The Holy Quran contains 114 Surahs, each with unique wisdom for Muslims to modify themselves and learn the righteous way to live their lives. Allah All-Mighty speaks to us through the Quran, guiding those who seek enlightenment, warnings for those who refuse to accept His message, and good news for those who follow His commands and are on the righteous path.
Each Surah of the Holy Quran is also associated with a benefit for the reciter. For instance, some Surahs are healers, some guard against Shirk, and some protect against bad omens. Today, we will discuss Surah Mulk, which translates to ‘Sovereignty’ or ‘Kingdom’.
There are various benefits of reciting this Surah, especially before sleeping, which we will highlight in this article. Let’s get started:
What is the Message of Surah Mulk?
Surah Al-Mulk is a Makki surah revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) before he migrated to Madinah. It talks about the prominence and sovereignty of Allah. In addition, it mentions how He created the Heavens and the earth effortlessly without any error or flaw.
The Surah also highlights that Allah All-Mighty created humans to walk on earth holding His rope (symbolic for guidance), and we should thank Him for all the blessings He has granted us.
The Surah also reflects on other topics, such as:
- Life and death
- Worldly trials
- The repercussions of one’s deeds in this world and the hereafter
It confirms that Allah All-Mighty is the Supreme, All-Knowing, and All-Seeing Power, and only He is the ultimate Provider who we must turn to in our hour of need.
Last but not least, Surah Mulk warns believers about the Hellfire. It cautions them to do righteous deeds and believe in the Oneness and Power of Allah. Overall, this beautiful Surah highlights Allah’s creation of life, His ultimate Power, and His warnings to those who disbelieve and go astray.
How Many Ayats Are in Surah Mulk?
It contains 30 ayats, 330 words, and 1300 letters. It is in the 29th Parah (Juz) and is the 67th Surah of the Holy Quran. It is the first Surah among the set of seven surahs that eventually concludes the Quran, i.e., Surah Mulk to Surah An-Nas.
The arrangement of the surahs in this group ultimately closes the topic of warning to believers, i.e., caution about Hellfire and the Day of Judgment.
What is Surah Mulk Recited for?
The reciter of this blessed Surah will be shielded from the blackness and torment of the grave and will be remunerated on the Day of Judgment. In short, it protects the reciter in this world, in the hereafter, and in between.
Why Should You Recite Surah Mulk Before Sleeping?
Here are three reasons why you should recite Surah Mulk before sleeping:
1. Protection in Grave
After a Muslim’s death, the grave is the body’s home till the day of Judgement. The dead person will be questioned in the grave about their faith and their deeds in the world. If they fail at this test, the gloom and darkness of the treacherous pit will be their punishment.
However, a ray of light will illuminate the graves of those who pass the test and were followers of the Quran and Sunnah. The darkness and torture of the grave will be unimaginable, and reciting Surah Mulk will protect the grave dwellers from the torment and loneliness of the sepulcher.
Ibn Abbas (RA) narrates that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said this about reciting Surah Al-Mulk:
“One of the companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) 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 (ﷺ) 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 (ﷺ) said: ‘It (Surah Al Mulk) is the defender, it is the deliverer – it delivers from the punishment of the grave.” (At-Tirmidhi: 2890)
2. Source of Forgiveness and Blessings
When recited at night just before sleeping, this blessed Surah helps believers gain blessings and rewards, washes away sins, and exalts status and good deeds.
It is narrated by Abu Hurairah (RA) that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“A surah of the Qur’an containing thirty verses will intercede for its reader till he will be forgiven. That is: ‘Tabarak Alladhi Biyadihil-Mulk (Blessed is He in Whose Hand is the Sovereignty)’ (Surah 67)”. (Abu-Dawud: 1400)
This Surah was also called Ma’ani (the preventive) during the time of the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) since it shields believers from Hellfire. Hazrat Jaabir ibn Abdullah Ansari (RA) narrated that:
“The beloved Holy Prophet (ﷺ) never slept without reciting Surah Alif Laam Meem Tanzeel (Surah Sajdah) and Surah Tabaarak (Surah Al-Mulk).” (Jami At-Tirmidhi: 2892)
3. Protection during Sleep
Whoever recites this Surah before sleeping will be protected by an angel as he sleeps since he is unable to protect himself in this state.
Conclusion for Why Should Muslims Read Surah Mulk before Sleeping
Every Surah in the Holy Quran was revealed with a significant message and purpose. From these narrations, it is obvious that reciting this beautiful Surah as a dua before sleep is similar to engaging an intimate and faithful friend who will vouch for you in the grave and seek forgiveness on your behalf on the Day of Judgment.
We can attain numerous blessings and stay protected from Hellfire by simply reciting these thirty verses daily before bedtime. So be sure to spread this message to your family and friends. Stay blessed!
