Intermediate
Fiqh
Surah: Al-Nas (2)
"Mulk" and "Malik" — In Surah Al-Nas the Difference and Its Meaning
مَلِكِ ٱلنَّاسِ
— الناس الآية 2
The position:
Surah Al-Nas (2): "Malik Al-Nas" (King of people) — two well-known readings:
Note:
The well-known jurisprudential distinction when "al-mulk" appears in the Quran is between "malik" (attribute of a person) and "mulk" (attribute of authority). In Al-Fatiha: "Maliki yawm al-din" — the extended alif adds meaning of continuity and depth of ownership.
Surah Al-Nas (2): "Malik Al-Nas" (King of people) — two well-known readings:
- "Malik" (with alif and kasra on lam): meaning the King — the one possessing authority and dominion. The majority reading including Hafs.
- "Mulk" (damma on mim, sukun on lam): meaning the dominion — absolute sovereignty and kingship. Narrated by some readers.
- "Malik": a personal attribute of Allah — the King who owns and rules people
- "Mulk": attribute of absolute sovereignty — He owns the dominion of people completely
Note:
The well-known jurisprudential distinction when "al-mulk" appears in the Quran is between "malik" (attribute of a person) and "mulk" (attribute of authority). In Al-Fatiha: "Maliki yawm al-din" — the extended alif adds meaning of continuity and depth of ownership.
Source: Al-Nashr (2/403); Ibn Mujahid (p.705); Al-Dimyati (2/579)
Test Yourself
What is the semantic difference between "Malik Al-Nas" and "Mulk Al-Nas"?
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