Allah says:
“Say, ‘O Allah, Owner of all sovereignty, You give sovereignty to whom You will and You take sovereignty away from whom You will. You honor whom You will and You humble whom You will. In Your hand is all good. Indeed, You are over all things competent.'” (Surah Al-Imran, 3:26)
The term “sovereignty” here has been interpreted in various ways by scholars: it can refer to prophethood, power, wealth, or authority over servants. Some scholars, however, believe it is a general term that includes everything to which the concept of ownership or control applies without any limitation.
Maalik al-Mulk (Owner of Dominion) signifies that Allah is the absolute ruler and controller of His dominion. Nothing can alter His command, nor can anything oppose His will. The entire universe, at every level, is one kingdom ruled by a single Owner—Allah. He is the true sovereign, acting as He wills, bringing things into existence, granting life, causing death, rewarding, and punishing without any partner or obstruction.
In the Tafsir of Ibn Kathir, it is explained that “Maalik al-Mulk” means, “To You belongs all dominion.” A believer’s etiquette with this Name is to frequently remember it, and by doing so, Allah will enrich the believer, making them self-sufficient from others.