Jalāl (جلال)
Definition and Significance
Jalāl (جلال) signifies “glory” or “might” in the Islamic tradition. It is a term often associated with the divine attributes of God, especially focusing on His majestic and transcendent nature. The phrase Ẕū ʾl-Jalāl (ذو الجلال), translated as “The Glorious One,” is one of the attributes used to describe Allah in the Qur’an. This term epitomizes the aspect of God’s character that denotes overwhelming majesty and splendor, eliciting reverence and awe among His believers.
Etymology
The root of the word Jalāl is ج ل ل (j-l-l), from which derives the attribute that signifies magnanimity and grandeur. Al-Jalāl (الجلال) is an elevated term that is often employed in literature and discourse to evoke the grand and incomprehensible aspects of the divine essence.
Quranic Reference
The concept of Jalāl is well-illustrated in the Qur’an, specifically in Sūrah Ar-Rahman (Sūrah 55:78), where it states:
<p>“Blessed be the name of thy Lord who is possessed of glory and honor.”</p>
This verse encapsulates the connection of Jalāl with the divine, highlighting Allah’s status as the possessor of unparalleled glory and honor.
Ṣūfī Mysticism
In Ṣūfī thought, Al-Jalāl is a pivotal concept. Ṣūfī mystics use this term to convey a state of the Almighty that is beyond human comprehension. It underscores the belief that certain aspects of God’s nature are far too grand and profound for human intellect to fully grasp or delineate. This state of transcendence invites Ṣūfīs to a higher level of spiritual contemplation and humility before God’s grandeur and majesty.
ʿAbdu ʾr-Razzāq’s Dictionary of Ṣūfī Terms discusses how the term is employed by Ṣūfīs to express divine attributes that make God eternally exalted and gloriously unapproachable in His totality by finite human beings.
Cultural and Theological Context
The recognition of God’s Jalāl reinforces the central tenet of Tawhid (the oneness of God) in Islam. By acknowledging God’s incomprehensible majesty, believers are reminded of their own place in the universe and the importance of submission and reverence to the divine. This concept also influences various Islamic arts and literature, where works often seek to capture and reflect the glory of Allah through grandeur and magnificence.
Turkish Translation
In Turkish, the term Jalāl is rendered as Celâl. It carries similar connotations of majesty and glory in Islamic theological discourse within Turkish-speaking communities.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- **“The Ninety-Nine Names of God in Islam” by Ghazzālī and Ibn Arabi"
- “Principles of Sufism” by Al-Qushayri
- “The Sufi Path of Knowledge” by William Chittick
- “Islamic Mysticism: A Short History” by Alexander Knysh
Takeaways
- Jalāl signifies the “glory” or “might” of God in Islam, representing His majestic and transcendent nature.
- Embracing this term highlights awe and reverence for God’s unparalleled and incomprehensible majesty.
- It is a crucial concept in Ṣūfī mysticism, symbolizing the divine attributes that are beyond human understanding.
- The recognition of Jalāl supports the Islamic principle of Tawhid, reinforcing the continuous submission and reverence due to Allah.
Conclusion
The concept of Jalāl (جلال) plays a significant role in Islamic theology and mysticism. Its emphasis on the majestic and incomprehensible nature of God encourages believers to foster a deep sense of reverence and humility. Through the lens of Jalāl, Muslims are reminded of the vast, glorious, and ultimately transcendent reality of the divine essence.
By understanding the importance of this term and reflecting upon it, Muslims can deepen their spiritual practice and strengthen their connection to the divine.
