Episode 1In us
No ladder (majesty Name, Type C; was D until 7 Nov 2026). Height is used only as a turn, never as altitude for God
But: n/a
The 99 Names · Name 36 of 99 · Beyond
الْعَلِيُّal-ʿAliyy
The Most High
Recited as it sounds in the Qur'an, 22:62.
Heard together with: al-ʿAliyy / al-Kabīr / al-Mutaʿālī
Start with what we know
Then take away everything it needs. What is left is not a bigger version of us. It is the Name.
Episode 1
Episode 2In nature
n/a
Episode 3At our best
n/a
But: n/a
Episode 4The Break
Take away n/a.
From the tradition: School difference: Atharīs affirm His highness above the Throne 'without how'; Ashʿarīs and Māturīdīs read highness of rank and power, God not in a direction; Twelvers: beyond place. Isaiah 57:15 'I dwell on high, in holiness; Yet with the contrite and the lowly'
On screen
In Journey the summit is the goal. al-ʿAliyy is not the top of the mountain; He is also with the one still at the bottom.
Where it shows up
- In scripture
- Q 87:1; 22:62; 2:255. Genesis 14:19; Isaiah 57:15
- The same thread in Jewish and Christian scripture
- Strong. Genesis 14:19 'God Most High (El Elyon)'; likely cognate root
- In the universe
- Voyager 1 reaches one light-day from Earth on 18 Nov 2026 (NASA Night Sky Notes); the highest we have ever reached
- In nature
- Snow leopards, Planet Earth II 'Mountains'
- In people
- Mountain climbers who describe feeling small at the summit
- In science
- Atmosphere layers; the Kármán line about 100 km
Watch and listen
Films, documentaries and voices that reach towards this Name. Each links out to where you can watch it.
Sources for this page
api.quran.com; science.nasa.gov Night Sky Notes Light-Day Away; Journey; sefaria.org Gen 14:19, Isa 57:15