(Four Surahs’ Series – Part Two)

Surah Mulk, commonly known by many as Surah Tabaarak, is the first surah of the twenty-ninth juz (para) of the Quraan Majeed. It is just less than three and a half pages in length. Accordingly, its daily recitation and even its memorization are extremely easy.

As with Surah Yaseen, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned regarding Surah Mulk, “I certainly wish that it (Surah Mulk) be in the heart of every individual of my Ummah.” (Tabraani – Majma‘uz Zawaaid #11477)

The importance of this surah can also be gauged by the fact that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) would recite it every night. (Sunan Tirmizi #2892)

Some of the special virtues and benefits of reciting Surah Mulk are:

Protection from the Punishment of the Grave:

Sayyiduna Ibnu ‘Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) reports that on one occasion, a Sahaabi of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) pitched his tent somewhere without realizing that he had pitched his tent on a grave. After erecting his tent, he suddenly heard, from the ground, the voice of a person reciting the entire Surah Mulk. The Sahaabi then went to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and explained what he had witnessed. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) remarked, “It (Surah Mulk) is the surah that protects and the surah that saves – it saves the reciter from the punishment of the grave.” (Sunan Tirmizi #2890)

Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah bin Mas‘ood (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that in the blessed era of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), we (the Sahaabah [radhiyallahu ‘anhum]) would refer to Surah Mulk as “Al-Maani‘ah” (that which protects from the punishment in the grave). Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah bin Mas‘ood (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) also mentioned that Surah Mulk is such a great surah that the one who recites it in the night has indeed done a lot and has done very well. (Tabraani – Majma‘uz Zawaa’id #11479)

Intercession for Forgiveness:

Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned, “Indeed there is a great surah of the Quraan Majeed which consists of thirty verses. It will intercede for a person (who recites it punctually) until he gains forgiveness. This surah is Surah Tabaarak.” (Sunan Tirmizi #2891)

From the above ahaadeeth, we understand that we should all make it a point to recite Surah Mulk every night. This was the blessed habit of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) himself, and furthermore, regular recitation of this surah will assist us in the grave by protecting us from punishment.

Since this surah is relatively short, it will take just a few minutes to recite. May Allah Ta‘ala assist us to be punctual on the recitation of this Surah together with Surah Yaseen.