(36:83) So glory to Him in whose hands is the realm of every thing, and unto whom you will be returned.⁷¹

71. What is the meaning of the word “malakut?” Zamakhshari answers that the meaning is the same as that of “mulk” meaning “dominion.”

Ibn Kathir adds: It is constructed on the same pattern as “jabarut” from “jabr”. He disagrees with the notion that “mulk” is for the physical world while “malakut” for the world of spirits.

[In contrast, “malakuti” is used in the sense of “divine,” or “heavenly”, as against the physical world (“malakut”),

especially in Sufi terminology:Au.].

In any case, the word “malakut” has been used by the Prophet also. It is from Ahmad. Hudhayfah (ra) says, “One night I joined the Prophet as he stood in Prayer. He recited the seven long chapters of the Qur’ān (Surah 2-8) in seven cycles (raka`at).

When he raised his head from the deep bow (ruku`) he would say, ‘Allah hears him who praises him,’ and then add, ‘Praise to the owner of dominion, power, Pride and Greatness.‘ His ruku` was similar (in length) to that of his standing posture (qiyam), and his prostration was like his deep bow. (He left after the Prayer) but my legs were as if broken” (Ibn Kathir).