Surah Mulk - Protection from the Punishment of the Grave
The virtue of reciting Surah Al-Mulk nightly, as taught in the Hadith.
Surah Al-Mulk is among the surahs with the best-attested virtue reports, and many Muslims recite it every night. This article lays out what the reports say, how each is graded, and how to read the surah with its meaning.
Quick answer
A surah of thirty verses that intercedes for its reciter until he is forgiven is reported in Jami' at-Tirmidhi, Sunan Abi Dawud and Sunan Ibn Majah, and has been graded acceptable (hasan) by al-Tirmidhi and authenticated by later scholars. That the Prophet ﷺ would not sleep until reciting it is reported in Jami' at-Tirmidhi. The description of it as al-Mani'ah, a protection from the punishment of the grave, is also reported and was authenticated by al-Hakim and al-Dhahabi. None of these are in Sahih al-Bukhari or Sahih Muslim, which is the highest tier.
About the surah
Surah Al-Mulk (67) is a Meccan surah of 30 verses, also called Tabarak after its first word. It opens by declaring that all dominion is in Allah's hand and that He created death and life to test which of us is best in deeds. It invites us to look at the heavens again and again, "and your sight will return to you humbled and exhausted," describes the regret of those who denied warnings, and closes with questions about water, our sustenance and our security, all of which are in Allah's hands. Read it on our Surah Al-Mulk page with Urdu and English translation.
The reports and their grading
Intercession
The Prophet ﷺ said that there is a surah of the Quran of thirty verses that will intercede for its companion until he is forgiven: "Blessed is He in whose hand is dominion" (Tabarak). It is recorded in Jami' at-Tirmidhi (graded hasan), Sunan Abi Dawud and Sunan Ibn Majah. Scholars including al-Albani authenticated it.
The Prophet's ﷺ habit
Jabir reported that the Prophet ﷺ would not sleep until he had recited Alif-Lam-Mim Tanzil (As-Sajdah) and Tabarak (Al-Mulk). It is recorded in Jami' at-Tirmidhi. It is a report of what he did, so it is best described as a recommended practice, not an obligation.
Protection from the grave's punishment
Some narrations describe the surah as al-Mani'ah, the one that prevents or protects from the punishment of the grave. Al-Hakim and al-Dhahabi authenticated a version, and it is generally regarded as acceptable, while scholars grade individual versions differently.
What is not established
- "It is a barrier from Hellfire for each of its thirty verses." This does not appear in the reports above. Do not attribute it to the Prophet ﷺ.
- "Reading it once guarantees you will avoid the grave's punishment." The reports describe intercession and protection with Allah's permission, and they do not remove the need for faith, prayer and good deeds.
How to make it a habit
- Choose a fixed moment, such as after Isha or just before sleep.
- Read the translation so that the reminder reaches you. Verses 2 and 3 on creation, 15 on walking the earth for provision, and 30 on water are rich for reflection.
- Pair it with the Sunnah evening duas. See duas before sleeping.
- If memorising, split it into three sections of ten verses and learn one every few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Surah Mulk authentically reported to protect from the grave's punishment?
A narration describing it as al-Mani'ah is reported and was authenticated by al-Hakim and al-Dhahabi, though it is not in Sahih al-Bukhari or Sahih Muslim. It is described as protection with Allah's permission.
Did the Prophet ﷺ really read Al-Mulk every night?
Jabir reported in Jami' at-Tirmidhi that he would not sleep until reciting As-Sajdah and Al-Mulk. It is a reported practice and not an obligation.
How many verses does Surah Al-Mulk have?
Thirty, and the intercession hadith refers to a surah of thirty verses.
Can I read it from memory or from the mushaf?
Either. Recitation from memory or from a printed or digital Quran is rewarded. If you can, read with the meaning.
What if I cannot read Arabic?
Listen to the recitation and follow the transliteration and translation on our Surah Al-Mulk page while you learn.