Allahu Akbar. When you hear this phrase, what do you feel? You might have heard this phrase yelled by an angry, bearded baddie in movies. Or on the news by massive protesting crowds in the Middle East with fingers pointing up to the sky. The media has shown Muslims in such a negative light over so many years that the public subconsciously connects the phrase “Allahu Akbar” to a foreboding feeling of fear. However, to a Muslim, this phrase is actually a source of comfort and even joy. How can there be such a stark difference? What does “Allahu Akbar” really mean?
The term “Allahu Akbar” in Arabic literally means “God is Greater.” Allah means “God” – the Creator, the Only One worthy of being worshiped, and the One with the Most Beautiful Names & Attributes such as The Most Merciful, the Loving, the All Knowing, The Wise, etc. The word “Akbar” means “greater”. So Muslims use this phrase to indicate that God is Greater than whatever they are experiencing in life. Here are some common occasions when Muslims say, “Allahu Akbar.”
Happy Occasions
Muslims say Allahu Akbar upon hearing good news, such as passing an exam or hearing of a loved one overcoming an illness. It shows that God is greater than the obstacle that they were experiencing. They believe success, healing, and any goodness is all from God.
Newborn Baby
When Muslim couples are blessed with a newborn, they softly whisper the call to prayer in the baby’s ear, beginning with the phrase Allahu Akbar. This reminds families that this baby is a blessing from God, the Provider.
Call to Prayer
The Muslim call to prayer (Athan) starts off with the phrase Allahu Akbar. This indicates to Muslims that God is greater and more important than whatever is occupying their time and mind. It is a reminder to prepare to stand in front of God and pray.
In Prayer
Muslims performing the salah (5 daily prayers) say this special phrase with each major movement in prayer. By starting the prayer with Allahu Akbar, they are reminded that God is more important than whatever worry is occupying their mind. While going down in prostration to touch their forehead to the ground, they also say Allahu Akbar, reminding themselves that God is greater than themselves and their ego. In this position, Muslims show their ultimate submission to God.
In the Car
While making dua (supplication), Muslims also often say Allahu Akbar. For example, Muslims follow Prophet Muhammad’s (peace and blessings be upon him) tradition when they get in a vehicle, by reciting this prayer:
Whenever the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) mounted his camel for setting out on a journey, he would recite: “Allahu Akbar (Allah is Greater),” thrice. Then he (peace be upon him) would supplicate: “Far removed from imperfection is the One Who has made this subservient to us, for we have no power to subjugate it, and certainly to our Lord shall we return…”
[Muslim]
This supplication connects the phrase Allahu Akbar to the fact that God is the Provider of this mode of transportation and that He is the only one with Power. The prayer also reminds Muslims of the Hereafter.
Fighting for Justice
When facing oppression and injustice, all humans have a right to defend themselves, their families, and their homes. So, when Muslims fight for justice in self-defense they exclaim Allahu Akbar to show that God is greater than the hardship they are enduring, the fear they may be feeling, and the enemy they’re facing. By repeating this phrase, they solidify the belief in their hearts that God has the ultimate power. “Allahu Akbar” reminds them that they are relying on God alone – not on their circumstances, other people, or even themselves. By realizing that God is in control of everything, this phrase brings them endurance, strength and bravery to face any challenge.
God is Greater
In this concise phrase, Allahu Akbar embodies many aspects of the Muslim faith. It captures the trust in God, reliance in Him, and belief in His Mercy, Justice, and Wisdom. Muslims often use this phrase throughout their day, whether it be in prayer, in happy occasions, or in times of difficulty. However, because of the bias in mainstream media, the general public associates this deeply spiritual phrase with violence or terrorism. Thus, people subconsciously categorize Muslims as dangerous and react with either suspicion, fear, or hate. On a larger scale, this bias can morph into state laws against its Muslim citizens or even wars against Muslim majority countries. As a well informed individual, you can overcome this bias by reflecting on the actual meaning of Allahu Akbar. Stop the dehumanization of Muslims, their faith, and their religious expressions. So, the next time you hear this phrase, think about the deep meaning behind Allahu Akbar and reflect on the infinite ways that God is the Greatest.
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