Reflections on the Name of Allah: Al-Muzil (The Dishonourer)
Table of Contents
The Significance of the Name Al-Muzil (The Dishonourer)
The Dishonourer, The Humiliator. He gives esteem to whoever He willed, hence there is no one to degrade Him; And He degrades whoever He willed, hence there is no one to give Him esteem.
The following two names in the series (i.e., Al-Mu'izz (The Honourer) and Al-Muzil (The Dishonourer)) are closely related. The emphasis of these attributes is on giving dominion or sovereignty to the people and/or taking it away. Imam al-Ghazali writes on Al-Mu'izz (The Honourer), "True dominion consists in deliverance [meaning set free] from the shame of need, the dominance of passion, and the disgrace of ignorance."
Quranic Reference
(Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “O Allah (The Almighty)! Lord over all authorities! You give authority to whoever You please and remove it from who You please; You honour whoever You please and disgrace who You please - all good is in Your Hands. Surely You ˹alone˺ are Most Capable of everything.) Aal-Imran 3:26
(قُلِ ٱللَّهُمَّ مَـٰلِكَ ٱلْمُلْكِ تُؤْتِى ٱلْمُلْكَ مَن تَشَآءُ وَتَنزِعُ ٱلْمُلْكَ مِمَّن تَشَآءُ وَتُعِزُّ مَن تَشَآءُ وَتُذِلُّ مَن تَشَآءُ ۖ بِيَدِكَ ٱلْخَيْرُ ۖ إِنَّكَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ قَدِيرٌۭ) [آل عمران 3:26]
This verse encapsulates the dual nature of divine intervention in the matters of honour and dishonour, emphasizing that both are within the realm of Allah (The Almighty)’s just actions.
Hadith Reference
While Al-Muzil (The Dishonourer) is not frequently mentioned in Hadith with this specific name, the concept of humiliation as a consequence of one’s actions and as a divine retribution is a recurrent theme. For instance, a Hadith from Sahih Muslim warns believers about the dangers of oppressing others, noting that Allah (The Almighty) may abase those who unjustly elevate themselves over others.
Insights from Islamic Scholars
Imam Al-Ghazali’s Perspective:
Imam Al-Ghazali, a revered scholar in Islamic theology and philosophy, discusses the attributes of Allah (The Almighty), including Al-Muzil (The Dishonourer), in his works, particularly in "Ihya' 'Ulum al-Din" (The Revival of the Religious Sciences). He suggests that understanding Al-Muzil (The Dishonourer) is crucial for the believer because it serves as a reminder of the consequences of straying from divine commands. Al-Ghazali emphasizes that humiliation by Allah (The Almighty) is not arbitrary but a direct response to human arrogance and transgression. He argues that when a person becomes self-reliant and arrogant, forgetting their inherent need for Allah (The Almighty), divine abasement serves to correct this imbalance and reminds the individual of their true position before the Creator.
Ibn Al-Qayyim’s Insights:
Ibn Al-Qayyim, another prominent Islamic theologian and scholar, in his book "Madarij al-Salikin" (The Pathways of the Travelers), explores the concept of divine names affecting human circumstances. He mentions that Al-Muzil (The Dishonourer) can manifest in a person's life when they persist in sin without seeking repentance. This divine name acts as a force to humble those who exalt themselves through oppression or injustice. Ibn Al-Qayyim stresses that this humbling is a form of divine mercy, as it prevents the soul from continuing on a path of destructive pride and potentially leads to repentance and redemption.
Reflections from Contemporary Scholars:
Modern Islamic scholars like Dr. Umar Al-Ashqar discuss how the balance between Al-Mu'izz (The Honourer) and Al-Muzil (The Dishonourer) demonstrates the perfection of Allah (The Almighty)’s attributes. In his series on Islamic creed, Al-Ashqar discusses how these attributes should inspire Muslims to act justly and strive for humility, knowing that their honour is not truly in their hands but is bestowed and can be withdrawn by Allah (The Almighty). He highlights that the fear of dishonour should motivate ethical conduct and adherence to Islamic principles.
Lessons from Tafsir Literature:
Tafsir (Quranic exegesis) literature offers deep insights into how classical scholars interpreted verses related to Allah (The Almighty)’s attributes of honour and dishonour. For example, in the tafsir of Ibn Kathir, the discussion around Surah Al-Imran, verse 26, focuses on the absolute sovereignty of Allah (The Almighty) over all matters of dignity and degradation. Ibn Kathir elaborates that this sovereignty should remind everyone to seek Allah (The Almighty)’s favor and grace through obedience, and to avoid actions that could lead to divine dishonour.
Navigating Social Media and Public Perception
In the digital age, social media significantly influences public personas and interactions. The divine attribute Al-Muzil (The Dishonourer) teaches that true honor and dishonor are determined by Allah (The Almighty), guiding Muslims to maintain dignity and integrity online. The Quran advises:
"O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them..." [Al-Hujurat 49:11]
"يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا يَسْخَرْ قَوْمٌ مِنْ قَوْمٍ عَسَىٰ أَنْ يَكُونُوا خَيْرًا مِنْهُمْ" (الحجرات 11)
This verse underscores the importance of respectful communication, steering clear of mockery or defamation, which can lead to social dishonor.
Professional Integrity and Success
The pursuit of professional success often tests one's ethical boundaries. Al-Muzil (The Dishonourer) serves as a reminder that Allah (The Almighty) oversees all matters of honor and success, encouraging adherence to ethical practices. The Quran states:
"That home of the Hereafter We assign to those who do not desire exaltedness upon the earth or corruption. And the [best] outcome is for the righteous." [Al-Qasas 28:83]
"تِلْكَ الدَّارُ الْآخِرَةُ نَجْعَلُهَا لِلَّذِينَ لَا يُرِيدُونَ عُلُوًّا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فَسَادًا ۖ وَالْعَاقِبَةُ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ" (القصص 83)
This verse encourages Muslims to strive for success through humility and integrity, highlighting that true achievement is measured by righteousness and ethical conduct.
Civic Responsibility and Social Justice
Al-Muzil (The Dishonourer) also emphasizes the importance of upholding justice and equality, as Allah (The Almighty) can dishonor those who perpetrate injustice. The Quran instructs:
"O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah (The Almighty), even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives…" [An-Nisa 4:135]
"يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُونُوا قَوَّامِينَ بِالْقِسْطِ شُهَدَاءَ لِلَّهِ وَلَوْ عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَوِ الْوَالِدَيْنِ وَالْأَقْرَبِينَ" (النساء 135)
Frequently Asked Questions About Al-Muzil (The Dishonourer)
Q: What is the meaning of the Name Al-Muzil (The Dishonourer)?
A: Al-Muzil (The Dishonourer) (also spelled Al-Mudhill) means The Dishonourer or The Humiliator. It refers to Allah (The Almighty)'s attribute of taking away authority, esteem, and dignity from whoever He wills, often as a corrective measure against arrogance and injustice.
Q: Who is the opposite of Al-Muzil (The Dishonourer)?
A: The opposite is Al-Mu'izz (The Honourer). Together, these names emphasize that Allah (The Almighty) has absolute sovereignty to elevate or humiliate based on His divine wisdom and justice.
Q: How do Islamic scholars explain Allah (The Almighty)'s attribute of humiliation?
A: Scholars like Imam Al-Ghazali and Ibn Al-Qayyim explain that divine humiliation is not arbitrary. It is a direct response to human arrogance, oppression, and persistent sin, serving as a merciful correction to prevent the soul from further destructive pride.
Q: How does understanding Al-Muzil (The Dishonourer) apply to modern life?
A: It teaches believers to maintain ethical conduct, professional integrity, and respectful communication (especially on social media). It reminds Muslims that true success comes through righteousness, and that perpetrating injustice or mocking others can lead to divine dishonour.