The meaning of takbīr, as explained above, is magnification. It should be understood, however, that magnification is not synonymous with takbīr. Grandeur is more perfect than greatness, for it encompasses greatness and conveys something beyond it. Shaykh al-Islām Ibn Taymiyyah—may Allah have mercy on him—said: “The words ‘Allah is greater’ affirm His greatness. Grandeur encompasses greatness, but grandeur is more perfect. Hence the prescribed formulas in the prayer and the adhān use the words ‘Allah is greater,’ for this is more perfect than saying, ‘Allah is more magnificent.’ It is authentically reported that the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—said: ‘Allah Most High says: “Grandeur is My cloak and greatness My lower garment. Whoever contests either of them with Me, I shall punish him.”’1 Thus He likened greatness to the lower garment and grandeur to the cloak, and it is well known that the cloak is nobler. Since takbīr is more emphatic than magnification, its wording is stated explicitly while also encompassing magnification.”2 End quote.

There is an important matter here that must be noted and not overlooked. When a Muslim believes and has faith that Allah—glorified and exalted is He—is greater than everything, and that everything, however great it may be, becomes small before Allah’s grandeur and greatness, he thereby knows with absolute certainty that the Lord’s grandeur, greatness, majesty, beauty, and all His other attributes and qualities cannot be encompassed by minds, conceived by understandings, or perceived by sight or thought. Allah is far, far greater than that. Indeed, minds and understandings are incapable of comprehending many of the Lord’s creatures—exalted is He—so how could they comprehend the Lord Himself, glorified be He?

It is authentically reported from Ibn Masūd—may Allah be pleased with him—that he said: “Between the lowest heaven