The Benefits of reciting Surah Al-Mulk/The Dominion 67

Bismi Allahi arrahmani arraheem

In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, the most Merciful

Surah Al-Mulk (meaning 'The Sovereignty') is the 67th chapter (Surah) of the Quran. Surah Al-Mulk has 30 verses (Ayat). Surah Al-Mulk is a Meccan Surah, a Surah that was revealed to Prophet Muhmmad ﷺ in Mecca. Like any other Surah in the Quran, Surah Al-Mulk is very important. There are many virtues from reciting this Surah.  

The Virtues of Reciting Surah Al-Mulk

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, "There is a Surah in the Qur'an which contains thirty Ayat which kept interceding for a man until his sins are forgiven. This Surah is 'Blessed is He in Whose Hand is the dominion.' (Surat Al-Mulk 67)." [At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud]

So as we can see from the Hadith above, Surah Al-Mulk will intercede for its reciter (the person who recites it often) on the Day of Judgement until its reciter is forgiven by Allah (SWT).

Yahya related to me from Malik from Ibn Shihab that Humayd ibn Abd ar-Rahman ibn Awf had told him that Surat al-Ikhlas (Surah 112) was equal to a third of the Qur'an, and that Surah al-Mulk (Surah 67) pleaded for its owner. [Muwatta Malik] 

Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: "One of the Companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) put up a tent upon a grave without knowing that it was a grave. When he realized that is was a person's grave, he recited Surat Al-Mulk until its completion. Then he went to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said: 'O Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) [Indeed] I erected my tent without realizing that it was upon a grave. So when I realized there was a person in it I recited Surat Al-Mulk until its completion.' So the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "It (Surah Al-Mulk) is a prevention, it is a salvation delivering from the punishment of the grave.'" [Tirmidhi]

Based off the Hadith above, Surah Al-Mulk is also a prevention, and salvation delivering from the punishment of the grave.

Reading Surat al-Mulk protects a Muslim from the trials of the grave, but how often does one have to read it? Once a day or more? What is meant is that a person should read it every night, act in accordance with the rulings contained in it, and believe in the information mentioned in it. 

It was narrated that ‘Abd-Allah ibn Mas’ud said: Whoever reads Tabaarak allaahi 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 Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) we used to call it al-maani’ah (that which protects). In the Book of Allah it is a Surah which, whoever recites it every night has done very well. 

Narrated by al-Nasaa’i, 6/179; classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb wa’l-Tarheeb, 1475. 

The scholars of the Standing Committee said:  On this basis there is the hope that whoever believes in this Surah and reads it regularly, seeking the pleasure of Allah, learning the lessons contained in it and acting in accordance with the rulings contained therein, it will intercede for him [in the Hereafter]. (Islam QA)

67. Surah Al-Mulk (Dominion)

1. Blessed is He in Whose Hand is the dominion, and He is Able to do all things.

2. Who has created death and life, that He may test you which of you is best in deed. And He is the All-Mighty, the Oft-Forgiving;

3. Who has created the seven heavens one above another, you can see no fault in the creations of the Most Beneficent. Then look again: “Can you see any rifts?”

4. Then look again and yet again, your sight will return to you in a state of humiliation and worn out.

5. And indeed We have adorned the nearest heaven with lamps, and We have made such lamps (as) missiles to drive away the Shayatin (devils), and have prepared for them the torment of the blazing Fire.

6. And for those who disbelieve in their Lord (Allah) is the torment of Hell, and worst indeed is that destination.

7. When they are cast therein, they will hear the (terrible) drawing in of its breath as it blazes forth.

8. It almost bursts up with fury. Every time a group is cast therein, its keeper will ask: “Did no warner come to you?”

9. They will say: “Yes indeed; a warner did come to us, but we belied him and said: ‘Allah never sent down anything (of revelation), you are only in great error.'”

10. And they will say: “Had we but listened or used our intelligence, we would not have been among the dwellers of the blazing Fire!”

11. Then they will confess their sin. So, away with the dwellers of the blazing Fire.

12. Verily! Those who fear their Lord unseen (i.e. they do not see Him, nor His Punishment in the Hereafter, etc.), theirs will be forgiveness and a great reward (i.e. Paradise).

13. And whether you keep your talk secret or disclose it, verily, He is the All-Knower of what is in the breasts (of men).

14. Should not He Who has created know? And He is the Most Kind and Courteous (to His slaves) All-Aware (of everything).

15. He it is, Who has made the earth subservient to you (i.e. easy for you to walk, to live and to do agriculture on it, etc.), so walk in the path thereof and eat of His provision, and to Him will be the Resurrection.

16. Do you feel secure that He, Who is over the heaven (Allah), will not cause the earth to sink with you, then behold it shakes (as in an earthquake)?

17. Or do you feel secure that He, Who is over the heaven (Allah), will not send against you a violent whirlwind? Then you shall know how (terrible) has been My Warning?

18. And indeed those before them belied (the Messengers of Allah), then how terrible was My denial (punishment)?

19. Do they not see the birds above them, spreading out their wings and folding them in? None upholds them except the Most Beneficent (Allah). Verily, He is the All-Seer of everything.

20. Who is he besides the Most Beneficent that can be an army to you to help you? The disbelievers are in nothing but delusion.

21. Who is he that can provide for you if He should withhold His provision? Nay, but they continue to be in pride, and (they) flee (from the truth).

22. Is he who walks without seeing on his face, more rightly guided, or he who (sees and) walks on a Straight Way (i.e. Islamic Monotheism).

23. Say it is He Who has created you, and endowed you with hearing (ears), seeing (eyes), and hearts. Little thanks you give.

24. Say: “It is He Who has created you from the earth, and to Him shall you be gathered (in the Hereafter).”

25. They say: “When will this promise (i.e. the Day of Resurrection) come to pass? if you are telling the truth.”

26. Say (O Muhammad SAW): “The knowledge (of its exact time) is with Allah only, and I am only a plain warner.”

27. But when they will see it (the torment on the Day of Resurrection) approaching, the faces of those who disbelieve will be different (black, sad, and in grieve), and it will be said (to them): “This is (the promise) which you were calling for!”

28. Say (O Muhammad SAW): “Tell me! If Allah destroys me, and those with me, or He bestows His Mercy on us, – who can save the disbelievers from a painful torment?”

29. Say: “He is the Most Beneficent (Allah), in Him we believe, and in Him we put our trust. So you will come to know who is it that is in manifest error.”

30. Say (O Muhammad SAW): “Tell me! If (all) your water were to be sunk away, who then can supply you with flowing (spring) water?”

Whoever recites Surah Mulk will get the true benefits of it. It has great healing powers

Benefit of Reading Surah Mulk:

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• This surah was revealed in Makkah and it has 30 ayaat
• It is also called Munjiyah because it saves the one who recites it from the torment of the grave
• The Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) likened the recitation of this surah to the staying awake on the night of Qadr
• He (s.a.w.) also wished that every believer would memorize this surah and know it by heart. He said that this surah will remove its reciter from Hellfire and take him to Jannah.
• Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) said that reciting this surah at night keeps one under the protection of Allah (s.w.t.) until morning.
• Recitation on the night of Eid gives the reward of staying awake the whole night in worship.
• If recited on a person who has just died, his soul gets immediate relief.
• Memorizing this surah has great reward. If memorized, this surah acts as a protection from the torment of the grave, and it intercedes on behalf of the one who has memorized it on the Day of Judgement.
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The Benefits of reciting Surah Al-Mulk/The Dominion 67

It was revealed in Mecca, it is thirty passages long, consisting of three hundred and thirty words and one thousand three hundred letters. (Tafsir Al-Khateeb Al-Sharabini Vol .3 P.367.)

Ibn Shihab said that is it known as the disputer as it disputes with those of the grave! (Ibid) Those of the grave meaning the two angels Munkar and Nakir who question the servant after they are buried and their relatives have gone.

All of the Quran is blessed and parts of the Quran we have been informed about their specific blessing and others we have not. One such Surah that we have been informed about its blessing is Surah Mulk.

The second line reads, “He who created death and life to test you; which of you have the best actions.” Life and death are part of our lives whether we are aware of it or not. Someone has died whilst you are reading this and somewhere a child has been born.

Notice that death comes first as this is much harder to deal with its consequences than life. When death comes it takes us out of our comfort zones as it scares us into considering our mortality. Life can be a trail for parents who do not wish to have children. They worry about provision and other unnecessary concerns.

When you ponder these meanings then you begin to think about the ephemeral nature of life and then you begin to contemplate the afterlife.

There are many hadith explaining its qualities and its benefits we shall go through some.

In the heart of every believer

Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) said, “I wish that “Blessed is the Dominion” would be in the heart of every believer.” (Al-Hakim in Al-Mustadrak 1/253 and Qurtabi in his commentary 17/205.)

This does not just mean that we memorize it verbatim but are heedless of its meanings. Learn the meanings as well, then when you recite it you go over the meanings thus increasing your attendance in the prayer.

The following will clarify why he wanted in the heart of every believer.

Protection in the grave

Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “When the deceased are placed in their grave; it comes in front of his legs and says, “There is no way for you here as he used to perform the Surah Al-Mulk.” Then it would stand before his head and say to his tongue, “There is no way for you because he used to recite Surah Al-Mulk.” Then he said, “It is protector from the punishment of Allah. It is in the Torah that whoever recites the Surah Al-Mulk has increased and become more fragrant.” (Al-Qurtabi 18/205.)

Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) said, “It is a protector; a rescuer; saving from the chastisement of the grave.” (At-Tirmidhi and Al-Hakim.)

Ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) said, “Surah Tabaruk protects from the punishment of the grave.” (Ibn Mardawaya.)

The grave is one of the most daunting abodes that someone will enter as it will be as you were, in the world. There is no hiding or pretending in the grave and here, in this place of maggots and worms, it comes to save you. As its recitation will protect us against being punished in the grave as the time in the grave will be longer than the time on earth, it is without comparison.

It intercedes for you

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) said, “There is a Surah in the book of Allah it is but thirty passages which intercedes for a man on the day of judgement so that he taken out of the fire and entered into paradise; it is Surah the Blessed.” (Abu Dawud 1400, At-Tirmidhi 2891 and Ibn Majah 3876.)

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) said, “There is a Surah from the Book of Allah; it is only thirty passages; it intercedes for its reader until he is forgiven. Tabarak alldhi biyadihi l-Mulku.” (Sura Mulk). (Narrated by Imam Ahmed, At-Tirmidhi, An-Nisai, Ibn Majah, Ibn Daris and Al-Hakim, authenticated by Ibn Mardaway and Al-Bayhaqi in Sha’ub Al-Iman.)

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) said, “Recite the Quran as it will intercede on the day of judgement for its companions.” (Muslim)

The Blessed being the word “Tabarak” which is the first word of Surah Al-Mulk. As in the early years of Islam Surah’s were known by their first words.

Do you see now its importance? It intercedes in the grave and on the day of judgement for you, when everything else has left you, it comes to help you.

Anis (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) said, “A Surah in the Quran disputes until its reader is enters Paradise.” {Tabarak alldhi biyadihi l-Mulku}. (Surah Mulk). (At-Tabarani in Al-Awsat, Ibn Mardaway and Al-Diyya.)

Do you see now why the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) wanted us to memorise this Surah? It not only intercedes, it argues, it disputes, it litigates on your behalf. Do we not want this?

Recitation before sleeping

Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger if Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings 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.” (Sura Mulk) (Ad-Daylami).

It protects you whilst you sleep which is very important as you are unable to defend yourself at that time but because you read it an angel comes to protect you. Also look at the ninety other blessings that you receive for reading it.

Multitude of blessings

There are a multitude of blessings that you can attain for just a few minutes of recitation. Really, it will only take you a few minutes from beginning to end. Look again and then ponder this narration.

Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet (may Allah bestow upon him peace and blessings) said, “Allah, the Exalted, raises people up by this book and debases others by it.” (Muslim, Ad-Darqutni and Ibn Majah.)

Even if you cannot read it all then read some of this Surah or another one. The last two quls are recommended to be read before sleeping.

Ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bestow peace and blessings upon him) said, “Whoever recites a letter of the book of Allah has one good deed and one good deed is worth ten similar to it. I do not say Alif, Lam Meem is a letter rather Alif is letter; Lam is letter and Meem is a letter.” (At-Tirmidhi)

It has one thousand and three hundred letters which times ten is thirteen thousand rewards for its recitation. Not bad for five minutes work!

 Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem

1. Tabaarakal lazee biyadihil mulku wa huwa 'alaa kulli shai-in qadeer
2. Allazee khalaqal mawta walhayaata liyabluwakum ayyukum ahsanu 'amalaa; wa huwal 'azeezul ghafoor
3. Allazee khalaqa sab'a samaawaatin tibaaqam maa taraa fee khalqir rahmaani min tafaawutin farji'il basara hal taraa min futoor
4. Summar ji'il basara karrataini yanqalib ilaikal basaru khaasi'anw wa huwa haseer
5. Wa laqad zaiyannas samaaa'ad dunyaa bimasaa beeha wa ja'alnaahaa rujoomal lish shayaateeni wa a'tadnaa lahum 'azaabas sa'eer
6. Wa lillazeena kafaroo bi rabbihim 'azaabu jahannama wa bi'sal maseer
7. Izaaa ulqoo feehaa sami'oo lahaa shaheeqanw wa hiya tafoor
8. Takaadu tamayyazu minal ghaizi kullamaaa ulqiya feehaa fawjun sa alahum khazanatuhaaa alam yaatikum nazeer
9. Qaaloo balaa qad jaaa'anaa nazeerun fakazzabnaa wa qulnaa maa nazzalal laahu min shai in in antum illaa fee dalaalin kabeer
10. Wa qaaloo law kunnaa nasma'u awna'qilu maa kunnaa feee as haabis sa'eer
11. Fa'tarafoo bizambihim fasuhqal li as haabis sa'eer
12. Innal lazeena yakhshawna rabbahum bilghaibi lahum maghfiratunw wa ajrun kabeer
13. Wa asirroo qawlakum awijharoo bihee innahoo 'aleemum bizaatis sudoor
14. Alaa ya'lamu man khalaq wa huwal lateeful khabeer
15. Huwal lazee ja'ala lakumul arda zaloolan famshoo fee manaakibihaa wa kuloo mir rizqihee wa ilaihin nushoor
16. 'A-amintum man fissamaaa'i aiyakhsifa bi kumul arda fa izaa hiya tamoor
17. Am amintum man fissamaaa'i ai yursila 'alaikum haasiban fasata'lamoona kaifa nazeer
18. Wa laqad kazzabal lazeena min qablihim fakaifa kaana nakeer
19. Awalam yaraw ilat tairi fawqahum saaaffaatinw wa yaqbidna; maa yumsikuhunna illaar rahmaan; innahoo bikulli shai im baseer
20. Amman haazal lazee huwa jundul lakum yansurukum min doonir rahmaan; inilkaafiroona illaa fee ghuroor
21. Amman haazal lazee yarzuqukum in amsaka rizqah; bal lajjoo fee 'utuwwinw wa nufoor
22. Afamai yamshee mukibban 'alaa wajhihee ahdaaa ammany yamshee sawiyyan 'alaa siratim mustaqeem
23. Qul huwal lazee ansha akum wa ja'ala lakumus sam'a wal absaara wal af'idata qaleelam maa tashkuroon
24. Qul huwal lazee zara akum fil ardi wa ilaihi tuhsharoon
25. Wa yaqooloona mataa haazal wa'du in kuntum saadiqeen
26. Qul innamal 'ilmu 'indallaahi wa innamaaa ana nazeerum mubeen
27. Falaammaa ra-awhu zulfatan seee'at wujoohul lazeena kafaroo wa qeela haazal lazee kuntum bihee tadda'oon
28. Qul ara'aytum in ahlaka niyal laahu wa mam ma'iya aw rahimanaa famai-yujeerul kaafireena min 'azaabin aleem
29. Qul huwar rahmaanu aamannaa bihee wa 'alaihi tawakkalnaa fasata'lamoona man huwa fee dalaalim mubeen
30. Qul ara'aytum in asbaha maaa'ukum ghawran famai yaateekum bimaaa'im ma'een

HIDE ENGLISH -

1. Blessed be He in Whose hands is Dominion; and He over all things hath Power;-

2. He Who created Death and Life, that He may try which of you is best in deed: and He is the Exalted in Might, Oft-Forgiving;-

3. He Who created the seven heavens one above another: No want of proportion wilt thou see in the Creation of ((Allah)) Most Gracious. So turn thy vision again: seest thou any flaw?

4. Again turn thy vision a second time: (thy) vision will come back to thee dull and discomfited, in a state worn out.

5. And we have, (from of old), adorned the lowest heaven with Lamps, and We have made such (Lamps) (as) missiles to drive away the Evil Ones, and have prepared for them the Penalty of the Blazing Fire.

6. For those who reject their Lord (and Cherisher) is the Penalty of Hell: and evil is (such), Destination.

7. When they are cast therein, they will hear the (terrible) drawing in of its breath even as it blazes forth,

8. Almost bursting with fury: Every time a Group is cast therein, its Keepers will ask, "Did no Warner come to you?"

9. They will say: "Yes indeed; a Warner did come to us, but we rejected him and said, '(Allah) never sent down any (Message): ye are nothing but an egregious delusion!'"

10. They will further say: "Had we but listened or used our intelligence, we should not (now) be among the Companions of the Blazing Fire!"

11. They will then confess their sins: but far will be (Forgiveness) from the Companions of the Blazing Fire!

12. As for those who fear their Lord unseen, for them is Forgiveness and a great Reward.

13. And whether ye hide your word or publish it, He certainly has (full) knowledge, of the secrets of (all) hearts.

14. Should He not know,- He that created? and He is the One that understands the finest mysteries (and) is well-acquainted (with them).

15. It is He Who has made the earth manageable for you, so traverse ye through its tracts and enjoy of the Sustenance which He furnishes: but unto Him is the Resurrection.

16. Do ye feel secure that He Who is in heaven will not cause you to be swallowed up by the earth when it shakes (as in an earthquake)?

17. Or do ye feel secure that He Who is in Heaven will not send against you a violent tornado (with showers of stones), so that ye shall know how (terrible) was My warning?

18. But indeed men before them rejected (My warning): then how (terrible) was My rejection (of them)?

19. Do they not observe the birds above them, spreading their wings and folding them in? None can uphold them except ((Allah)) Most Gracious: Truly ((Allah)) Most Gracious: Truly it is He that watches over all things.

20. Nay, who is there that can help you, (even as) an army, besides ((Allah)) Most Merciful? In nothing but delusion are the Unbelievers.

21. Or who is there that can provide you with Sustenance if He were to withhold His provision? Nay, they obstinately persist in insolent impiety and flight (from the Truth).

22. Is then one who walks headlong, with his face grovelling, better guided,- or one who walks evenly on a Straight Way?

23. Say: "It is He Who has created you (and made you grow), and made for you the faculties of hearing, seeing, feeling and understanding: little thanks it is ye give.

24. Say: "It is He Who has multiplied you through the earth, and to Him shall ye be gathered together."

25. They ask: When will this promise be (fulfilled)? - If ye are telling the truth.

26. Say: "As to the knowledge of the time, it is with Allah alone: I am (sent) only to warn plainly in public."

27. At length, when they see it close at hand, grieved will be the faces of the Unbelievers, and it will be said (to them): "This is (the promise fulfilled), which ye were calling for!"

28. Say: "See ye?- If Allah were to destroy me, and those with me, or if He bestows His Mercy on us,- yet who can deliver the Unbelievers from a grievous Penalty?"

29. Say: "He is ((Allah)) Most Gracious: We have believed in Him, and on Him have we put our trust: So, soon will ye know which (of us) it is that is in manifest error."

30. Say: "See ye?- If your stream be some morning lost (in the underground earth), who then can supply you with clear-flowing water?"