🌟 Understanding JALĀL (جلال): The Glory of the Almighty in Islam
Comprehensive Definition
Jalāl (جلال) refers to the glory, majesty, and might of God in Islamic theology. It signifies a divine attribute highlighting God’s grandeur, magnificence, and supreme power. Jalāl is attributed to God’s intrinsic qualities that inspire awe and reverence in His creation.
Etymology
The word “Jalāl” originates from the Arabic root ج-ل-ل (JLL), which means “to be glorious” or “to be noble.” It denotes magnificence, greatness, and dignity.
Background
Al-Jalāl is often mentioned in the Qurʾān and carries deep theological and mystical connotations. In Islamic scriptures, it is commonly paired with Ikhrāq (إِكرَام), meaning honour or nobility, as seen in the Qurʾān, Sūrah Lv, v. 78: “Blessed be the name of your Lord, full of Majesty, Bounty, and Honour."
The Ṣūfī mystics use Jalāl to describe one aspect of the Almighty that emphasizes His transcendence or the part of God’s nature beyond human comprehension. This usage underscores the distinction between God’s immanence and incomprehensibility.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
In Islamic Theology, Jalāl is aligned with the understanding of God’s majestic and overpowering attributes. Comparably, other Abrahamic religions also recognize the majestic and awe-inspiring aspects of God, albeit under different terminologies and conceptual frameworks.
- Christianity: Ideas of God’s glory and omnipotence can be traced to concepts in Christian dogma, such as the divine majesty and omnipotence represented in the figure of God the Father.
- Judaism: The notion of God’s awe (Yirat Hashem) parallels these interpretations, identifying a similar divine majesty and power.
Synonyms
- ʿẒām (عظم): Magnificence, greatness.
- Kibriā (كبرياء): Majesty, grandeur.
Antonyms
- Ḏhillah (ذل): Humiliation, disgrace.
- ḍuʿf (ضعف): Weakness, feebleness.
Related Terms
- Jamāl (جمال): Beauty, often referenced alongside Jalāl to depict the balance of beauty and majesty in divine attributes.
- Ṣifāt (صفات): Attributes or qualities, which include various aspects of God’s nature.
- Ṭājallī (تجلي): Divine manifestation, relating to how God’s attributes are perceived by humans.
❉ Exciting Facts
- Al-Jalāl is invoked during Ṣūfī dhikr (remembrance of God) practices to purify the heart and acknowledge divine majesty.
- The balancing act of Jalāl (divine majesty) and Jamāl (divine beauty) is a recurring theme in Ṣūfī literature, symbolizing divine perfection.
📜 Quotations from Notable Writers
- Ibn al-ʿArabī: The great Ṣūfī mystic describes God’s attributes of majesty and beauty as complementary: “God is both majestic and beautiful, displaying His Might (Jalāl) alongside His mercy.”
📚 References & Suggested Literature
- Qurʾān: Particularly Sūrah Al-Rahman (chapter 55) and its exegesis.
- Islamic Mysticism (Ṣūfīsm) by William C. Chittick.
- The Sufi Path of Knowledge by Ibn al-ʿArabī.
👉 Further Studies and Inspiration
For a profound understanding, exploring the Ṣūfī literature and Qurʾānic exegesis provides wonderful insights. Recommended readings include:
- “Ḥaqāʾiq al-Tafāsīr (Realities of Interpretation)” by Al-Suhrawardī.
- “Futūḥāt al-Makkiyya (Meccan Revelations) by Ibn al-ʿArabī”: For exploring the deeper nuances of divine attributes.
🔎 Exploring JALĀL through Quizzes
Farewell thought-provoking message from the Author:
Zara Al-Mutlaq
Published on October 3, 2023
“Reflect on the balance of Jalāl and Jamāl within your understanding of the divine. Every step towards reverence allows a new viewpoint of awe in the grand tapestry of spiritual comprehension.”
