Al-Fazl and Munn
Fazl is an Arabic word used for describing an attribute of Allah in the Quran. In daily use of language it is used for describing economic booms; but it is also used to point out superiority, elevated status, and giving more than is due, leaving no dearth of any kind. It is also used for the infinite bounty of God, and in a situation where the things given are more than necessary, given as a gift, without any labor on the part of the recipient, and without expecting any return for it.
Allah bestows fazl upon all humanity by giving guidance to it through revelation. This aspect is totally dependent on God’s will. It is not a thing which can be acquired by hard labor. He chooses whomever He picks up for this great work, at the right time and at the right place.
Allah has declared in the Quran that sending of messengers and guidance through them is the greatest fazl and rahmat. “O mankind! Now (Al-burhan): clear, logic and distinct reasoning has come to you from your sustainer, We have sent to you illuminating light. As for those who believe in Allah and held fast unto Him, He will cause them to enter into His fazl and rahmat and will show them the way which will lead them to Him – a straight path” (14:174-175). Giving guidance is the greatest honor bestowed upon humanity; it distinguishes then from animals, and shows that humans can lead superior lives.
Humans are given a longer span of lives; moreover, if they develop their nafas they could also achieve a longer period of life after death. This longer period to live is described as a fazl of Allah. Non-believers argue that when life is gone from the body, and the bones are broken into particles, we cannot attain life again. In order to describe this concept the Quran gives the example of a barren land; as far as one can see no sign of life or greenery is visible, only scorched, withered land. When the rain comes from the sky and covers it with water, lush green life springs out of that barren land; such is the life after death.
Munn is another word used to describe the munificence of Allah. According to the Quran, revelation is a free gift of Allah for every human being. Mankind could not acquire it through effort or hard work. There is a difference of nuance in munn and other words describing the infinite bounties of Allah; a shade of weight is attached to it. Munn is such a precious, valuable, and free gift that it is used for the bestowing of revelation and messengers of God on humans.
Moreover, the delivering of the revelation to mankind by its messenger is a munn of God. “Allah has been gracious indeed to the believers when He raised from among their own people a rasool who communicates His laws to them; developed their characters by teaching them the scripture and its objectives. (In this way He opened the right way of living for them.) Hitherto they were in a state of rank ignorance”(3:163).
The whole process of giving guidance through revelation and messengers, which practically shows the people how to implement those principles in the society and in their lives, is a great precious gift (munn) of Allah.
