In the name of Allah the Most Gracious the Most Merciful

A benefit regarding Allah’s Highness علو 

By Shaykh Zayd al-Madkhali may Allah have mercy on him

Al-’Uluw has three meanings:

1. Highness of Allah in regards to His Essence being above His Throne.

He is above His Throne, as He rose above it in a manner which befits His Majesty.  Meaning, He is not in any of His creation nor is anything in Him.

2. Highness in regards to His Esteem and Greatness.
3. Highness in regards to His Power and Control.

Just as Allah said,

والله غالب على أمره

“And Allah has full power and control over His Affairs.” [Surah Yusuf: 21]

وهو القاهر فوق عباده

“And He is the Irresistible (Supreme), above His slaves,” [Surah Anaam:18]

The people of innovation do not dispute over Allah’s Highness in His Esteem/Greatness (no 2) and His Power/Control (no 3). They only dispute and went astray in regards to the Highness of Allah’s Essence (no 1), being above His creation.

So from them are those who:

1. Deny and reject Allah’s attribute of Highness, like the Jahmiyah, Mu’tazilah, and others who agree with them from the people of innovation.
2. Explain this attribute with a false dispraised interpretation (ta’weel), like the Ashaa’irah and others.

As for Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaa’ah, then they believe in all three types of Highness (‘Uluw):

1. Highness in His Essence
2. Highness in His Esteem and Greatness
3. Highness in His Power and Control

In a manner that befits His Majesty, Perfection, Essence, Names, and Attributes.

Source: Al-Jannah fee Idaah Kitaab Sharh as-Sunnah pg. 22

Translated by: Abu Awzaa’ee AbdusSalaam

الفقير الى الله

Also read Shaykh Abdul-Muhsin al-Badr’s commentary on Allah’s Name al-‘Alee