Differences in Al-Fatiha Between Hafs and Warsh

readings Level: intermediate differences rdg-009

مَٰلِكِ يَوۡمِ ٱلدِّينِ

— الفاتحة 4

Al-Fatiha — Key differences:

Word	Hafs from Asim	Warsh from Nafi'
مَلِكِ / مَالِكِ	Malik (King — short a)	Maalik (Owner — long a)
الصِّرَاطَ	Al-Sirat (with s)	Al-Sirat (with s, or between s and z)

Malik vs. Maalik: Both are correct — "Malik" highlights absolute kingship; "Maalik" highlights His ownership of all matters on Judgment Day. Scholars: each meaning complements the other.

Source: Al-Dani (p.23); Al-Nashr (2/198); Al-Dymati

Question: What is the difference in meaning between "Malik yawm al-din" and "Maalik yawm al-din"?

Answer: Malik: absolute king and ruler (an adjective). Maalik: owner of everything on Judgment Day with complete ownership (active participle). Each complements the other.