The Term Honor “Ikram” in the Noble Qur’an

Abstract

The Noble Qur’an firmly established the honoring of the children of Adam, through the distinction with which God favored them, the guidance He granted them, and the upright path and firm support He bestowed upon them — all expressed through the Qur’anic contexts that are unique in structure, rich in vocabulary, and abundant in meanings and connotations. This study focuses on examining the term “honoring (al-ikram)” in order to uncover its concept within its Qur’anic framework, seeking to understand it through thoughtful reflection on the meanings conveyed in the verses related to honoring. The aim is then to define this divine term — to increase knowledge of it linguistically and in its Qur’anic usage, to understand it and help others understand it, and to ensure its proper application and use.

The research adopts the methodological approach of terminological study, which combines the method of induction in its statistical and lexical components, along with both the analytical method in examining texts and the deductive method in formulating a definition of the studied term — based on the partial meanings conveyed through its textual occurrences. The study concludes with the following definition:
“Al-ikram (honoring) is an attribute of the Exalted Creator; it is ennoblement, dignity, and benevolence toward humankind, through which their complete benefit is realized in this life and the next, and which necessitates from them continual obedience, praise, and reverence.”

Despite its relatively few occurrences, the term al-ikram in the Qur’an is distinguished by the diversity of its derived forms and by the centrality of its concept among Qur’anic terms — especially given the variety of styles across different contexts. This confirms the pivotal nature of the term in relation to the destiny of the human being. The predominance of its occurrences in Meccan revelations further emphasizes the importance of the concept of honoring as one of the foundations of the call to faith, and as a principle upon which obligations and rulings are built.

The study recommends further examination of terms that appear alongside al-ikram in the verses — such as al-baqa’ (endurance), al-tabaruk (blessing), al-tan‘im (bestowal of bliss), and al-jalal (majesty), as well as terms closely related in meaning to al-ikram. Such studies would help achieve a more precise and comprehensive understanding of the concept of honoring.