The King

The absolute Sovereign, whose Kingdom is without bounds.

The tongue

From m-l-k: to possess, to reign. Al-Kāfījī distinguishes al-Mālik (the Possessor) and al-Malik (the King who governs): God is both, but this Name underlines effective rule.

The reason

All that exists is His property and His subject. Not an atom moves without His permission.

The Sufi meaning

The servant who contemplates this Name understands that he possesses nothing — not even his own breath. This understanding is the beginning of spiritual poverty (faqr (الفَقْر)).

The servant's portion

Reign over your own inner kingdom: let reason govern the passions, and let the heart govern reason.