King in Islam
Etymology and Translation
The term used in the Qurʾān for a king is generally malik (ملك) in Arabic, which corresponds to the Hebrew term מֶלֶךְ (melekh).
Usage in the Qur’an
In the Qur’an, the term malik (ملك) is used to denote a king. For example, in Sūrah Al-Baqarah (2:246), it is mentioned when the Israelites asked their prophet to raise a king for them:
<p>“Have you not considered the assembly of the Children of Israel after [the time of] Moses when they said to a prophet of theirs, ‘Send to us a king…’”</p>
Variants and Related Terms
1. Malik (ملك)
Primarily used for a king in the broader sense. In contemporary usage, in regions like Arabia and Central Asia, it often denotes a petty chief rather than a monarch.
2. Sult̤ān (سلطان)
Although this term appears in the Qur’an to indicate “authority” or “power” (Sūrah Al-Haqqah, 69:29), it has evolved to mean “king” or “emperor,” specifically the title formerly used by the Ottoman Sultan.
3. Pādshāh (پادشاه) and Shāh (شاه)
Persian terms where Pādshāh combines pād (throne) and shāh (lord/possessor), thus meaning “lord of the throne.” Shāh simply means “king” and is the title used by Persian rulers.
4. Wālī (والي)
Translates to “a possessor” or “one in authority.” It is notably used by the Barakzai rulers of Afghanistan in legal documents.
5. Amīr (أمير)
Derived from ʿamr (to rule), this term is similar to Wālī. Amīrs are rulers like the Amīrs of Bukhara and Kabul.
6. Saiyid (سيد)
While literally meaning “lord” or “master,” this title is primarily used for the descendants of Prophet Muhammad and can have regal connotations, such as the ruler of Zanzibar.
7. Imām (إمام)
Meaning “leader,” this title not only refers to the heads of the Muslim community but also encompasses a regal aspect, particularly the successors of Muhammad in religious law.
8. K͟halīfah (خليفة)
Meaning “vicegerent” or “successor,” often interchangeably used with Imām, this title refers to the caliphs, the leaders who succeeded Muhammad in both temporal and religious authority.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Islamic World” by John L. Esposito
- “A History of Islamic Societies” by Ira Lapidus
- “No god but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam” by Reza Aslan
- “The Great Arab Conquests: How the Spread of Islam Changed the World We Live In” by Hugh Kennedy
- “The Caliphate: Its Rise, Decline, and Fall” by William Muir
Takeaways
- The primary term for “king” in the Qur’an is malik (ملك)
- Other titles such as Sult̤ān, Pādshāh, Shāh, Wālī, Amīr, Saiyid, Imām, and K͟halīfah reflect various degrees and types of authority in different Islamic contexts.
- These terms have both historical and contemporary significance and vary greatly in their connotations and usage depending on the region and period.
Conclusion
Understanding the different terms for “king” and their respective roles and meanings helps to grasp the complexities of Islamic governance and leadership through history. Each title not only signifies power but also carries with it cultural, political, and religious significance, reflecting the rich tapestry of Islamic civilization.
