Introduction: Kings of Paper
In this world, we see kings, presidents, and sultans. They own palaces, command armies, and collect taxes. But is their kingship real? The answer is No. Their kingship is "superficial," "temporary," and "incomplete."
- Temporary: Either the kingdom is taken from them (deposed), or they are taken from the kingdom (death).
- Incomplete: They own the land but cannot command the rain to fall. They may own the subjects' bodies (through imprisonment) but cannot own their hearts.
The True "Al-Malik" (The King) is Allah. He is the Eternal King who never ceases, the Absolute Sovereign whose command governs every atom in the universe. Knowing this Name liberates your neck from slavery to anyone other than Allah.
1. Linguistic and Theological Meaning (Whose is the Dominion?)
"Al-Malik" (The King) is: The One who has absolute authority to manage His creation through command and prohibition, honoring and humbling, rewarding and punishing.
Allah is "The King" because:
1. He is Self-Sufficient (He needs no ministers, no army to protect Him).
2. All creation is in desperate need of Him (A human king needs someone to cook for him and heal him; Allah needs no one).
3. His Command is Executed (If He says "Be," it is. Human kings may command but not be obeyed).
2. The Difference Between "Malik," "Maalik," and "Maleek"
These three terms appear in the Quran, each with a nuance:
- Maalik (Owner - of the Day of Judgment): Indicates "Possession." He owns everything (objects, people, atoms).
- Malik (King - of Mankind): Indicates "Authority and Governance." He commands, forbids, and manages.
- Maleek (Sovereign): An intensive form indicating "Power and Ability" in kingship.
So Allah is the Owner (of the universe), the King (of governance), and the Sovereign (in power). He combines all forms of authority.
3. The Majestic Scene (The Day Crowns Fall)
The greatest manifestation of "Al-Malik" will be on the Day of Judgment. In this world, Allah gave humans "borrowed kingship" to test them, and some thought they were gods (like Pharaoh).
But on Judgment Day, Allah will roll up the heavens and earth in His Right Hand, then call out with a voice heard by all creation:
"I AM THE KING... WHERE ARE THE KINGS OF THE EARTH? WHERE ARE THE TYRANTS? WHERE ARE THE ARROGANT?"
Then He asks: "To whom belongs the dominion today?"
No one answers. No president, no leader, no tyrant. Silence engulfs the cosmos.
Then Allah answers Himself: "To Allah, the One, the Prevailing."
On that day, ranks dissolve, crowns fall, and Kingship remains for Allah alone.
4. The Servant's Share of "Al-Malik" (How to Worship?)
A. Freedom from Human Slavery:
When you believe that your boss, the official in charge, and the most powerful man on earth are all "slaves" of Allah just like you, possessing no power to benefit or harm themselves, fear of them falls from your heart. Why fear a slave and leave the King? Servitude to Allah is "True Freedom."
B. Contentment with the Decree (The King's Policy):
You live in "Allah's Kingdom." The King has the right to manage His kingdom as He pleases. He gives to this one, withholds from that one; heals this one, tests that one. Complaining about destiny is actually a "political objection" to the King's rule in His own domain! A believer says: "O Lord, I am content with You as King and Manager, so do with me as You will."
C. Ask Only Him:
Worldly kings place guards, close doors, and only meet the elite. As for the "King of Kings":
- His door is open 24/7.
- He loves to be asked (unlike human kings who hate frequent requests).
- He hears the complaints of millions at once without confusion.
Does it make sense to leave this Open Door and stand humiliated at the closed doors of humans?
D. Be a "King" Over Yourself:
Whoever wants to be noble, let him rule his own self. Be a king over your faculties (your eyes, tongue, heart) and do not let desires lead you like a humiliated slave. Whoever masters his desires becomes noble in this world and the Next.
5. Whisper to Al-Malik (Munajat)
"O King of Kings, O You who give sovereignty to whom You will and strip sovereignty from whom You will. O You to whose Greatness foreheads bow, and voices humble. We ask You, our King and God, to honor us with Your obedience and not humiliate us with Your disobedience. O Allah, do not entrust us to any of Your creation, and do not make us in need of any king of the earth. Enrich us with Your Kingdom from everyone else. Make us kings in Paradise on thrones facing one another, and grant us the vision of Your Noble Face in a seat of truth near a Sovereign, Perfect in Ability."
Conclusion
Always remember: You are not entirely free; you are a "slave." But the choice is yours: either be a slave to the True "King" and live nobly and honorably, or be a slave to slaves and desires and live humiliated. Choose your Master, for your value is determined by your Master.