us to pause, to realign our focus, and to respond to the divine invitation. When we approach prayer and raise our hands to begin with “Allahu Akbar,” we are proclaiming that this prayer, this moment of connection with Allah, is now our focus. Allah is greater than anything we are leaving behind.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ beautifully summarized this when he said, “The uttering of the words: Subhan-Allah (Allah is free from imperfection), Al-hamdu lillah (all praise is due to Allah), La ilaha illallah (there is no true god except Allah), and Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest) is dearer to me than anything over which the sun rises.” [Riyadh al-Salihin #1409]

In this simple yet profound phrase lies a world of hope and meaning. It is a constant reminder that no matter where we are in life—whether standing at the peak of joy or the depths of despair—Allah is greater. His greatness encompasses all things, and in that greatness, we find our anchor, our hope, and our solace.