Question102: Is it permissible to use JJH with Imam’s names whereas it has been always attached with Almighty but nowadays some groups have started this new issue?
Answer 102: Some of these names and attributes are only suitable be applied for Allah (SWT) the Almighty, according to traditions and common law. All Muslims and even our Infallibles (PBUTH) have only applied the JJh (Jalla jalālahu: meaning May His glory be glorified) for Allah (SWT), only. There is no tradition in which our Infallibles have applied it for themselves.[1]
(1) Considering the meaning of such names, there would be no problem to use this name (JJh) for our infallible Imams (PBUTH), however, we are forbidden to exaggerate about them (AS) by using some names and attributes which are specialized for Allah (SWT), only. In the Holy Quran Allah (SWT) says, “Say [O, Messenger!]: “I am only a human Being like you; it is revealed to me that Allah is the only God to be worshipped.”[2]
(2) According to a tradition, we are recommended not to put ourselves in a position of accusation. Thus, if we use such names and attributes for the Imams (PBUTH) those disbelievers would accuse us.[3]
(3) In this regards, in the Holy Quran Allah (SWT) says, “O, you who believe! Do not say: “Raena” to the Messenger, but say: “Unzurna” listen to this admonition And [know that] for the disbelievers There is a painful Torment.” ((Yââ ayyohalladhêna ââmanô lâ taqôlô râ’enâ waqôlônẓornâ wasma’ô Walelkâferêna ‘adhâbon alêm)).[4]
(4) Since, the word Raena has had a bad meaning (curse) according to Jewish people of that time, Allah (SWT) has said Do not say Raena to the Holy Prophet, Say Unzorna (Watch over us) instead.
(5) In other verse of the Holy Quran Allah, the Almighty says: “Some of Yahudis [the Jews] Deliberately displace words from their Original places] to alter the meaning [And] for example [they say] to The Messenger [:” We heard your word And we disobeyed”] or they say: [” Hear And let you hear nothing!” Or they say:” Raena” with a twist of their tongues And a taunt to Islam; and if] instead [Only they had said:” We hear and obey”, And] had said: [” Do have consideration For us to understand what you recite”, it Would have been better for them and More proper; Allah has cursed Them for their disbelief; so they will Not believe except a few of them.”[5]
(Menalladhêna hâdô yoḥarrefônalkalema ‘ammawâḍe’ehê wa yaqôlôna same’nâ w’aṣaynâ wasma’ghayra mosma’ewwarâ’enâ layyam belsenatehem waṭa’nan feddên Walaw annahom qâlô same’nâ wa aṭa’nâ wasma’wanẓornâ lakâna khayrallâhom wa aqwama walakella’anahomollâho bekofrehem falâ yomenôna ellâ qalêla)
Conclusion: According to above mentioned verses of the Holy Qur’an and those traditions, we are not recommended to use such divine names and attributes for the Infallibles (PBUTH).
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[1] . Al-Kafi, Vol. 2, Pg. 498, H 12.
قال الصادق (علیه السلام): قال الله عزوجلّ يابن ادم اذكرنى فى ملاء، اذكرت فى ملاء خير من ملئك”
[2] . Surah Kahf, verse 110 and Surah Fussilat, verse 6.
قُلْ إِنَّما أَنَا بَشَرٌ مِثْلُكُمْ يُوحى إِلَي
[3] . Biharul Anwar, Vol. 33, Pg. 510.
اتَّقُوا مَوَاضِعَ التُّهَمِ
[4] . Surah Baqarah, verse 104.
يا أَيُّهَا الَّذينَ آمَنُوا لا تَقُولُوا راعِنا وَ قُولُوا انْظُرْنا وَ اسْمَعُوا وَ لِلْكافِرينَ عَذابٌ أَليم.
[5] . Surah Nisa, verse 46.
مِنَ الَّذينَ هادُوا يُحَرِّفُونَ الْكَلِمَ عَنْ مَواضِعِهِ وَ يَقُولُونَ سَمِعْنا وَ عَصَيْنا وَ اسْمَعْ غَيْرَ مُسْمَعٍ وَ راعِنا لَيًّا بِأَلْسِنَتِهِمْ وَ طَعْناً فِي الدِّينِ وَ لَوْ أَنَّهُمْ قالُوا سَمِعْنا وَ أَطَعْنا وَ اسْمَعْ وَ انْظُرْنا لَكانَ خَيْراً لَهُمْ وَ أَقْوَمَ وَ لكِنْ لَعَنَهُمُ اللَّهُ بِكُفْرِهِمْ فَلا يُؤْمِنُونَ إِلاَّ قَليلا.