فِي مَقْعَدِ صِدْقٍ عِنْدَ مَلِيكٍ مُقْتَدِرٍ
Fī maq ‘adi sidqin ‘inda malīkin muqtadir
In the seat of Truth, with a most Powerful King.
(Sūratul Qamar, No. 54, Āyat 55)
This verse talks about the reward of the pious and God conscious believers. They will be in Heaven hosted by Allah. The description of their place and position is an indication of their high spiritual status. It has earned them the honor of being the guests of God.
‘Allāmah Tabātabā’ī in Tafsīr al-Mīzān explains each word of this verse. He says:
– Maq’ad – a place where people are gathered and seated
– Sidqin – a place which shows the truth of their faith and actions.
– Malīk – a superlative form of the word Mālik. It means a King with the greatest authority.
– Muqtadir – a form of Qadir, signifying great and absolute power.
He explains that this place is free of all negativity and evil, a true place of honor and grace. It is a promise of God that will come true.
The description of this gathering shows the exclusive honor reserved for those who have been God conscious. They will have a special abode close to Allah subhānahū wa-ta‘ālā. This closeness to God is the ultimate spiritual reward of the fortunate ones. Believers will feel a joy and relief at the eventual return to God. He is their host and can there be a better host? The King of all kings and the most Powerful is now welcoming them into His presence and giving them all they wish for.
It is mentioned in Tafsīr-e Namūne that these two names of God: Malīk and Muqtadir, are especially effective when asking from God. The Tafsīr quotes from Rūhul Ma‘āni, (v. 27 p. 83) that once a man entered the masjid thinking it was time for Fajr prayers but there was still time remaining. He sat in the mosque and there was nobody there. Suddenly he heard an unrecognised voice saying behind him: O you whose heart is filled with fear, grieve not, and say: Allāhumma Innaka Malīkun Muqtadir mā tashā’u min amrin yakūn (O Allah You are the King, the most Powerful, whatever You wish will take place), then ask your wish from Allah.
This verse is a powerful reminder of the invitation that waits us all, to be His guests in Heaven. But even in this world we are invited to be His guests. The Holy Prophet (s) said when welcoming the holy month of Ramadan: It is the month which invites you to be the guests of God and invites you to be one of those near to Him. We are His guests during this holy month and it is only right that we appreciate the sacred honor of the invitation.
Recite this verse to inspire yourself with the vision of being the guest of the King of Kings. Use it to help you stay firm on the path and look forward to a dream being materialised one day.
Sources: ‘Allāmah S. Muhammad Husayn Tabātabā’ī Tafsīr al-Mīzān ; Āyatullāh Nāsir Makārim Shirāzī (ed.), Tafsīr-e Namūne