What is the correct pronunciation of “malik” in the third verse of Surah Fatiha?

Question

As salaamu ’alaykum, In Surah Fatihah, I have been exposed to two variants of the word “Maalik”:

  1. meem-alif laam kaaf (مالك): tanzil.net/#1:4
  2. meem laam kaaf (ملك): quran.com/1/4-14

Could you please give an authoritative, comprehensive explanation to this geared towards the layman – which includes possible associated translation issues.

Answer

 بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

الجواب حامدا ومصليا ومسلما

In reference to your question, both of the aforementioned variances of the word are correct and authentically established from the Messenger (may Allah bless him and give him peace). Thus, some forms of recitation will pronounce the word as maalik and other forms will pronounce it as malik. There is a slight difference in the meaning of both words; maalik means owner and malik means king. Consequently, the translation of the verse would be “the Owner of the Day of Judgement” or “the King of the Day of Judgement”.

والله اعلم

And Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala knows best.

Abdurrahman Islam

Approved by Mufti Husain Ahmad Madani