The surah Mulk, chapter 67 of the holy Quran, is very significant in light of Islamic teachings. This surah comprises 30 plus verses, also referred to as "The Sovereignty" or "Tabarak Alladhi Biyadihil Mulk" (تبارك الذي بيده الملك).
In this article, we will learn why Surah Mulk should be read, why it should be memorized, and the right time for reciting the Surah in the light of Qur'an and Hadith.
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The Importance of Surah Mulk
One of the companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) 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 (peace be upon him) and said, 'Oh Messenger 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 Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, It is the defender, it is the deliverer—it delivers from the punishment of the grave. (At-Tirmidhi)
This hadith highlights the virtue of Surah Al-Mulk as a protector from the punishment of the grave, emphasizing the blessings of regularly reciting it and its ability to intercede for the believer even after death.
1. A Source of Protection
Among all the blessings and privileges accruing through the recitation of this surah, the shield against the punishment of the grave is reposing in the scale pan of Surah Mulk.
إِنَّ سُورَةً فِى الْقُرْآنِ ثَلاثُونَ آيَةً، شَفَعَتْ لِصَاحِبِهَا حَتَّى غُفِرَ لَهُ
There is a Surah in the Quran containing thirty verses that kept interceding for its companion until he is forgiven. It is Surah Mulk. (Ibn Majah)
This hadith emphasises the intercession of the surah on the Day of Standing. It will guard its reciter from the punishment of the grave and request Allah's forgiveness and mercy for him.
2. Zikr of Allah and His Majesty of Creative Power
In Surah Mulk, Muslims are helped to turn their thoughts skywards and to the earth and everything in between and provided with a few examples of what they should marvel at. It is helpful to present the Creator's authority and dominion over all aspects of life into one's mind. Allah says in the Quran:
الَّذِي خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ فِى سِتَّةِ أَيَّامٍ وَمَا مَسَّنَا مِن لُّغُوبٍ
It is He who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and no weariness touched us. (Quran: 50:38)
This verse calls for contemplation of the perfection of Allah's work and the greatness of creation. Surah Mulk invites the believers to open their eyes, see the testimonies of Allah's might, and think deeply about Allah’s plan and infinite kindness in His creation.
The Importance of Reciting Surah Al Mulk
1. Safeguarding from the Sting of Death
As mentioned before, Surah Mulk is famous for its warding capabilities, particularly from the punishment of the grave. The Prophet Muhammad (s) underlined it in a Hadith, so Muslims are advised to read this Surah frequently.
2. Religious Faith and Personal Contemplation
Reciting Surah Mulk daily assists in developing one’s faith (Iman). It reminds one that Allah controls everything that takes place in the universe. The Surah recommends considering the objects of nature, life, and death. This increases the believer’s spirituality by increasing his or her consciousness of his or her relationship with Allah and duty and destiny in life.
Why You Should Memorize Surah Mulk
1. Ease of Memorization
The Surah Mulk, consisting of thirty-five verses, including short and influential verses, is comparatively easy to memorize. Numerous academicians advise people to learn it because it has many spiritual benefits.
2. A Daily Habit
Incorporating Surah Mulk into prayer timing would have a positive impact on one's life in terms of a practice of remembering Allah's attributes. Repeating Surah Mulk right before bed or after waking up for Fajr or any other times you pray makes this Surah a regular part of your daily practice.
3. Preparation for Nightly Sunnah
It is narrated that the prophet (peace be upon him) would not sleep until he recited Alif Lam Mim Tanzil (Surah Sajdah) and Tabarak Alladhi Biyadihil-Mulk (Surah Mulk).
By memorizing the Surah Mulk, it becomes easier to practice the prophet's nightly Sunnah. Reciting it every night before sleep brings enormous rewards, and reading just 30 verses is a small effort, especially once you have memorized it. It takes only a few minutes to recite, yet the rewards are immense.
When is the best time to read Surah Mulk?
1. Before bedtime
It has been narrated numerous times in ahadiths that the prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized reciting Surah Mulk before sleeping. The Prophet advised this act to help guard one from the devil and bring blessings when one is at rest.
2. During Prayer
Surah Mulk can be read when offering night prayers or at the time of Fajr prayers. It is a constant reminder of Allah's existence and helps one stay reminded of Allah during the day.
Conclusion
Surah Mulk, the Quran chapter, contains many wise lessons and religious advantages. It shields the believer from the punishment of the grave and urges the one who recites it on the day of judgment. In other words, when a Muslim reads, thinks, and memorizes Surah Mulk, his faith will improve, and his relationship with Allah will be sweeter.
It is possible to accumulate countless blessings in this world and in the hereafter if this Surah is read daily and incorporated into one's daily schedule before going to sleep or at certain prayer times.
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