The Holy Quran is compiled in 114 surahs called chapters. All chapters of the Quran have specific blessings and benefits. One such blessed surah is the 67th chapter of the Quran, Surah Al-Mulk. Al-Mulk means “The Kingdom”
or “The Sovereignty” of Allah (SWT).
It is a Makkan surah in 29th Para of the Quran comprising 30 verses. This surah mainly focuses on affirming the
Oneness (Tauheed) of Allah (SWT) and strengthening the faith of believers.
Asbab al-nuzul of Surah Al-Mulk
Surah Al-Mulk belongs to the seventh group of surahs starting from this surah till the end of the Quran. The theme
of this group is an admonition to the leadership of the Quraysh, about the aftermath of the world hereafter and
conveying the good news to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) of the dominion of the truth in Arabia.
In surah Al-Mulk, the Quraysh are warned of their actions and fate on the Day of Judgement if they deny the
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). It mainly deals with the belief in Allah (SWT) and His Oneness and divine power of
everything.
This surah was revealed in Makkah in a period when defiance to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) had grown very
intense verbally. It was also revealed about the idolaters who used to calumniate the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
Gabriel informed him about them and the things with which they slandered him. Some of them used to say to
others: “Lower your voices in case Muhammad’s Allah hears you”.
Allah (SWT) has mentioned in this surah about the sins of disbelievers and the forgiveness and reward for those
who repent their wrong actions and seek refuge in Him.
Surah Mulk Benefits and Virtues
One who recites the surah Al-Mulk will be rewarded on the Day of Judgement. It is the protector of its reciter in this world and the world hereafter.
Regarding the multiple blessings of its recitation, Imam Ahmad (رضي الله عنه ) narrates from Abu Hurairah ( رضي الله عنه) that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “Verily, there is a surah in the Quran containing thirty verses that will intercede on behalf of its reciter until he is forgiven and entered to Jannah.”
It is more beneficial to recite and memorize the verses of this surah along with the understanding of its meaning to
increase the attention in prayer and strengthen the belief in its spiritual benefits and cure. Concerning the
importance of Surah Al-Mulk, Abdullah Ibn-e-Abbas (رضي الله عنه) reported that the Prophet
Muhammad (SAW) said:
“I wish that this Surah (Al-Mulk) could be in the heart of every believer.”
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) recommended reciting the surah Al-Mulk every night before going to bed because
it prevents the punishment of the grave.
Abdullah Ibn-e-Mas’ood (May Allah be pleased with Him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “When
angels will come to the man in his grave after his death; they will come to his feet and his feet will say: ‘You have no
power over me as he used to recite surah Al-Mulk.’ Then they will come to his chest or stomach and it will say: ‘You
have no power over me as he used to recite surah Al-Mulk.’ Then they will come to his head and it will say the same.
So it is the protector against the punishment of the grave.”
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “Whoever reads Surah Al-Mulk every night, Allah will protect him from the
torment of the grave.”
Revealing more benefits of surah Al-Mulk, that defends the one who recites it every night, Abdullah Ibn-e-Abbas
(May Allah be pleased with Him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “I have found in the Quran, a
surah thirty verses long, whoever recites it before going to sleep; thirty good deeds written for him, thirty
wrongdoings are omitted and he raised to thirty degrees. Allah (SWT) sends an angel to spread his wings over him
and protect him from everything until he wakes up.”
Anas Ibn-e-Malik (ﷺ ) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
A surah in the Quran disputes until its reader enters the Jannah.”
Besides the spiritual benefits, surah Al-Mulk also protects its reciter from the troubles and pains of the present
world. One who recites it daily kept away from all of the anxiety, distress, and diseases. It brings happiness, peace
, and comfort to the life of the reciter.
Thus the recitation of surah Al-Mulk contains a multitude of blessings obtained within just a few minutes.
This surah not only protects its reciter from the punishment and suffering of the Day of Judgement but also escorts
him to Jannah. To avail of the numerous benefits of this surah, one must recite it daily as well as memorize it to
make it the companion in the grave and to let it plead for forgiveness of Allah (SWT) and salvation in the world
hereafter.