I often speak of a comparative study I did of the Muslim names of God and the names of God found in the Bible. And in addition, the names of God used by Christians have much in keeping with those employed by Muslims. I enjoyed the whole study and learned a whole lot, but I did so develop a listing of favorites. I am aware, I know... We can't pick and choose. Still, the best of all the 99 Muslim names of God is Al- Malik. That is an essential common thread that allows vigorous, fruitful inter-faith dialogue between Christians and Muslims.

Whenever this name pops up in conversation I get excited. Most Muslims know this name of God, but few understand it's implications to how they live (as is the case with many Christians as well). What does it show that Allah is the King? The absolute ruler of all. Do we fear the King? Do we respect and reverence the King? How?

Al-Malik - The Absolute Ruler

The Quran says this concerning the name:

"And thus have We bestowed from on high this divine writ as a discourse in the Arabic tongue, and have given therein many facets to all types of warnings, in order that men might remain aware of Us, or so it give rise to a fresh awareness in them. Know, then that God is sublimely exalted, the Ultimate Sovereign, the Ultimate Truth: and knowing this, don't approach the Qur'an in haste, ere it's been revealed unto thee entirely, but always say: "O my Sustainer, cause me to cultivate in knowledge!" S. Ta Ha 20:113-114
http://hamariweb.com/names/hindu/
Allah, the Ultimate Sovereign!

The Arabic name - Al-Malik actually translates to The King! I do believe this is a great destination for a start. God is The King! The idea of a king and a kingdom is fairly common in the Arab World. Many Arab countries are governed by sovereign kings and so many Muslims are acquainted with having a king and residing in a kingdom.

In a kingdom, the king is honored. No body speaks badly in regards to the king. No-one (at least not in public). No-one complains in regards to the political situation or decisions that they don't understand. No one acts in a unseemly manner in the current presence of the king; there's a protocol to observe.

Allah is The King! He's the Sovereign Ruler, Creator, and Sustainer of the universe! He too, must certanly be honored. Remember, this isn't just one of the Muslim names of God, reserved for Muslims alone. In like manner the Bible, the Word of God, instructs us that Allah is King as well. Allah is King forever and ever. That is an eternal rule and He's a compassionate monarch. He hears the petitions of the humble and ensures justice for the fatherless and the oppressed. Yet, He is also a strong king, the King of Glory. Allah, Al-Malik, is strong and mighty in battle.

When the prophet Isaiah saw the Lord, he fell to his knees as a person undone. He fell apart in the current presence of the all-powerful King of all. Most of us know the natural picture of subjects of a king bowing or prostrating themselves as an indication of respect for the king. Isaiah, though a prophet of God in both Islam and Christianity, fell down and came undone in Allah's presence.

Al-Malik is our judge and our lawgiver. He is not merely the King of Israel, He's the King and redeemer of all mankind. The Bible actually goes so far as to mention Him the First and the Last, stating that besides Him there's no God. This is a good point of common ground with Muslims. There is no God, no King, but Allah.

Several interesting Scriptures on Al-Malik are these: Zech. 9:9; John 1:49; John 18:37; 1Timothy 6:14-16

Take the time to look them up and study all of them. Of whom do they speak? What are the ramifications of the claims? I believe these Scriptures and the Quranic Surra mentioned previously are clear, and speak for themselves.

This really is but among the all important Muslim names of God, Al-Malik. It teaches, not merely Arab Muslims, but all, to come to know and reverence the King who blesses and saves. Men must honor the King who rules and reigns. As in Arab kingdoms, the title - king is not really a fancy title. The word King has significant meaning, and being a person in a kingdom has its privileges and its responsibilities. It's my constant prayer that Arab Muslims would hear of, acknowledge, glorify, and truly honor Al-Malik, the Mighty, and Sovereign King!