dhul

Dhul is a transliteration of the Arabic prefix dhū (ذُو), meaning “possessor of” or “the one who has.” It functions as an honorific or title attached to a noun to indicate ownership or association, and it appears in many compound names in classical Arabic literature and among Islamic figures. In English transliteration, the prefix is commonly written as Dhū or Dhul, with diacritics sometimes omitted, resulting in spellings such as Dhul, Dhūl, or Du’l in various texts.

In historical and religious contexts, Dhū forms part of several well-known names. Examples include Dhū l-Qarnayn (“the possessor of the two horns”), a figure mentioned in the Qur’an described as traveling between different regions; Dhū l-Kifl, a prophetic figure whose precise identity is a matter of scholarly discussion; and Dhul-Hijjah (also written Dhu al-Hijjah), the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar during which the Hajj pilgrimage takes place.

The prefix is not typically a standalone given name in contemporary usage; rather, it appears as part of compound titles or honorifics. Variants in transcription reflect differences in representing the vowel sound and whether accompanying elements such as the definite article al- are treated as part of the phrase.

In summary, Dhul serves as a linguistic marker in Arabic names indicating possession or association and is encountered primarily in historical, religious, and literary contexts.