Reflections on the Name of Allah: Al-Muzil / Al-Mudhill

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 and Al-Mudhill) 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, “True dominion consists in deliverance [meaning set free] from the shame of need, the dominance of passion, and the disgrace of ignorance.”

Quranic Reference:

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

(Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “O Allah! 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

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’s just actions.

Hadith Reference:

While “Al-Mudhill” 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 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, including “Al-Mudhill,” in his works, particularly in “Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din” (The Revival of the Religious Sciences). He suggests that understanding “Al-Mudhill” 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 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, 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-Mudhill” 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-Mudhill” demonstrates the perfection of Allah’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. 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’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 over all matters of dignity and degradation. Ibn Kathir elaborates that this sovereignty should remind everyone to seek Allah’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-Mudhill” teaches that true honor and dishonor are determined by Allah, guiding Muslims to maintain dignity and integrity online. The Quran advises:

“يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا يَسْخَرْ قَوْمٌ مِنْ قَوْمٍ عَسَىٰ أَنْ يَكُونُوا خَيْرًا مِنْهُمْ” (الحجرات 11)

“O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them…” (Al-Hujurat 49:11)

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-Mudhill” serves as a reminder that Allah oversees all matters of honor and success, encouraging adherence to ethical practices. The Quran states:

“تِلْكَ الدَّارُ الْآخِرَةُ نَجْعَلُهَا لِلَّذِينَ لَا يُرِيدُونَ عُلُوًّا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فَسَادًا ۖ وَالْعَاقِبَةُ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ” (القصص 83)

“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)

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-Mudhill” also emphasizes the importance of upholding justice and equality, as Allah can dishonor those who perpetrate injustice. The Quran instructs:

“يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُونُوا قَوَّامِينَ بِالْقِسْطِ شُهَدَاءَ لِلَّهِ وَلَوْ عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَوِ الْوَالِدَيْنِ وَالْأَقْرَبِينَ” (النساء 135)

“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives…” (An-Nisa 4:135)

This verse calls on believers to actively participate in promoting fairness and combating injustices in society, reinforcing that divine dishonor could be a consequence for those who fail to act justly.