Kabir and the Question of Akbar: A Qur’an-Centric Linguistic Analysis of Divine Self-Description of Greatness in the Holy Qur’an

This study offers a Qur’an-centric linguistic and theological analysis of the root K-B-R in the Holy Qur’an, arguing that the divine self-description of greatness is articulated exclusively through intrinsic, non-comparative forms rather than relational elatives. Grounded in the Qur’anic principles of Tawḥīd (absolute divine unity) and Tanzīh (incomparability and transcendence), the research examines whether the widespread devotional expression “Allāhu Akbar” reflects the Qur’an’s own mode of divine self-reference. Through qualitative Qur’anic content analysis, including root tracing, morphological examination, and semantic mapping, the study demonstrates that while al-Kabīr (الكبير) appears as an established divine attribute within structured naming patterns, the form Akbar (أكبر) functions grammatically as an elative, denoting comparative or superlative meaning. The Qur’an does not present Akbar as a divine name nor as a self-referential attribute of Allah. Given that comparative constructions imply relational contrast, this study argues that applying an elative form to the Divine may conflict with the Qur’anic doctrine of absolute incomparability. By distinguishing between intrinsic attributes and comparative expressions, the paper contributes to broader discussions on divine naming, theological linguistics, and the authority of Qur’anic self-description in shaping Islamic theology.