The Meaning of Allāhu Akbar and the Response to Chakralvi Objections
Source: Ahkam wa Masail in the Light of Qur’an and Hadith, Vol. 01, p. 568
❖ Question
Please explain about Allāhu Akbar. One person says that “Akbar” is a comparative adjective that is used only for something of the same kind. In the Qur’an, “Akbar” is used for greatness and superiority; therefore, instead of “Allāhu Akbar,” one should say ʿAliyyan Kabīrā. This person is a Chakralvi and argues that “Allāhu Akbar” is not mentioned anywhere in the Qur’an.
❖ Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd!
In Ṣalāh, saying Allāhu Akbar is Sunnah, and it is explicitly mentioned in authentic Ḥadīth. You should ask this Chakralvi individual:
① Which verse of the Qur’an states that the remembrances (adhkār) of prayer must only be taken from the Qur’an and not from Ḥadīth?
② Then also ask him: when the Qur’an mentions عَلِيًّا كَبِيرًا, in which part of the prayer has the Qur’an commanded to recite these exact words? And let him answer this only from the Qur’an itself, since he does not accept Ḥadīth.
The Qur’an contains many other Names and Attributes of Allāh that denote His exaltation, such as:
✿ العلي
✿ العظيم
✿ الكبير
✿ المتعال
So why does he insist that in prayer, only ʿAliyyan Kabīrā should be specified?
As for Akbar, indeed it is an ism tafḍīl (comparative form). However, the Chakralvi’s claim that it is restricted only to things of the same kind is completely baseless and unfounded.
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
