Names of Allah
Al-Aziz
Al-ʿAzīz
The Almighty, the Invincible — possessing absolute might and honor that nothing can overcome.
What does Al-Aziz mean?
Al-Aziz is one of the 99 Names of Allah, meaning "The Almighty," "The All-Mighty and Honoured". It affirms that Allah possesses complete might and power that can never be resisted or overcome, that He is the source of all honour and dignity, and that He is utterly unique and beyond compare. It is one of the most frequently mentioned names in the Quran, often paired with Al-Hakim (the Wise).
The Meaning in Depth
The izzah (might) of Al-Aziz unites strength with honour. His power is not raw force alone but a might joined to perfect wisdom and justice — He is Al-Aziz al-Hakim, the Mighty and the Wise. Nothing in the heavens or earth can escape or oppose His will. All true honour belongs to Him and is granted by Him: "...to Allah belongs all honour, and to His Messenger, and to the believers" (63:8).
Al-Aziz in the Quran
- "And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise." (often, e.g. 14:4, 16:60)
- "Whoever desires honour — then to Allah belongs all honour." (35:10)
- "Indeed, the might belongs entirely to Allah." (10:65)
Living by This Name
Knowing Allah as Al-Aziz fills the heart with awe of His power and frees it from fear of created beings — for none can harm or benefit except by His will. It also teaches the believer where true honour lies: not in wealth, status, or the approval of people, but in nearness to Al-Aziz through faith and obedience. Whoever seeks honour anywhere else is humiliated; whoever seeks it with Allah is honoured.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Al-Aziz different from a mere display of power?
Al-Aziz is might joined to wisdom and justice, which is why the Quran so often pairs it with Al-Hakim. His power is never arbitrary; it is always perfectly wise and just.
Where does true honour (izzah) come from?
From Allah alone. The Quran teaches that all honour belongs to Allah, His Messenger, and the believers; lasting dignity is found in faith and obedience, not in worldly power or the praise of people.
Etymology & origin
Al-Aziz (العزيز) is from the root ʿ-Z-Z (ع-ز-ز), which carries three connected meanings: might and power, being unconquerable, and being rare and precious. Al-Aziz is therefore the Almighty who is never overcome, the source of all true honour (izzah), and the One whose like cannot be found.
References
- Quran:
- 10:65, 14:4, 16:60, 35:10, 63:8
- Hadith:
- Muslim 2664 (the strong believer is more beloved to Allah); Muslim 2577 (O My servants, you cannot harm or benefit Me); Bukhari 7378 (His veil is light); Tirmidhi 3438 (the dua of izzah and protection)
Related terms
Al-Hayy
The Ever-Living — whose life is eternal, without beginning or end.
Al-Karim
The Most Generous, the Noble — who gives abundantly without expecting return, even to those who disobey.
Al-Malik
The King, the Sovereign — the Absolute Ruler whose dominion encompasses everything in existence.
Ar-Razzaq
The Provider — who creates and distributes sustenance for all living beings.
Tawhid
The absolute oneness of Allah — the central doctrine of Islam affirming that Allah is unique in His essence, lordship, worship, and attributes.