Delving the Meaning of the Holy of Allah

Al-Mulk begins with the praise "tabaaraka " or The Most Holy. This word, "tabaaraka, ” is found at the beginning of the first verse. In terms of meaning, the word "tabaaraka " is similar to the word "taqaddasa." Both "tabaaraka ‘ and ’taqaddasa ” mean holy. Both words are also synonymous with the word “nazzaha.” Allah says: “Glory be to Allah, who has dominion over all kingdoms, and He has power over all things” (Al-Mulk/67:1).

The word "tabaaraka", which is a derivation of the word of "al-barakah", can also mean to increase and grow, both spiritually and physically. Hence, from this word comes the commonly expression of congratulation "baarakallah " or the gratitude expression ' "abaarakallah". In the language of the Qur'an, the word "tabaaraka " indicates that His Majesty's is the pinnacle of perfection . He has the highest majesty and honor.

In Tafsir Jalalain, it is revealed that what is meant by the Glory of Allah is that Allah is free from the attributes of creatures, such as being temporary, weak, feeling hunger, sleepiness, and others. Allah is also unacceptable from having birth and being borne, as He says, "He has neither had offspring, nor borne. And there is none equal to Him" (Al-Ikhlas/112: Verse 3-4).

When examined, apart from Al-Mulk, another surah that opens with the word “tabaaraka” is surah Al-Furqan. Allah states, “Glory be to Allah who has sent down the Decisive Authority (Al-Furqan/the Qur'an) to His servant, that he may be a warner to the whole world" (Al-Furqan/25: 1). In addition, the word "tabaaraka " is also revealed in other chapters, such as Al-A'raf/7 verse 54, Ar-Rahman/55 verse 78, and Al-Mu'minun/24 verse 14.

Furthermore, there are musytarak or connotative phrases which contain more than two meanings. In this verse, the musytarak phrase contains connotative meaning (majaz), not denotative (hakiki or true meaning). That phrase is “biyadihil mulku.” According to Al-Zuhaili, the word "biyadihi ‘ is connotative, while the word ’al-mulku ” is denotative.

According to Ibn Kathir, this phrase means that Allah rules over all creatures according to His will. No one can devise what He has decided, and no one disputes what He has done. This is because of His might, wisdom, and justice. The word musytarak is also found in the verse, “Those who pledge allegiance to you (Muhammad), in fact they pledge allegiance to Allah. The hand of Allah is upon them” (Al-Fath/48:10). The verse concludes with the phrase, “and He is capable of all things". The word "qadiir ” is found at least 36 times in the Qur'an.

One that is relevant to the meaning of the verse above is, “Say: 'O Lord of the kingdom, You give the kingdom to whom You will, and You take the kingdom away from whom You will. You honor whom You will, and You humiliate whom You will. In Your hand is all virtue belongs. Verily, You are all-powerful over all things'” (Al-Imran/3:26).

Interpreters such as Al-Maraghi and Al-Zuhaili make three conclusions about this verse. First, Allah is great with all His attributes. This distinguishes Allah from His creatures. Second, Allah is the king who has full power to manage the world and the hereafter. Third, Allah is the owner of absolute authority. Allah has the power to give pleasures and torment, to raise and lower, and to grant and deny anyone according to His will.

This article was written by: Syamsul Yakin | Lecturer of MKPI FDIK UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta