Dhul-Jalaali wal Ikraam

Dhul-Jalaali wal Ikraam

Explanation

Meaning of Dhul-Jalaali wal-Ikraam (ذُو ٱلْجَلَٰلِ وَٱلْإِكْرَامِ)

The name Dhul-Jalaali wal-Ikraam (ذُو ٱلْجَلَٰلِ وَٱلْإِكْرَامِ) is one of the beautiful names (Asma’ul Husna) of ALLAH and carries a profound and majestic meaning in Islamic theology. Below is a detailed explanation of this name along with its Quranic context and significance.

Linguistic and Theological Meaning

  • Etymology:
    The name Dhul-Jalaali wal-Ikraam is composed of three parts:
    • Dhul (ذُو): Meaning “Possessor” or “Owner.”
    • Jalaal (ٱلْجَلَٰلِ): Derived from the root ج-ل-ل (J-L-L), meaning “majesty,” “greatness,” or “glory.” It refers to the absolute and supreme magnificence of ALLAH.
    • Ikraam (ٱلْإِكْرَامِ): Derived from ك-ر-م (K-R-M), meaning “honor,” “nobility,” or “generosity.” It signifies ALLAH’s limitless kindness, generosity, and mercy.

Thus, Dhul-Jalaali wal-Ikraam means “The Possessor of Majesty and Honor” or “The Lord of Glory and Generosity.” This name reflects both ALLAH’s unmatched greatness and His boundless mercy and kindness toward His creation.

 

Significance in Islamic Thought

(A) ALLAH’s Absolute Majesty (Jalaal)

  • ALLAH’s Jalaal signifies His infinite power, greatness, and sovereignty.
  • He is the King of all kings, the Master of the universe, and the One who controls all affairs.
  • This aspect of Jalaal reminds us that:
    • ALLAH is beyond human comprehension.
    • He is too great to be compared to anything in creation.
    • He is the only One worthy of absolute submission and worship.

(B) ALLAH’s Infinite Generosity and Honor (Ikraam)

  • ALLAH’s Ikraam signifies His supreme kindness, honor, and generosity.
  • He is the One who bestows honor upon His servants, elevating them through faith and righteous deeds.
  • He is the Most Generous, constantly granting His blessings, whether we acknowledge them or not.

(C) Balance Between Majesty and Mercy

  • This name reflects ALLAH’s perfect balance between power and compassion.
  • He is both Majestic and Merciful, Mighty and Generous, Powerful and Kind.
  • While His Jalaal (Majesty) inspires awe and reverence, His Ikraam (Generosity) invites love and gratitude.

 

Practical Lessons from This Name

(A) Recognizing ALLAH’s Majesty (Jalaal) in Our Lives

  • Reflect on ALLAH’s greatness by observing the vastness of the universe.
  • Understand that ALLAH’s power is limitless, and He alone controls all affairs.
  • Submit to ALLAH’s commands with humility and devotion.

(B) Seeking ALLAH’s Generosity (Ikraam) in Our Worship

  • Pray to ALLAH using this name:

    “Ya Dhul-Jalaali wal-Ikraam, bestow Your honor and mercy upon me!”

  • Give charity and be generous, reflecting ALLAH’s attribute of Ikraam.
  • Honor others as ALLAH honors His servants.

(C) Reciting This Name in Duas

  • The Prophet ﷺ encouraged saying:

    “O Possessor of Majesty and Honor, grant us Your mercy and blessings!” (Tirmidhi, Hadith 3524)

  • This name is often recited in Qunoot supplications in Witr prayer.

 

Final Reflections

The name “Dhul-Jalaali wal-Ikraam” is a profound reminder of ALLAH’s unparalleled greatness and His ceaseless generosity. It calls believers to worship Him with a heart balanced between awe and love, recognizing that He is both the King of Kings and the Most Merciful Benefactor. As the Quran declares:
“So wherever you turn, there is the Face of ALLAH” (Quran 2:115)—a Face adorned with eternal Jalaal and Ikraam.

May ALLAH, Dhul-Jalaali wal-Ikraam, grant us the humility to revere His Majesty and the wisdom to seek His boundless generosity. آمِينَ.

 

Quran References

The name Dhul-Jalaali wal-Ikraam appears twice in the Quran, both times in Surah Ar-Rahman:

Surah Ar-Rahman (55:27):

Arabic:
وَيَبْقَىٰ وَجْهُ رَبِّكَ ذُو الْجَلَالِ وَالْإِكْرَامِ

Translation:
“And there will remain the Face of your Lord, Owner of Majesty and Honor.”

Explanation:
This verse emphasizes the eternal nature of ALLAH. Everything in the universe is perishable and will come to an end, but the Face of ALLAH (His essence and being) will remain forever. The name Dhul-Jalaali wal-Ikraam is used here to highlight ALLAH’s eternal Majesty and Honor. It reminds us that ALLAH is the only constant in a world of change, and His greatness and generosity are everlasting. This verse is a profound reminder of ALLAH’s transcendence and His supreme authority over all creation.

Surah Ar-Rahman (55:78):

Arabic:
تَبَارَكَ اسْمُ رَبِّكَ ذِي الْجَلَالِ وَالْإِكْرَامِ

Translation:
“Blessed is the name of your Lord, Owner of Majesty and Honor.”

Explanation:
This verse concludes Surah Ar-Rahman by glorifying ALLAH and His beautiful names. The word تَبَارَكَ (Tabāraka) means “Blessed” or “Exalted,” indicating that ALLAH’s name is sacred, holy, and full of blessings. The name Dhul-Jalaali wal-Ikraam is mentioned here to remind us of ALLAH’s infinite greatness and His generosity. It is a call to reflect on ALLAH’s perfection and to acknowledge His majesty and the countless blessings He bestows upon His creation. This verse serves as a powerful conclusion to the Surah, which repeatedly reminds humanity and jinn of ALLAH’s favors and signs in the universe.