Intermediate Differences Surah: Al-Fatiha (4)

Verse: "Maliki yawm al-din" — Al-Fatiha: 4

The two readings:

• Malik (without alif — adjectival): Hafs from Asim, Shu'ba, Ibn Kathir (Qunbul)
• Maalik (with alif — active participle): Nafi', Abu Amr, Ibn Amir, Hamza, Al-Kisa'i

Rhetorical difference:

• Malik: Absolute king and full authority — an eternal intrinsic attribute, includes this world and the Hereafter
• Maalik: Complete ownership and exclusivity — He alone owns and manages on the Day of Judgment

Complementary value: Al-Farra': "Malik is more general and comprehensive; Maalik is more specific to the Day of Judgment." Both readings together give a fuller picture.

Source: Al-Nashr (2/198); Al-Dani (p.23); Al-Farra', Ma'ani Al-Quran (1/5); Al-Dymati

Tags: مَلِك ومالِكالفاتحةفروق الرواياتحفصورشالبلاغة والقراءات