Spelling of the word "Maalik" in the Quraan

Q: In Surah Fatihah, I have been exposed to two variants of the word “Maalik”:

1. Meem-aleef laam kaaf: tanzil.net/#1:4

2. Meem laam kaaf: quran.com/1/4-14

Could you please give an authoritative, comprehensive explanation to this geared towards the layman - which includes possible associated translation issues?

A: These are two different versions of reading the word and both are authentically reported from Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)