The Meaning of Dzul Jalali Wal Ikram: Evidence, Virtue of Dhikr, and Its Practice
In Islam, knowing Allah through the Asmaul Husna is the foundation of faith. One of the most exalted and enigmatic names is Dzul Jalali Wal Ikram (ذُو الْجَلَالِ وَالْإِكْرَامِ).
Among the 99 Names of Allah, Dzul Jalali Wal Ikram holds a particularly special rank. This name is not merely praise; it is a key for the servants who wish their prayers to be answered swiftly. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) even commanded his followers to repeatedly mention this name in every supplication.
This name encompasses two main attributes of Allah that underpin the life of every Muslim: unmatched majesty and unlimited generosity. The literal meaning of Dzul Jalali Wal Ikram is the Owner of Majesty and Generosity. Tafsir scholars explain that this name combines the attributes of Jalal (majesty) with beauty and generosity (Ikram).
This special name is explicitly mentioned in the Qur’an, notably in Surah Ar-Rahman: “Maha Agung nama Tuhanmu Yang Mempunyai Kebesaran dan Karunia (Dzul Jalaali Wal Ikraam).” (QS Ar-Rahman [55]: 78)
In a sahih hadith reported by Anas bin Malik, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Continue to supplicate by uttering: Ya Dzal Jalaali wal Ikraam (O Possessor of Majesty and Generosity).” (HR. Tirmidhi)
Why are we encouraged to increase this dhikr? Many scholars note that Dzul Jalali Wal Ikram is included in Ismullah Al-A’zham (The Greatest Name of Allah).
In hadith narrated by Imam Ahmad and Tirmidhi, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Increase your utterance Ya Dzal Jalali wal Ikram.” The virtues of practising this dhikr include: to gain blessing from this Name, here is the guidance on its practice:
It means: O Owner of Majesty and Generosity. This is a call to Allah as the One Who is most great and most generous.
When is the best time to practise this dhikr? The best times are during supplication, between the call to prayer and the iqama, in the last third of the night, and after performing the obligatory prayer.
Is it true that this dhikr can grant all wishes? With Allah’s permission, because this name is among Ismullah Al-A’zham, practising it with full faith and sincerity becomes a strong cause for prayers to be answered.