Dhu-al-Jalal wa-al-Ikram

Dhu-al-Jalal wa-al-Ikram (The Possessor of Majesty and Honor)

Allah is Dhu-al-Jalal wa-al-Ikram, which translates to the Possessor of Majesty and Honor, the Lord of Mighty and Glory, and the One who is Magnificent and Glorious. He must be exalted, worshipped, and never denied. This name of Allah is from the root jim-lam-lam (ج ل ل) and kaf-ra-mim (ك ر م). The root j-l-l means to be supreme and glorious, majestic, magnificent, independent, high of everyone else, far above, and lofty. In contrast, the root k-r-m means to be noble, honorable, of high esteem, excellent, and valuable.

Although this particular name has several different translations, the interpretations come from the words Jalal and Ikram – Dhul translates to "the Lord of," Jalal translates to "Majesty and Glory," wal means "and", and Ikram stems from Karam, which means to be honorable or merciful. This beautiful name of Allah appears twice in the Quran – both times in Surah Al-Rehman.

Allah says in Surah Ar-Rehman: "But abiding is the glory of your Lord, full of majesty and beneficence." — (Qur'an 55:27)

"Blessed be the name of your Lord, full of majesty and beneficence." — (Qur'an 55:78)

The focus of Surah Rehman, up to verse number 27, is specifically on the blessings of the worldly life. However, from verse 27 onwards, the surah heavily emphasizes the blessings the believers will encounter in the afterlife if they do well in worldly life by following the orders of Allah and staying away from the path of life.

For instance, Allah says in Surah Ar-Rehman: "Everyone upon the earth will perish, and there will remain the Face of your Lord, Owner of Majesty and Honor."

The face in the above-mentioned verse is often interpreted as Allah's attributes of honor and beneficence. Moreover, the believers, first and foremost must recognize these attributes of Allah in order. For instance, His majesty includes uncountable attributes of His such as power, strength, knowledge, and judgment. Studying and contemplating upon these attributes of our Lord helps one develop Taqwa (God-fearing piety), and then we should study Allah's glorious grace, such as His mercy, forgiveness, and generosity towards His creation.

Al-Qurtubi (renowned Sunni Muslim jurist, mufassir, and muhaddith) said: "The meaning of His Jalaal is He Who deserves the Attribute of Majesty and Exaltedness; He Who is Exalted and glorified above the attributes of all existing things. Therefore, His Jalaal is an Attribute which He deserves due to His Essence." [Al-Kitab al-Asna]

Significance of Dhu-al-Jalal wa-al-Ikram

Dhu-al-Jalal wa-al-Ikram, like other beautiful names of Allah, is significant for the believers. The name teaches us how Allah is solely worthy of being obeyed and worshipped. Therefore, it's important for us to make it our daily routine to engage in His remembrance. Allah says in Surah Kahf:

"Persevere with those who call on their Lord morning and evening, seeking His magnificence. Do not turn your eyes away from them, seeking the splendors of this world, and do not follow him whose heart We have made oblivious to Our remembrance, who follows his own lust and exceeds the bound." – (15:28)

This also carries an important lesson about how if we do something in the way of others, we should not do it merely for praise and recognition from our fellow human beings but only to praise Allah. Reciting Dhu-al-Jalal wa-al-Ikram after every prayer is also Sunnah. Aisha رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا had said:

"When the Messenger of Allah would (say the) Salam (completing prayer), he would only sit as long as it takes him to say, “Allahumma antas-salaam wa minkas-salaam, tabaarakta yaa Dhal-Jalaali wal-Ikraam.”

The Prophet (ﷺ) also encouraged the believers to call upon Allah effectively by using His most beautiful names. Dhu-al-Jalal wa-al-Ikram is one of Allah's most beautiful names that you can use to call upon Allah and request him to answer your prayers.

Apart from reciting this beautiful name of Allah after each prayer, you can also include it in your daily dhikr. Whether you do your dhikr in the morning or evening, including Allah's name in your dhikr is a beautiful way to remember your Lord. To prevent forgetfulness when doing your dhikr, make sure to recite it at the same time every day.

The preferred time to recite your daily dhikr is usually twice in the day, during the morning and evening, or during moments of solitude and reflection so you can fully commit to focusing on remembering your Lord.

Anas رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, "Recite frequently: 'Ya Dhal-Jalali wal-Ikram! (O You, Possessor of glory and honor)."

Names of Allah with Similar Meaning

Two of Allah's names that carry a similar meaning to Dhu-al-Jalal wa-al-Ikram include Al-Muizz and Al-Muttakbir.

Al-Muizz means Allah is the sole given of honor and the one who bestows might. Allah gives honor and respect to those who obey Him, whereas he dishonors whom he wills. Al-Muizz does not appear in the Quran, but many connect this attribute to Allah being the one who gives strength (izzah) to his creation. This stems from the name Al-Aziz, which also originates from the same root.

Allah says in the Quran: Say: "O Lord of all dominions, You give whom it pleases You the kingdom, and You take away the power from whosoever You will; You exalt whom You please and debase whom You will. All goodness is Yours (entirely). Indeed, You have the power over all things. (3:26)

Another one of Allah's names carrying the same meaning as Dhu-al-Jalal wa-al-Ikram is Al-Mutakkabir. Al-Mutakkabir originates from the root kaf-ba-ra (ك ب ر), which means to be great and supreme. Indeed, Allah is exalted far above all His creations, and there is no one greater than Him.

Al-Mutakkabir is mentioned in Surah Al-Hashr: He is God; there is no god but He, the King, the Holy, the Preserver, Protector, Guardian, the Strong, the Powerful, Omnipotent. Far too exalted is God for what they associate with Him. – (59:23)