by Umm Isam – Content Writer
“Everyone upon it (i.e. the earth) will perish, and there will remain the face of your Lord, Owner of Majesty and Honour.” (Ar Rahman 55:26-27)
Zal Jalali Wal Ikraam, is one of Allah’s (swt) beautiful names and explains His exclusive grand attributes.
Who is Zal Jalali Wal Ikraam?
The name Zal Jalali means: “The possessor of Majesty, Grandeur and Exaltedness.” While Allah’s (swt) name Ikraam means: “The One with Nobility and Honour.”
What should be our role after learning about Allah Zal Jalali Wal Ikraam?
Allah (swt) has granted honour to His creation in the following manner:
- Honour for Mankind
It is Allah’s (swt) great mercy that He has granted nobility to human beings in general above all of His other creations. This honour is for the entire human race regardless of their religion, race, creed, character, etc.
Allah (swt) states in the Quran: “And We have certainly honoured the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with (definite) preference.” (Al Isra 17:70)
What are the evidences of honour for mankind that distinguishes them from the remaining creation? Some of them are:
- Allah (swt) granted mankind with intellect and knowledge
- Humans were honoured with the power of expression to communicate
- Allah (swt) sent His prophets and divine scriptures to mankind for eternal guidance
- He chose from among people His Auliyah (special friends) who acquired Taqwa
- Allah (swt) bestowed them with tangible (food and beverage, etc.) and intangible (intelligence and abilities, etc.) provision
- He subjugated the land and the oceans as a means for humans to travel for commerce
- Allah (swt) granted pure and plentiful provisions especially for humans
- He renewed His bounties for humans to serve them all across the planet
- Special Honour for Believers
It is a matter of fact that affiliation to prestigious individuals or organizations raises one’s reputation in the world. Similar is the case of a believer who earns true and lasting mention as recorded by historians and mainly in the Quran and the Sunnah. The prophets and Sahabah were the forerunners in this regard whom we love and honour to this date.
Next come the generations of Salaf, Sualiheen and Momineen who tread the same path, that of the prophets. Their choices in life depicted their loyalty to Allah (swt) in all seasons and circumstances staying steadfast upon Islam.
Some noteworthy slaves of Allah (swt) received delayed honour too which was by Allah’s (swt) design for e.g. Prophet Yusuf (as) after he was tried for many years as a slave and sent to prison before he inherited the kingdom of Egypt. While others such as Prophet Yahya (as) was also tried, disobeyed by his people and martyred by them but has an honourable mention as the truthful and noble Prophet of Allah (swt).
Only Allah Zal Jalali Wal Ikraam decrees the time and means of honouring His righteous slaves. And they are pleased with their Lord, trusting His Wisdom and Justice.
Know that Allah’s (swt) Exaltedness and Nobility is eternal and will never decrease
It does not matter if His creation lives or dies, worships Allah (swt) or does not submit to Him, as Allah’s (swt) Honour remains constant. As a believer our heart must carry the highest honour and grandeur for Allah (swt) alone. This must be testified via our thinking when we choose to live by Islam. This must be exhibited through our actions when we live a life of Taqwa. This must also be admitted and expressed by our tongue when we declare the lofty status of our Creator.
Do not ascribe partners in Allah’s (swt) worship
In the 21st century Muslims may not be worshipping idols but they have Demi-Gods that have been identified by non-Muslims as well. Some of them are namely wealth, power, status, technology, science, etc. Tauheed means only living by the way prescribed by Allah (swt). Especially when we know that honour and majesty only belongs to Allah (swt) how can we feel impressed or influenced by anyone else corrupting our Aqueeda and disobeying Allah (swt)?
Worship Zal Jalali Wal Ikraam recognizing His status
Once we realize Allah’s (swt) High status, the quality of our daily worship must change. Now our Salah will not be mechanical, nor will our Quran recitation be mindless. We will consciously try to improve our servitude as we stand in the court of Zal Jalali Wal Ikraam. Our Duas will be more heartfelt and our connection to Allah (swt) will be more meaningful and gratifying. Our gratitude will be deeper towards Allah (swt) when someone honours us.
Do not feel pride if Allah (swt) has honoured you
If you happen to be the receiver of Allah’s (swt) mercy and He has granted you some kind of name, recognition or honour amongst people, realize that it’s from Allah (swt). Nobody can earn a favourable reputation unless it is decreed for him by Zal Jilali Wal Ikraam. That should immediately humble us. Even if that status departs with life, it should not bother us or bring us down emotionally as all decrees of Allah (swt) are based on His Perfect Wisdom.
Never abuse the honour or nobility Allah (swt) has granted you
Every bounty bestowed upon humans is an Amanah that can be taken back at any time. We never deserved it in the first place hence we must never try to abuse it either. In spite of our shortcomings and sins, people honour us. It was Allah’s (swt) mercy to conceal the evil within us and raise our status. This thought must keep us vigilant upon our bad deeds.
If someone else is honoured do not feel envy
Honour is Allah’s (swt) Rizq that He may grant to anyone. He doesn’t need anyone’s permission to grant or take away. It is not our position to complain or criticize if someone else is honoured instead of us.
Honour Allah’s (swt) special believers
It was the Sahabah’s way to honour Allah’s (swt) notable people. Who were they? They were the prophets, the Auliyah, the Ullema and friends of Allah (swt). Omar (rta) is known to address Bilal ibn Rabah (rta) as “Ya Sayyidna Bilal.” Bilal (rta) was known to be a slave prior to Islam, was dark skinned, not exactly known for his looks or wealth, etc. What then earned him the second caliph’s honour and admiration? Bilal (rta) embraced Islam in the toughest times when Islam was down trodden. He was among the Saabiquoon al Awwaloon, the forerunners who stood by the Prophet (sa). Allah (swt) hence honoured them for their sacrifices and steadfastness.
Make Dua after Salah
Prophet Muhammad (sa) has encouraged us to make Dua invoking the name Ya Zal Jalali Wal Ikram after our Salah.
اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ السَّلَامُ وَمِنْكَ السَّلَامُ تَبَارَكْتَ يَا ذَا الْجَلَالِ وَالْإِكْرَامِ
“O Allah, You are Peace and from You comes Peace. Blessed are You, O Owner of Majesty and Honour.” (Muslim)
تَبَٰرَكَ ٱسۡمُ رَبِّكَ ذِي ٱلۡجَلَٰلِ وَٱلۡإِكۡرَامِ
“Blessed is the name of your Lord, Owner of Majesty and Honour.” (Ar Rahman 55:78)
Adapted from a course by Safiya Khan
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