AL-MAJĪD (المجيد): The Glorious One
Comprehensive Definition
AL-MAJĪD, often rendered as “The Glorious One,” is one of the ninety-nine names (Asma ul Husna) attributed to Allah in Islamic theology. These names serve as attributes, offering a comprehensive understanding of God’s nature. AL-MAJĪD refers particularly to Allah’s supreme glory and majesty, symbolizing honor, dignity, and laudably praiseworthy traits.
Etymology
The term “AL-MAJĪD” comes from the Arabic root “مجّد” (majada), which means to be glorious, dignified, or magnificent. The derivative “Majd” (مجْد), refers to glory or high status, reflecting the grandeur and exalted nature of Allah.
Background
AL-MAJĪD is mentioned explicitly in Surah Hud (11:73) of the Qurʾān – “Indeed, He is Praiseworthy and Glorious (حميد مجيد).” This term encapsulates the divine splendor and perfection of God’s essence and actions, signifying that all awe-inspiring aspects of existence are owed to divine greatness.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
While the concept of the divine glory of a supreme being is universal among many religious traditions:
- In Christianity, similar attributes are denoted, such as “Gloria in excelsis Deo” (Glory to God in the highest).
- In Judaism, the term “Shekinah” is used to describe divine presence and glory.
- In Hinduism, the god Vishnu represents unparalleled glory in the trinity of great deities (Trimurti).
Despite cultural differences, these traditions overlap in their reverence for the divine majesty that permeates and surpasses human comprehension.
Synonyms
Other names and attributes of Allah that share connotations with AL-MAJĪD include:
- AL-‘AZīM (The Magnificent)
- AL-KARīM (The Generous)
- AL-HAMīD (The Praiseworthy)
Antonyms
AL-MAJĪD, depicting utmost glory, has no direct antonyms from the perspective of divine attributes since all human flaws and inferior qualities are bestowed on creatures, not the Creator.
Related Terms with Definitions
- Asma ul Husna - The Beautiful Names of God; ninety-nine names each representing different attributes of Allah.
- AL-MALIK - The Sovereign or the King; highlighting Allah’s supreme power and rule over all creation.
- Tawhid - The oneness of God; central to Islamic belief, intricate to acknowledging divine attributes such as AL-MAJĪD.
Exciting Facts
- These names are often invoked in daily prayers (Duas) by Muslims seeking closeness to God.
- Memorizing all ninety-nine names is believed to render one a place in paradise according to Islamic tradition.
Quotations from Notable Writers
Rumi once wrote: “Lift your aspirations to the heavens. Seek the Glorious One. In the embrace of AL-MAJĪD, find peace in His boundless magnificence.”
References and Suggested Literature
- “The Most Beautiful Names of Allah,” by Tosun Bayrak, offers a Sufi perspective on understanding divine attributes.
- “Al-Ghazzali on the Ninety-nine Beautiful Names of God,” by Al-Ghazzali, provides classical Islamic insights.
- “The Qur’an: A New Translation,” by Muhammad Abdul Haleem, contextualizes these attribute-filled verses
- “The Ninety-Nine Beautiful Names of God” by David B. Burrell, C.S.C.
⚖ Quizzes
Farewell Thought
“Seek the beauty of AL-MAJĪD in every moment, knowing that each reflection of divine glory in the mundane brings you closer to spiritual fulfillment.”
With awe and humility, Amina Al-Fahad October 9, 2023
