Introduction Of Surah Al Mulk

Surah Al Mulk is one of the best endowments of Allah SWT over humankind. Different Hadiths demonstrate the significance of Surah Al Mulk. This Surah of 30 Ayahs is the 67th Surah of the Quran. It was sent upon the Prophet Muhammad ((PBUH)) in the Makkah, thus it is a Makki Surah. It was otherwise called Surah Al-Maani’a, the preventive, at the hour of the Prophet ((PBUH)). Surah Al Mulk considers the motivation behind Creation, life and passing, tests, and our deeds. This delightful Surah tells about the ideal Making of Paradise and Earth by Allah SWT.

It likewise creates awareness about the punishment of hell. Furthermore, Allah is the Incomparable Power and He understands what we disguise and expose. For sure, He is Al-Aleem, Infinitely knowledgeable. Allah SWT has made our hearts guaranteed because He is a definitive Supplier for all humankind. A profound reflection on Surah Al Mulk causes us to understand Allah’s creation and power Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated:

I heard the Prophet of Allah ((PBUH)) saying, “There is a Surah in the Quran which contains thirty Ayah which keeps interceding for a man until his sins are forgiven. This Surah is ‘Blessed is He in Whose Hand is the dominion.’ (Surah Al Mulk 67).” (Jamiat Tirmidhi) Indeed, Surah Al Mulk is the divine Surah in the Quran that has unimaginable benefits.

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas:

“One of the companions of the Prophet ((PBUH)) pitched a tent on a grave without knowing that it was a grave. Suddenly he heard a person from the grave reciting Surah Al Mulk till he completed it. So he went to the Prophet ((PBUH)) and said: ‘Oh Prophet of Allah, I pitched my tent on a grave without realizing that it was a grave. Then Suddenly I heard a person from the grave reciting Surah Al Mulk till he completed it.’ The Prophet of Allah ((PBUH)) said: ‘It is the defender; it is the deliverer- it delivers from the punishment of the grave.’” (Jamiat Tirmidhi)

The hadith expresses the significance of Surah Al Mulk. Without a doubt, people commit numerous errors purposely and unwittingly. Also, it is no secret truth that our deeds will reflect in our graves as well. In any case, Allah SWT is Ar-Raheem. He has sent the Quran as means of forgiveness. One such Surah of Forgiveness is Surah Al Mulk which will shield us from the torture of the graves.

The Structure of Surah al Mulk

(1-3) Praise is to Allah, the Almighty, the Almighty Creator and Ruler of all things. (3-5) The magnificence of Allah’s creations seen in the heavens praise Him. (5) We have decorated the lowest sky with lights and equipped them with weapons to pelt the demons with, and We have prepared the punishment of roaring fire for them. (6-8) Hell’s torments are being prepared for unbelievers. (8-11) Infidels will repent their foolishness in hell for considering Muhammad a liar. (12) Those who dread their invisible Lord will get a pardon and a tremendous reward. (13-14) Allah knows all things. (15-18) Allah shall destroy unbelievers. (19-24) Unbelievers who are ungrateful to Allah, who supports them in life. (25-28) They challenged the Prophet to expedite the judgment, but they will be terrified when it approaches. (29-30) On that day, Allah is The Merciful, and He is the sole protector.

Virtues Of Surah Al Mulk

1. Forgiveness

At the point when the entryways of forgiveness will be shut and this temporary world will end, we all will be accountable before Allah SWT for our deeds. We will be needing great deeds. On that day, a little fortunate or unfortunate deed will change our fate, and choose our eternal place of stay. Amid the confusion and dread, Surah Mulk will come for the assistance of its reciter for his mediation (Sha’fah) until he gets a spot in heaven. We need to discuss the Quran consistently to save ourselves from the blazes of Hell.

Related: What is the Importance & Benefits of Surah Yaseen?

Numerous Hadiths advocate it. Without a doubt, when a Muslim recites Surah Al Mulk, he presents it with a conviction that it will mediate for the believer’s sins and bad deeds to be pardoned on the Day of Judgement. These hadiths propel us to recite Surah Al Mulk to an ever-increasing extent. Narrated Abu Hurairah that the Prophet ((PBUH)) said:

“Indeed there is a Surah in the Qur’an of thirty Ayah, which intercedes for a man until he is forgiven. It is [Surah] Tabarak Alladhi Biyadihil-Mulk.” (Abu Dawud 1400 and At Tirmidhi 2891)

From this Hadith, it says the benefit of reciting Surah Mulk is likened to a companion. These thirty Ayahs will serve us like an intimate relationship of a friend who will vouch for your (intercede) and ask for forgiveness on your behalf.

2. Protection from the torment of the grave

The most dreadful question that arises in a Muslim’s mind is about his time in the grave and akhirah. We spend our lives and indulge in sins without realizing that a small sin can make us stay in Hell forever. The grave will be the eternal home of a Muslim’s body. The darkness will hover over him from every side and loneliness will be his only companion. He will be questioned in his grave about the life that he had spent in Dunya and if he fails, the punishment of the grave will await him.

For our help and guidance, we have our Holy Quran which is a complete code of life. We should recite it regularly and remember the important surahs. The surah which can save us from the torment of the grave is Surah Mulk. If a Muslim dies and he used to recite the surah punctually, it will save him from every side of his body.

Also Read: What is Astaghfirullah?

The reciter of the Blessed Surah Mulk will be able to keep himself away from the darkness and torture of the grave. The surah will provide him with shade from all sorts of torments and loneliness.

Therefore, Muslims are advised to read the Blessed Surah at night with their heart In a hadith, it was mentioned that the Prophet Muhammad ((PBUH)) recommended reading Surah Muk every night before going to bed. By doing so, it is said that you would be protected from the torment in the grave. This was narrated by Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood,

Whoever reads Tabarak Allaah bi yadihi’l-Mulk [i.e., Soorat al-Mulk] every night, Allah will protect him from the torment of the grave. At the time of the Prophet of Allah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) we used to call it al-maani’ah (that which protects). In the Book of Allah, it is a surah that whoever recites it every night has done very well.

Ibn Abbas (R.A) narrates that the “Prophet Muhammad ((PBUH)) said:

“It (Surah Al Mulk) is a protector; a rescuer; saving from the chastisement of the grave.” (At-Tirmidhi and Al-Hakim)

It is narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Anas ibn Malik (Allah be pleased with him) that the beloved Holy Prophet (peace be upon him, his family, and companions) said,

“A person passed away and he did not know anything from the Qur’an except Surah Tabaarak (i.e., Al-Mulk). When the Angel of punishment entered his grave, this surah appeared, so the angel of punishment said, “Now that you are here, I am returning, but neither am I the causer of any harm to you, or upon myself or this person. If you wish for salvation for him, then go into the court of Allah Almighty and intercede for him.”

Thereafter, the Surah (Al-Mulk) will present itself in the court of Allah Almighty and say “O my Lord! This person chose me alone from your Book, so he memorized me and recited me, so do you condemn him to hell? If this is what you intend to do to him, then erase me from your book!” Allah Almighty will then say, “you have probably become displeased”.

The Qur’an (i.e., the Surah Al-Mulk) will say “I have the right to be displeased.” Allah Almighty will say “I have accepted your intercession on his behalf”. It (the Surah) returns to the grave and gives this information to the Angel (of punishment) and the Angel thus leaves without punishing the deceased.

The Surah approaches the deceased and places its mouth over the mouth of the deceased and says “O mouth! Glad tidings to you, for you, recited me abundantly and glad tidings to the chest, for it remembered me. Glad tidings to these feet for they stood whilst reciting me,” and it (Surah Al-Mulk) remains in his grave, attached to him. After the beloved Holy Prophet (peace be upon him, his family and companions) mentioned this, every person, young and old, freemen and indentured, of them memorized it and the beloved Holy Prophet ((PBUH)) called this Surah by the name “Munjiyah” (the one which gives salvation).”

Sunnah of Prophet

Jabir (R.A) said:

“The Prophet ((PBUH)) would not sleep until he recited surah Alif laam meem Tanzeel (Surah Sajdah) and Surah Tabarak (Surah Al Mulk).” (Jami’at-Tirmidhi)

Seeking of Paradise

Allah and His Prophet (PBUH) have taught us the right ways to lead our lives and gain blessings. Walking on deen requires effort and strong Imaan which eventually leads us to achieve our goals, which is, attaining a place for ourselves in Jannah. For that matter, we need to worship Allah alone, stay away from sins and recite the Quran regularly.

Reciting Surah Mulk can become our savior as it protects us from the difficulties of this life and also the afterlife. It will argue for its reciter to have a place in Paradise until he is taken out of hell and placed in heaven.

The Prophet of Allah ((PBUH)) said: “There is a chapter of the Quran that will argue on behalf of its reciter until it causes him to enter into Paradise. It is: (Blessed be He in Whose Hand is the dominion) that is Surah Al Mulk.” (At-Tabarani)

Salvation from Allah SWT

Salvation in Islam is different from other religions. It can only be attained through submission to one true God, Allah, and His worship. Muslims are born with pure spirit and free of sin but the corruption of this world indulges them in the state of evil. When a Muslim dies, he needs prayers and good deeds to help him reach the gates of heaven.

When he is a punctual reciter of Surah Mulk, it asks for salvation from Allah SWT to save him from hellfire. It becomes his protector on the day of judgment.

Hadhrat Abdullah ibn Abbas (R.A) said: “Personally, recite Surah Al Mulk and teach it to your wife, children and to all the other children who live in your home, and even to your neighbors, because it is that which grants salvation, and it will firmly demand (for your) salvation from Allah.

Rewards and Good Deeds

Narrated Muhammad bin Ka’b Al-Qurazi:

“I heard ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud said: ‘The Prophet of Allah ((PBUH)) said: “Whoever recites a letter from Allah’s Book, then he receives the reward from it, and the reward of ten the likes of it. I do not say that Alif Laam Meem is a letter, but Alif is a letter, Laam is a letter and Meem is a letter.” (Jami’at-Tirmidhi)

Boosts Iman

Sadly, we are in an era in which depression and anxiety are common. Many people relate to the lyrics of the songs and prefer going to bed listening to them. We end our day in gloom and wake up the next day carrying the same energy. However, reciting and reflecting on Surah Al Mulk before going to bed can make us aware of the true meaning of life.

It can act as a great vessel to connect ourselves with Allah SWT and keep our Imaan high Muslims believe in so many ways that Allah gives them everything and He decides everything that happens in their life.

That makes them realize by reading the Quran surah Mulk regularly as they understand the meaning behind it. Ayah by Ayah in the Quran Surah Mulk makes Muslims realize that they should put their trust in Allah only. He is the only one capable of making everything happen, whether in this world or in the hereafter later. It mentions in the Quran surah Mulk Ayahs 29-30 below that it looks similar to the blessing virtue of Surah Sajdah.

قُلْ هُوَ الرَّحْمٰنُ اٰمَنَّا بِهٖ وَعَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْنَاۚ فَسَتَعْلَمُوْنَ مَنْ هُوَ فِيْ ضَلٰلٍ مُّبِيْنٍ – ٢٩ Say, “He is the Most Merciful, we believe in Him and Him, we put our trust. Then one day you will know who is in clear error.” (QS 67:29) قُلْ اَرَءَيْتُمْ اِنْ اَصْبَحَ مَاۤؤُكُمْ غَوْرًا فَمَنْ يَّأْتِيْكُمْ بِمَاۤءٍ مَّعِيْنٍ ࣖ – ٣٠ “Say (Muhammad), “Explain to me when your water sources dry up; then who will give you running water?” (QS 67:30)

Conclusion

Surah Al-Mulk is the Surah that intercedes for its reciters; the Surah that gives salvation from the torment of the grave the Surah which protects its reciter. In the Surah, we have been instructed to recite ourselves and to teach our families. Surah Al-Mulk makes intercession (Shafa’ah) for the believers. In other words, it intercedes for the one who recites it and for the one for whom it is recited.

Having read the virtues and benefits of Surah Al-Mulk, that are mentioned in this short article, it is expected that every single reader (if they have not already committed Surah Al-Mulk to memory) will make a firm intention to memorize this important Surah, in the upcoming holy month of Ramadan.

Once it is memorized, we should all make it our daily routine to recite this Surah before going to sleep every night, in the hope and expectation that it will be a protector and savior for us, protecting us from the punishment of the grave and that it will be an advocate and intercessor for us, on the day of reckoning, in the court of Allah Almighty.