Surah Al-MulkBenefits & Virtues
Surah Al-Mulk is a Meccan surah of 30 verses on Allah's sovereignty, creation and accountability. It has comparatively well-attested virtue reports.
What this surah teaches
- 1That all dominion belongs to Allah, who created death and life to test which of us is best in deeds.
- 2Reflection on the seven heavens and the order of creation, with a call to look again.
- 3The regret of those who rejected the warnings, as described in the scenes of the Fire.
- 4The reminder that water, sustenance and security are all in Allah's hands.
Reported virtues, with source and grading
“A surah of thirty verses intercedes for its reciter until he is forgiven: Tabarak alladhi bi-yadihi al-mulk.”
Source: Jami' at-Tirmidhi, Sunan Abi Dawud, Sunan Ibn Majah
Grading: Graded hasan (acceptable) by al-Tirmidhi and authenticated by later scholars including al-Albani. Not in Sahih al-Bukhari or Sahih Muslim, so a lower tier than those two.
“The Prophet ﷺ would not sleep until he had recited Alif-Lam-Mim Tanzil (As-Sajdah) and Tabarak (Al-Mulk).”
Source: Jami' at-Tirmidhi
Grading: Reported practice. Described here as something the Prophet ﷺ is reported to have done, not as an obligation.
“Some narrations describe it as al-Mani'ah, the one that prevents or protects from the punishment of the grave.”
Source: Reported through al-Hakim and others
Grading: Authenticated by al-Hakim and al-Dhahabi. As with other reports outside the two Sahih collections, scholars grade the individual versions differently.
How to read this page
We keep three things apart: what the Quran itself says, what is reported in hadith (with its collection and grading), and what is only popular practice. A virtue report describes a recommended deed and does not make it obligatory. For rulings or personal practice, ask a qualified scholar. Our approach is explained on the about page.
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of reading Surah Al-Mulk?
Surah Al-Mulk is a Meccan surah of 30 verses on Allah's sovereignty, creation and accountability. It has comparatively well-attested virtue reports. Reported virtues with a source and grading are listed on this page, including: Jami' at-Tirmidhi, Sunan Abi Dawud, Sunan Ibn Majah; Jami' at-Tirmidhi.
Are the hadith about Surah Al-Mulk authentic?
The reports listed on this page are given with their source and grading. Where a report is not in Sahih al-Bukhari or Sahih Muslim, that is stated.
Is it obligatory to recite Surah Al-Mulk on a particular day or time?
No. Virtue reports describe what is recommended or reported, not an obligation. Obligatory recitation is limited to Al-Fatiha in the prayer. For personal practice, consult a qualified scholar.