'-l-w

Description

The Arabic root ع-ل-و ('ayn-lam-waw) conveys the fundamental meaning of height, elevation, and superiority in both physical and metaphorical senses. In the Quranic context, it describes Allah's transcendence and supreme position above all creation (al-'Aliyy, al-A'la - the Most High), the elevated spiritual station of the righteous ('Illiyyun), and the concept of dominance or ascendancy in worldly affairs. This root emphasizes the vertical hierarchy inherent in Islamic theology, where ultimate height and supremacy belong exclusively to Allah, while believers are called to seek elevated spiritual ranks and avoid arrogance that falsely claims superiority.