Al-Malik: The Sovereign

"So high exalted be Allah, the Sovereign (Al-Malik)..." (20:114).

The Sovereign is the quality of being independent of all existing things while everything in existence is dependent upon it. Nothing can exist without Allah whether it be in respect of essence, qualities, existence, or continued being (baqâ'). Each and every thing derives its being from Allah or from something which is derived from Allah. Everything other than Allah is subject to Allah in respect to both its qualities and essence. But Allah has no need for anything. Allah, indeed, is the Sovereign in the absolute sense. In the sense of incomparability, Allah is absolutely independent of us. As an active quality, everything else is dependent upon Allah. Allah's kingdom consists of all possible things, including human beings. "To Him belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth" (2:107). The Messenger said, "Allah is the Lord and Sovereign of everything."