The concept of "Most High" as an epithet of God appears in both Judaism and Islam, emphasizing God's supreme authority, transcendence, and divine majesty. Though the languages differ, the terms Elyon in Hebrew and Illiyun in Arabic share striking similarities in their meanings and theological implications, each rooted in the profound belief in God's ultimate dominion over creation.
Elyon in Judaism
In Judaism, Elyon (Hebrew: עֶלְיוֹן) is a prominent title for God in the Hebrew Bible. It is often rendered in English as "Most High," underscoring God’s position as the supreme ruler of heaven and earth. The term is frequently used in poetic contexts, particularly in the Psalms, where it conveys the reverence and awe that the people of Israel held for God.
For instance, Psalm 47:2 says:
“For the Lord, the Most High (Elyon), is awesome, a great King over all the earth.”
This verse encapsulates the Jewish understanding of God as the ultimate authority, a King above all earthly powers, deserving of worship and praise.
While Elyon is most often used to refer to God, it also has mundane uses in Hebrew, describing things that are physically "higher" or "uppermost." For example, in Genesis 40:17, the word is used to describe the "uppermost" basket in a dream interpreted by Joseph:
“In the top (ʿelyōn) basket were all kinds of baked goods for Pharaoh, but the birds were eating them out of the basket on my head.”
Here, the word describes the literal position of the basket, rather than its symbolic or theological meaning.
Despite its versatility in meaning, when used in reference to God, Elyon becomes a profound descriptor of God’s absolute sovereignty. Psalm 91:1 further illustrates this divine association:
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High (Elyon) will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
In this context, Elyon emphasizes God as a protector and refuge, offering safety to those who trust in Him.
Illiyun in Islam
In Islam, the term Illiyun (Arabic: عِلِّيِّين, عِلِّيُّون) appears in the Quran and refers to the highest, most exalted places in Paradise or Heaven. The term is mentioned in Surah Al-Mutaffifin (83:18-20):
“Nay! Verily, the record of the righteous is (preserved) in 'Illiyun. And what will make you know what 'Illiyun is? A register inscribed.”
Here, Illiyun is described as the heavenly register where the deeds of the righteous are recorded, and it represents the highest spiritual realm, often associated with the Garden of Eden or Paradise.
Linguistically, Illiyun derives from the Arabic root ʿ-L-W (ع ل و), which means "to be high" or "to exalt." This root emphasizes the elevation and loftiness associated with God and the righteous. The word also echoes the Hebrew Elyon, which stems from a similar root meaning "upper" or "most high." Despite the similarities, these terms are not direct cognates, as Hebrew and Arabic plurals differ in structure, but the shared root points to the common Semitic tradition of exalting God as the supreme being.
Another dimension of Illiyun in Islamic thought is its contrast with Sijjin, which refers to the lowest depths where the records of the wicked are kept. The juxtaposition between Illiyun and Sijjin mirrors the moral and spiritual dichotomy in Islamic theology, where the righteous are elevated to the highest stations, while the wicked are cast down to the lowest.
Theological Parallels Between Elyon and Illiyun
Both Elyon and Illiyun reflect an important aspect of monotheistic belief: that God is not only omnipotent and sovereign but also resides in a transcendent realm beyond human comprehension. In both Judaism and Islam, God’s supremacy is not merely a matter of physical height but of divine authority and moral exaltation. These terms, deeply embedded in their respective religious traditions, capture the reverence and awe that believers feel toward God.
For example, the use of Elyon in the Psalms often evokes the image of God as a protector and ruler who is “above” in both a physical and metaphorical sense. Similarly, Illiyun is portrayed as a spiritual register in the highest heaven, where the righteous are honored and remembered by God.
Both terms also remind believers of the ultimate goal of righteousness: to be aligned with the divine will and to attain a place in God’s eternal presence. In Judaism, dwelling in the "shelter of the Most High" represents spiritual safety and divine favor, while in Islam, being recorded in Illiyun signifies an eternal reward for faithfulness and piety.
Conclusion
The terms Elyon and Illiyun in Judaism and Islam, though from different languages and religious contexts, offer a powerful reflection of the shared belief in a supreme and exalted God. Both titles affirm God’s transcendence, sovereignty, and the ultimate honor bestowed upon those who follow His path. By exploring these terms, we gain a deeper appreciation of how the divine is understood across these two great monotheistic traditions and how language, despite its diversity, can unite believers in their reverence for the Most High.
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