Definition
ẔŪ ʾL-JALĀL (ذو الجلال): Often translated as “The Lord of Majesty” or “Owner of Majesty,” this term embodies one of the majestic attributes of Allah in Islam. This attribute is part of the Asmāʾ ul-Ḥusnā (أسماء الحسنى), the 99 names of God in Islam, each of which reflects a distinct characteristic or attribute of the Divine.
Etymology
ẔŪ: Derived from Arabic, meaning “possessor” or “owner.”
ʾL-JALĀL (الجلال): Comes from the root ج ل ل and translates broadly to “majesty” or “glory,” signifying grandeur, magnificence, and greatness.
Background
ẔŪ ʾL-JALĀL is mentioned in the Qur’ān, Sūrah 55 (Ar-Rahman), Verse 78: “Blessed be the name of thy Lord possessed of majesty and glory.”
Cultural Context
In diverse Islamic traditions, this name underscores the transcendental greatness of Allah. Concepts of majesty vary across cultures, but in Islam, majesty is interlinked with divine excellence and supreme authority. Both Sunni and Shia branches uphold this divine name with great reverence, showing unity among various sects on theological grounds.
Synonyms & Related Terms
- Al-Kabir (The Great): Signifying the greatness of Allah’s essence and actions.
- Al-Aziz (The Almighty): Denoting His omnipotence and authority over all things.
- Al-Jalal (The Majestic): A term directly deriving from the same root, often used interchangeably but emphasizing the attribute further.
Antonyms
- Al-Ḍaʿif (The Weak): Not an attribute of Allah, used here solely for contrast to highlight divine strength.
Fascinating Facts
- Repeated Invocation: In Islamic spirituality, invoking names like ẔŪ ʾL-JALĀL in prayers (Du’a) is believed to bring the worshipper closer to experiencing the divine majesty.
- Embedded in Art: The name ẔŪ ʾL-JALĀL frequently appears in Islamic calligraphy and architectural elements as a reminder of Allah’s majestic presence.
Quotations
Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya said, “In the remembrance of Allah, the hearts find rest, for He is the Lord of Majesty.”
References and Suggested Readings
- “Al-Ghazali’s 99 Beautiful Names of God” by Al-Ghazali - A foundational text examining the names of Allah.
- “The Art of Qur’anic Penmanship” by Esin Atıl - Insights into calligraphy work involving divine names.
- “Understanding Islamic Theology” by Thomas F Michel, S.J. - A comprehensive guide into Islamic theological matters.
- Tafsir Ibn Kathir - A renowned exegesis explaining the contexts and meanings of Qur’anic verses, including those with divine names.
- “The Ninety-Nine Beautiful Names of God” by David B. Burrell and Nazih Daher - Another excellent resource that illuminates the perspectives across different Islamic traditions.
Quizzes
Farewell thoughts: “Grasping the profound meanings behind Allah’s names, like ẔŪ ʾL-JALĀL, the Lord of Majesty, invites us into deeper contemplation of the Divine essence. May we continually seek knowledge that illuminates and uplifts our understanding.”
By Amina Al-Fahad
October 3, 2023
