Q: In the introduction to their Khutbah (sermon), some Khutaba' (pl. of Khatib; preacher) tend to use the following phrase after praising Allah and glorifying Him: "In heaven is Your Dominion, and on earth is Your Sovereignty, and in the sea is Your Grandeur". The question is: Has this Du`a' (supplication) been authentically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) or any of his noble Sahabah (Companions) in a Shar`y (Islamically lawful) text? If the answer is no, does this phrase not imply restricting Allah's dominion (Exalted and Glorified be He) to heaven only although (Part No. 26; Page No. 370) to Allah belongs the dominion of all things? He (Exalted be He) states: And to Allâh belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them. We hope that your Eminence will clarify this issue for us.

A: Praising and glorifying Allah with what is due to Him during Khutbah Al-Jumu`ah (Friday sermon) should only be in accordance with what is authentically reported in Allah's Book and the Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet) of His Prophet (peace be upon him). Furthermore, there is no Shar`y prohibition on praising and glorifying Allah generally. But regarding the mentioned phrase, it is best to abandoned it is ambiguous. Some people may think that it restricts the Dominion of Allah to heaven or earth and so on.His Glory, Dominion, Sovereignty, and Power prevail over all His Creatures. Anyone who reflects upon all that which Allah has created, he will surely realize the Grandeur of His Glory, the Expanse of His Reign, and His Prevalence over all His Creatures. He (Exalted be He) states: The creation of the heavens and the earth is indeed greater than the creation of mankind Allah (Exalted be He) also says: And on the earth are signs for those who have Faith with certainty. And also in your ownselves. Will you not then see? Allah (Exalted be He) also says: Do they not look in the dominion of the heavens and the earth and all things that Allâh has created Allah (Exalted be He) also says: His Kursî extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. (Part No. 26; Page No. 371) Furthermore, He (Glorified be He) states: To Allâh belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and all that is therein, and He is Able to do all things. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.