Question:

What is the actual meaning of the phrase ‘Allahu Akbar’, which is usually written as ‘God is great’?

Answer:

A man said in the presence of Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (a.s), a great grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (s) and the 6th holy Imam within Shia Islam:

“Allahu Akbar (God is Greater).”
The holy Imam said: “Do you know what He is greater than?!”
The man said: “He is greater than everything.”
The Imam said: “Then you limited him (as you compared Him with everything).”
He said: “So what should I say?!”
The Imam explained: “Allahu Akbar means: God is greater than being described.”

Reference: (al-Kaafi vol 1. P.117)

Answered by: Sheikh Mansour Leghaei

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