Persian · noun · Nation, Faith & Society

Zill-E-Ilahi

ज़िल्ल-ए-इलाही
said ZILL-e-i-LAA-hee
also written: zill-e-ilahi, zill-i-ilahi, zilleilahi
Meaning

Shadow of God; an exalted title of the emperor as God's shadow on earth.

Literally: Shadow of God.

Usage & notes

Iqbal is sharply critical of kings styling themselves 'Zill-e-Ilahi'; for him only the free, God-conscious self truly reflects the Divine.