Surah Mulk | Background
By Khadija R.
I will be sharing my notes from an amazing course that I took at Keys to Knowledge titled, Preparing for the Grave: Arabic Analysis and Memorization of Surah Mulk. This will be a way for me to review and look back at my notes, and share some with you all as well, in shaa Allah.
Firstly, the importance of Surah Mulk!
The punishments listed are spine-chilling. The idea of being six feet under in a closed casket in itself seems frightening enough, but to have the possibility of receiving these punishments makes it insanely horrifying. BUT, we are taught a means of seeking safety and security from the punishments of the grave: to recite Surah Mulk every night, as is reported in this Hadith from the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم.
“There is a surah in the Qur’an, with thirty verses, which will intercede for its companion (the one who recites it) until he is forgiven: Tabarakal-ladhi bi yadihil mulk (Blessed is He in Whose Hand is the Dominion).” [Sunan Ibn Majah 3786]
Names and titles of Surah Mulk:
اَلْمَانِعَة – (al manee’ah) the preventer (prevents a person from being punished in the grave)
اَلْمَـنْجِيَّة – (al manjeeyah) salvation/saves -> surah argues on one’s behalf
اَلْوَاقِيَة – (al waqiyah) the shield -> comes from the word reqayah which means “shield”
Background:
The surah is Makki which means it was revealed before Hijrah; these surahs are shorter in comparison to Madani surahs. During this time many of the people were still arrogant and followed the ways of their fathers and forefathers, so Makki surahs are more powerful and stern in order to build tawheed and aqeedah, which can be seen all throughout the surah.
Themes:
1) Evidences for Allah’s Oneness and Might, and 2) His bounty and mercy upon slaves. This surah also 3) highlights the origination of creation, and 4) the condition of the believers and disbelievers on the Day of Judgment.
Remember death is inevitable, so read, reflect over, and act upon the verses to safeguard yourself. It doesn’t take more than 5 minutes, so be sure to add this to your nightly routine!
Keys To Knowledge 