In this first episode of our month of Ramadan series, we explore a verse in which God introduces Himself as the true Sovereign of the heavens and the earth. What does it mean for God to possess mulk — a constant, all‑encompassing rule over every atom of creation? And how does this Kingship reflect compassion rather than dominance?
In the Holy Qur’an, God introduces Himself as the King. Is this to remind us of His dominance? Maybe there is more compassion in the story than we realise.
Hello and welcome to this episode of “God in His Own Words”, where we will try to get better acquainted with God through the Holy Qur’an rather than the words of others.
On this first day of this holy month, we will recite verse 107 of Sūrah Al-Baqara.
In this verse, God introduces Himself:"…أَلَم تَعلَم أَنَّ اللَّهَ لَهُ مُلْكُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ و ما لَکُم مِن دونِ اللهِ مِن وَلِیٍّ و لا نَصیر"
"Do you not know that indeed to God belongs the Sovereignty of the heavens and the earth, and that besides Him, you will have no guardian or patron."
As we all know, God is the Owner and Creator of the heavens and the earth, and all the creatures and beings within them. But in this verse, it says that the “mulk” of the heavens and the earth belongs to Him.
What does the word مُلک mean?
Mulk means a prevalent Kingship, an everlasting Sovereignty, a moment-by-moment Dominion and Rule, a total control by which God governs every single atom of the universe.
Let’s refer to a narration to shed more light on this matter. There is a story that a Jewish scholar once came to the First Caliph, Abu Bakr, and said, "We have read in our Torah that the successors of the Prophets are the most knowledgeable individuals amongst their people. So tell me: Where is God? In the heavens or on Earth?"
Abu Bakr replied, "He is in the heavens, established on the Throne."
The Jewish scholar immediately said, "So there is no God on Earth!" and began to ridicule the faith of Islam. So much that Abu Bakr threatened to have him executed.Later on, the scholar encountered Imam Ali (PBUH) and before he had said anything, the Imam said: "I am aware of your question and I know the answer. God Himself has created place and time. It’s irrelevant to ask where He is. God is not confined by place."
You see how a correct and proper introduction of God can put you on the right path to knowing God.
Yes, God is the Owner of the heavens and the earth. The heavens are the place of command and control. Provisions, the Quran, Divine Light, and even punishment descend from there.
But the fact that God rules in the heavens does not mean He is oblivious to what is going on on Earth. On Earth too, God is ever-present and in command. And isn’t this truly uplifting?
But, why is God telling me this?
Maybe it is so that you know: "You have no guardian or patron (Walī wa Naṣīr) besides God."ما لَکُم مِن دونِ اللهِ مِن وَلِیٍّ و لا نَصیر
There really is no point in knocking at others’ doors. God is here, beside you. And when He says, "I am the King," His goal is not to exert dominance or to oppress. No, He intends to assure us that He is always there to help and provide guardianship and protection.
Tune in next time, and join us on our journey towards getting better acquainted with God through His own words. Inshā'Allāh, He Himself will lead us to the right path.