Surah Mulk, the 67th Surah of the Quran, contains 30 verses. It is classified as a Makki Surah, which indicates that it was revealed in the pre-migration period. The name “Al Mulk” refers to “The Kingdom.” This is because the Surah speaks about the Greatness of Allah Almighty and discusses parables of His incredible creation throughout the Universe. There is also a discussion of the painful punishment awaiting disbelievers because of their deviant ways.
When it comes to recitation of this Surah, you will be amazed to know the virtues it carries. It doesn’t only shield you in this world or Hereafter. But it comes as a savior in between, as well.
Below, we have rounded up a few narrations that highlight the benefits of reciting Surah Mulk.
Let’s have a look:
Recitation before sleeping
One of the saddening factors creeping into Muslim households is excessive use of screens before sleep. Today, we are more interested in knowing the happenings on social media than what our Beloved Book speaks to us.
On the contrary, Allah (SWT) and the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) has given us an entirely different sleeping method. A part of your soul is taken away. It is a reminder that you have no power over your body. This is one of the reasons why you should remember Your Lord before drifting off to the dreamland.
And Surah Mulk encompasses all the necessary reminders. Ibn Abbas narrates that Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said:
“I have found in the book of Allah a Surah thirty passages long; whoever reads it when he sleeps thirty good deeds are written for him; thirty wrong actions are omitted, and he is raised thirty degrees. Allah sends an angel to spread his wings over him and protect him from everything until he wakes up. It is the disputer who argues for it reader in the grave, and it is Tabarak alldhi biyadihi l-Mulku.” (Ad-Daylami)
There is no question that we need such shadows upon us before we sleep. The way we are spending our lives (covered in sins), we must implement such advice given by the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) to ensure our rescue in Akhirah.
Protection in grave
Just the idea of going a few feet underground within the darkness makes us shiver. It is dreadful, scary, and unimaginable. Yet, this is something we all have to face, sooner or later.
Recitation of Surah Mulk becomes your license of protection in the grave. It safeguards the reader by negotiating on his/her behalf. This is evident in the following narration:
On the authority of Abdullah ibn Masud:
Whoever recites Surat Mulk every night is protected by Allah from the punishment of the grave. At the time of the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), we used to name it “Al-Maane`ah”, and the one who recites it every night is duly rewarded. (Al-Nassa`I (6/179)
According to another Hadith that appears in At-Tirmidhi, the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said the following about Surah Mulk:
It is a protector; a rescuer; saving from the chastisement of the grave.(At-Tirmidhi and Al-Hakim)
The grave is one of the most unwanted abode we all will enter. Regardless of our lavish mansions and fancy cottages in this world, we will all end up in the dark coffins, alone. In this place of worms and leeches, Surah Mulk can come as a light to save you. All it takes is a few minutes of heartfelt recitation.
Intercedes on Our Behalf
Reflect upon the Quran, and you will find multiple verses denoting the loneliness of the human being on the Day of Judgment. Even if they had loving children, parents, and shared strong friendships in Dunya, there will be no one to lift their burdens in Hereafter. The selfishness of relatives will leave you in shock.
Amidst the chaos of Hereafter, you need no one but the Word of Allah (SWT) to be your shield. And Surah Mulk will serve this duty for its reciter. Hazrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said:
There is a Surah in the book of Allah it is but thirty passages which intercede for a man on the day of judgment so that he is taken out of the fire and entered into paradise; it is Surah the Blessed. (Abu Dawood, 1400)
We will be in our most vulnerable state on that Day. Having the right armor is what we need to secure ourselves from the horrors of Hereafter. And Surah Mulk is one of the weapons you need to ward off the horrendous fire of Hell to reach you.
Final Thoughts
The importance of Surah Mulk is not only hidden in the message of the verses, but there are plenty of rewards for recitation too. Not to forget, the weigh it adds to your scale of good deeds as you pronounce the Words from Quran.
May Allah (SWT) allow us to make it a part of our daily routine. Aameen!