Surah Mulk - an introduction

Surah Mulk is the 67th chapter of the Quran, consisting of 30 verses. It is one of the most well-known surahs, and many people worldwide have memorised it. This surah contains many beneficial meanings and lessons for us. In this surah, Allah focuses on a few central points; He reminds us of our purpose in life and tells us about how He is the Supreme Being and Creator of everything in the Heavens and on Earth. He also warns of a severe punishment for those who do not heed the message.

Possibly the most central aspect of this surah is Allah’s call to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Muslims to warn all people of the hearafter, however, He also tells us that we can only spread the word, but we can’t make anyone accept it. Some people will never accept the message of Islam.

Among the many benefits of this surah is that reciting it often will make it one of the intercessors for us in the afterlife. On the Day of Judgment, the surah will intercede and ask Allah to forgive our sins. Moreover, regularly reciting this surah before sleeping can also save us from the punishment of the grave.

What are some benefits of Surah Mulk?

1- Protection from the Torment of the Grave:

This is the most well-known benefit of Surah Al-Mulk. There is an authentic narration from Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that reading this Surah every night before going to bed protects the person from the torment of the grave after he/she dies. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“Sūrat Tabārak (Surah Mulk) prevents the punishment of the grave” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Jāmi’ no. 1140)

2- Intercession on the Day of Judgement:

There is an authentic Hadith that emphasizes that Surah Al-Mulk will intercede, on the day of judgment, for the person who recites it every night. So it will plead to Allah for forgiveness for him/her and make him/her go to Jannah. In this regard, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“There is a sūrah in the Qur’ān of thirty verses; it intercedes for a man until he is forgiven, and it is Sūrat Tabārak (Blessed Be He in Whose Hand is the Dominion)” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2891)

However, we must remember that nothing can ever intercede for any person in front of Allah, except with His permission.

3- Reading it is the Recommendation of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him):

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself – whom Allah has forgiven all his sins – was very keen to recite Surah Al-Mulk before going to sleep.

Jābir ibn Abdullāh reports that the Messenger of Allah (Peace Be Upon Him) would not sleep until He had recited Sūrah as-Sajdah (32) and Sūrah al-Mulk (67).” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi)

This shows how important it is to recite it every night to follow the example of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him).