Revelation Of Surah Mulk: Translation & Spiritual Lessons

The period of revelation of Surah Mulk is said to be the early period of Mecca. This was a time when disbelief, polytheism, oppression, and arrogance were common in Mecca. The leaders of Quraysh were proud of their wealth, and denied the life in Hereafter. In this context, Allah Almighty revealed this Surah to warn people that

The spiritual impact of the Holy Quran

The first Surah of the 30th chapter of the Holy Quran is Surah Tabaraka Allazi commonly known as Surah e Mulk. This is a Meccan Surah, meaning it was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) in Mecca and consists of 30 verses.

The word Al-Mulk means kingdom or government. This Surah reminds us that the true King of the entire universe is only Allah Almighty, in whose hands is life, death, honor, humiliation, sustenance, and the end of everything.

”In whose hand is the kingdom, He has power over life and death, so that He may test you as to which of you is best in deed (Surah Mulk: Verse 2)”.

This Surah came to Meccan society with a message of encouragement and consolation for the believers and a warning and lesson for the disbelievers. According to the scholars of exegesis, the main theme of Surah e Mulk consists of three points:

1. The power and kingdom of Allah

2. The philosophy of life and death

3. Reminder of the Hereafter and fear of punishment

The main Theme of Surah Mulk Revelation

At the beginning of this Surah, the greatness of Allah Almighty and the amazing aspects of creation are mentioned. Then, man is invited to contemplate the heavens and the earth, the birds, the rain, and the system of nature. Finally, the people of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) are warned of the punishment of the Hereafter. This Surah strengthens the foundation of faith in every aspect, namely, that Allah is the Creator of everything and man is accountable to Him.

Surah e Al Mulk Verse Translation and Interpretation

For understanding the pupose of revelation of this chapter,it is essenrial to learn the verse by verse explanation of the Ayats from Arabic into English.You can also read Tafsir of surah Al Mulk In English

Verse 1

تَبَارَكَ الَّذِي بِيَدِهِ الْمُلْكُ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

”Blessed is He in whose hand is the kingdom, and He has power over all things.”

Commentary

This verse describes the greatness and absolute power of Allah Almighty. Tabarak means extremely blessed and exalted. Allah Almighty is the true King of the universe. All authority is in His hands. No king is His partner, nor can any power move without His command. This verse clarifies the fact that the system of both this world and the Hereafter operates only by the command of Allah.

Verse 2

الَّذِي خَلَقَ الْمَوْتَ وَالْحَيَاةَ لِيَبْلُوَكُمْ أَيُّكُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْغَفُورُ

”He who created death and life, that He may test you as to which of you is best in deed, and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving.”

Commentary

It is stated here that both death and life are the creation of Allah, and their purpose is a test. Man was given life so that he could reveal his true nature through his actions. Death is a reminder that the end is before Allah. Two of the attributes of Allah are mentioned here: Al-Aziz, He is the Almighty; no one can compete with Him. Al-Ghafoor, He is the Forgiving. If a servant repents, He forgives him. This creates a balance so that a person is neither disappointed nor arrogant.

Verse 3

الَّذِي خَلَقَ سَبْعَ سَمَاوَاتٍ طِبَاقًا ۖ مَا تَرَىٰ فِي خَلْقِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ مِن تَفَاوُتٍ ۖ فَارْجِعِ الْبَصَرَ هَلْ تَرَىٰ مِن فُطُورٍ

”Who created the seven heavens, one above the other, you will not see any disorder in the creation of the Most Gracious. Look up, do you see any flaw?”

Commentary

This verse is evidence of Allah’s power of creation. The system of the seven heavens is so well-organized and balanced that no defect or weakness is visible. Allah is inviting man to contemplate and understand that this system is not established by chance, but by the will of a great Creator. Fitur means a crack or a disruption, meaning there is no flaw in Allah’s creation.

Verse 4

ثُمَّ ارْجِعِ الْبَصَرَ كَرَّتَيْنِ يَنقَلِبْ إِلَيْكَ الْبَصَرُ خَاسِئًا وَهُوَ حَسِيرٌ

”Then look again and again, your eyes will return tired, helpless, and unable to see any flaw.”

Commentary

This verse emphasizes that even if a person ponders over and over again, he will still not be able to find any flaw or deficiency in Allah’s creation. This universe is based on perfect order and wisdom.”Khasa” means imperfect, “hasira” means tired – that is, the human eye will get tired, but no flaw will be found in the universe. This verse describes the depth of Allah’s craftsmanship and power.

Verse 5

وَلَقَدْ زَيَّنَّا السَّمَاءَ الدُّنْيَا بِمَصَابِيحَ وَجَعَلْنَاهَا رُجُومًا لِّلشَّيَاطِينِ وَأَعْتَدْنَا لَهُمْ عَذَابَ السَّعِيرِ

”And We have certainly adorned the nearest heaven with lamps (stars), and made them a means of striking the devils, and We have prepared for them the punishment of a blazing fire.”

Commentary

This verse describes the adornment of the worldly heaven and the purposes of the stars:

Zinat: The heaven is adorned with stars.

رُجومًا للشياطين

Some stars or meteors are shot at those jinn and devils who want to steal the news of the heavens.

Punishment: The punishment of Hell is prepared for those devils who disobey Allah’s command.

This verse reminds us that Allah’s command has created everything in the universe for a specific purpose.

Verse 6

وَلِلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا بِرَبِّهِمْ عَذَابُ جَهَنَّمَ ۖ وَبِئْسَ الْمَصِيرُ

”And those who deny their Lord, for them is the punishment of Hell, and what an evil destination it is.”

Commentary

This verse describes the fate of the disbelievers.

”Those who deny the Oneness of Allah and His Commands, Hell has been prepared for them in the Hereafter.”

“Bays al-Masir” – the most evil destination – shows that the disbelievers deserve such a fate because of their stubbornness and arrogance.

Allah Almighty is warning man that the result of disobedience in this world is eternal disgrace in the Hereafter.

Verse 7

إِذَا أُلْقُوا فِيهَا سَمِعُوا لَهَا شَهِيقًا وَهِيَ تَفُورُ

”When they are thrown into it (Hell), they will hear its roaring, while it (Hell) is seething.”

Commentary:

This verse presents the terrifying scene of Hell.

“Shaqiqa” means a terrifying sound like the neighing of a horse, meaning that Hell will be seething with rage.

“Tafur” means to boil, to boil — like water rising when boiling.

This scene describes how Hell will draw the disbelievers towards itself with its intensity and fury, as if it were angry with them.

Verse 8

تَكَادُ تَمَيَّزُ مِنَ الْغَيْظِ ۖ كُلَّمَا أُلْقِيَ فِيهَا فَوْجٌ سَأَلَهُمْ خَزَنَتُهَا أَلَمْ يَأْتِكُمْ نَذِيرٌ

”It (Hell) will be about to burst with rage, whenever a group is thrown into it, its guards will ask them: “Did no warner come to you?”

Commentary:

The fury of Hell will be so intense that it will seem as if it is about to burst.

Every time a group of disbelievers is thrown into it, the angels (guardians) of Hell will ask them:

“Didn’t a prophet or messenger warn you in the world?”

This question will be a reproach and shame, so that the seriousness of their crime and the reality of their disobedience will be revealed.

Verse 9

قَالُوا بَلَىٰ قَدْ جَاءَنَا نَذِيرٌ فَكَذَّبْنَا وَقُلْنَا مَا نَزَّلَ اللَّهُ مِن شَيْءٍ ۖ إِنْ أَنتُمْ إِلَّا فِي ضَلَالٍ كَبِيرٍ

”They will say: No, indeed, a warner came to us, but we denied him and said: Allah has not sent down anything, you are only in great error.”

Commentary:

This verse shows the confession of the disbelievers.

In the Hereafter, they themselves will believe that a prophet came, but We denied him and said, “They are the ones who are astray.”

This confession will occur when repentance will be of no use.

This verse serves as a lesson and a warning for the people of the world to take the message of Allah seriously and act upon it.

Verse 10

وَقَالُوا لَوْ كُنَّا نَسْمَعُ أَوْ نَعْقِلُ مَا كُنَّا فِي أَصْحَابِ السَّعِيرِ

”And they will say, “If only we had listened or used reason, as we were among the companions of the Messenger of Allah.”

Commentary:

This verse expresses the feelings of regret and remorse.

After entering Hell, they will regret that if they had listened to the Quran, pondered over the advice of the prophets, and judged wisely, they would not have seen this end today.

This verse makes it clear that the cause of Hell is ignoring what they have heard and not using their reason.

Islam is a religion of listening, understanding, and acting. Salvation is not achieved by just hearing, but by understanding and believing.

Verse 11

فَاعْتَرَفُوا بِذَنبِهِمْ فَسُحْقًا لِأَصْحَابِ السَّعِيرِ

”Then they will confess their sins, and then they will be crushed for the companions of the Fire.”

Commentary:

This verse is in continuation of the previous verses, where the disbelievers confess their mistake.

But at that time, confession will not be of any use to them, because the time for repentance has passed.

The word “فَسُحْقًا” means “to cast away” — that is, to be far from the mercy of Allah.

This verse reminds us that the time for repentance and reformation is in this world.

Verse 12

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَخْشَوْنَ رَبَّهُم بِالْغَيْبِ لَهُم مَّغْفِرَةٌ وَأَجْرٌ كَبِيرٌ

”Indeed, those who fear their Lord in the unseen, for them is forgiveness and a great reward.”

Commentary:

Here, the believers are mentioned.

The believers are those who fear Allah in the unseen – that is, they have not seen Paradise or Hell, but they believe.

For such people, Allah Almighty has promised two rewards:

Forgiveness – forgiveness of sins

A great reward – the blessings of Paradise

This verse is evidence that true faith is that which is not based on showing off, but on belief in the unseen.

Verse 13

وَأَسِرُّوا قَوْلَكُمْ أَوِ اجْهَرُوا بِهِ ۖ إِنَّهُ عَلِيمٌ بِذَاتِ الصُّدُورِ

”And keep your words secret or make them public. Indeed, He is knowledgeable of the breasts.”

Commentary:

This verse shows the absolute knowledge of Allah.

If a person keeps something in his heart or says it with his tongue, Allah is aware of everything.

It warns us that a person should be sincere in his actions and intentions, because Allah knows not only the outward actions, but also the intentions of the heart.

Verse 14

أَلَا يَعْلَمُ مَنْ خَلَقَ وَهُوَ اللَّطِيفُ الْخَبِيرُ

”Does not He who created know, and He is the Subtle, the All-Knowing.”

Commentary:

This question emphasizes the power and knowledge of Allah.

How can He, the Creator, not know every condition of His creation?

“Al Lateef” means the All-Knowing,

“Al-Khabir” means the All-Aware.

This verse reinforces the belief that Allah is not only aware of the visible but also of the hidden.

Verse 15

هُوَ الَّذِي جَعَلَ لَكُمُ الْأَرْضَ ذَلُولًا فَامْشُوا فِي مَنَاكِبِهَا وَكُلُوا مِن رِّزْقِهِ ۖ وَإِلَيْهِ النُّشُورُ

”He it is Who has made the earth for you in humiliation, so walk in its paths and eat of its provision, and to Him is the return.”

Commentary:

This verse mentions the blessings of Allah for man.

Allah has made the earth so that man can walk on it, cultivate it, and obtain sustenance.

“So walk in its paths” means travel to the ends of the earth – for knowledge, trade, and sustenance.

Finally, it is reminded that all return is to Allah, meaning that the Day of Reckoning and the Day of Judgment are inevitable.

Verse 16

أَأَمِنتُم مَّن فِي السَّمَاءِ أَن يَخْسِفَ بِكُمُ الْأَرْضَ فَإِذَا هِيَ تَمُورُ

”Do you believe that He who is in the heavens will not swallow you up with the earth, and when it swallows you up, then it will swallow you up.”

Commentary:

This verse is a warning against human arrogance and negligence.

Allah asks: Have you become so careless that you deny the power of the earth to swallow you up?

This is a reference to the events of the people of Qarun and the people of Lot, who were swallowed up by the earth.

Verse 17

أَمْ أَمِنتُم مَّن فِي السَّمَاءِ أَن يُرْسِلَ عَلَيْكُمْ حَاصِبًا ۖ فَسَتَعْلَمُونَ كَيْفَ نَذِيرِ

”Do you believe that He who is in the heavens will not send upon you a hailstone, so you will know how to warn?”

Commentary:

This verse describes another form of Allah’s control.

If the earth does not swallow it, He can send hailstones or a storm from the sky – as He did upon the people of Lot and Ad.

Allah warns man that there is no refuge from His punishment except through faith and obedience.

Verse 18

وَلَقَدْ كَذَّبَ الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ فَكَيْفَ كَانَ نَكِيرِ

”And indeed those before them denied, and how they were disobedient.”

Explanation:

This verse cites the example of the previous nations—

Noah, Ad, Thamud, and Pharaoh—who denied the prophets and were subject to divine punishment.

This historical reference warns man that the law of Allah never changes.

Verse 19

أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا إِلَى الطَّيْرِ فَوْقَهُمْ صَافَّاتٍ وَيَقْبِضْنَ ۚ مَا يُمْسِكُهُنَّ إِلَّا الرَّحْمَٰنُ ۚ إِنَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ بَصِيرٌ

”They did not see the flight above them, and they grasped it.”

Commentary:

This verse describes one of the signs of divine power.

The birds flying in the air are a sign of God’s order — no string, no scaffolding, but they remain in balance.

All this is by the power of Rahman.

If a person thinks about it, everything bears witness to the power of Allah.

Verse 20

أَمَّنْ هَٰذَا الَّذِي هُوَ جُندٌ لَّكُمْ يَنصُرُكُم مِّن دُونِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ ۚ إِنِ الْكَافِرُونَ إِلَّا فِي غُرُورٍ

”Is this a force that can help you except the Most Gracious? Indeed, the disbelievers are only in delusion.”

Commentary:

This verse breaks down human arrogance.

Allah says that if He does not will, no army or power of yours can save you.

“Ghurur” means self-deception – the disbelievers rely on their own strength, but in reality, they are in a misunderstanding.

In reality, help comes only from Allah, and whoever turns away from Him, then he causes his own loss.

Verse 21

أَمَّنْ هَٰذَا الَّذِي يَرْزُقُكُمْ إِنْ أَمْسَكَ رِزْقَهُ ۚ بَل لَّجُّوا فِي عُتُوٍّ وَنُفُورٍ

”Is this He Who provides for you if you withhold His provision? Rather, they seek refuge in a state of elation and aversion.”

Commentary:

Allah Almighty explains the reality of provision here.

Man thinks that he earns his own livelihood through hard work, but in reality, it is only Allah who provides.

malik’If He wills, He can withhold the rain and make the earth barren – there is no provision left.’If He wills, He can withhold the rain and make the earth barren – there is no provision left.

But the disbelievers have become so blind in their rebellion that they do not thank Allah.

Verse 22

اَفَمَنۡ يَّمۡشِىۡ مُكِبًّا عَلٰى وَجۡهِهٖۤ اَهۡدٰٓى اَمَّنۡ يَّمۡشِىۡ سَوِيًّا عَلٰى صِرَاطٍ مُّسۡتَقِيۡمٍ

”Is he who walks crookedly on his face guided, or he who walks straight on a straight path.”

Commentary:

This is a warning in the form of an example.

“The one who walks crookedly on his face” means the one who is astray – that is, the one who turns away from the truth.

While “the one who walks straightly on the straight path” means the one who walks forward with faith and knowledge.

This verse clearly shows the difference between the paths of faith and disbelief.

Verse 23

قُلۡ هُوَ الَّذِىۡۤ اَنۡشَاَكُمۡ وَجَعَلَ لَـكُمُ السَّمۡعَ وَالۡاَبۡصَارَ وَ الۡاَفۡـئِدَةَ ​ ؕ قَلِيۡلًا مَّا تَشۡكُرُوۡنَ‏ 

”Say: It is He who created you and made for you hearing, sight and benefit. Little do you give thanks.”

Commentary:

This verse mentions the creation and capabilities of man.

Allah has given us ears, eyes and a heart (mind) so that we can recognize the truth.

But alas! Most people waste these blessings on worldly pleasures instead of remembering Allah.

This verse teaches gratitude, that every blessing should be recognized and used properly with faith.

Verse 24

قُلۡ هُوَ الَّذِىۡ ذَرَاَكُمۡ فِى الۡاَرۡضِ وَاِلَيۡهِ تُحۡشَرُوۡنَ

”Say: It is He Who has spread you on the earth and to Him you will be gathered.”

Commentary:

This verse is a reminder of the cycle of life and death.

Allah has spread us on the earth – generation after generation – but one day all will return to Him.

This verse informs us of the gathering on the Day of Judgment, from which no one will be able to escape.

Verse 25

وَيَقُوۡلُوۡنَ مَتٰى هٰذَا الۡوَعۡدُ اِنۡ كُنۡتُمۡ صٰدِقِيۡنَ‏

”And they say, “When is this promise, if you are truthful?”

Commentary:

This verse describes the mockery of the disbelievers.

They used to ask the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) in jest, “When will the Hour come?”

In their hearts there is no faith, but denial and mockery.

This has always been the attitude of the disbelievers, that they doubt the promises of Allah.

Verse 26

قُلۡ اِنَّمَا الۡعِلۡمُ عِنۡدَ اللّٰهِ وَاِنَّمَاۤ اَنَا نَذِيۡرٌ مُّبِيۡنٌ‏

Say: “Knowledge is only with Allah, and I am only a clear warner.”

Commentary:

Here the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was commanded to reply: “The time of the Hour is with Allah, no one else knows it.”

The Prophet’s (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) job is only to make people aware and to warn, so that they may repent.

This verse clarifies the principle that knowledge of the unseen is with Allah alone.

Verse 27

فَلَمَّا رَاَوۡهُ زُلۡفَةً سِیْٓـئَتۡ وُجُوۡهُ الَّذِيۡنَ كَفَرُوۡا وَقِيۡلَ هٰذَا الَّذِىۡ كُنۡتُمۡ بِهٖ تَدَّعُوۡنَ

”When they saw him, the faces of the disbelievers were disfigured, and it was said, “This is the Day of Judgment or the punishment of this world.”

Commentary:

This verse describes the sudden appearance of the Hour or the punishment of this world.

When that Day comes, the faces of the disbelievers will be black and disfigured with fear.

It will be said to them, “This is the one you used to mock!”

This scene will be a moment of great humiliation for the disbelievers.

Verse 28

قُلۡ اَرَءَيۡتُمۡ اِنۡ اَهۡلَـكَنِىَ اللّٰهُ وَمَنۡ مَّعِىَ اَوۡ رَحِمَنَا ۙ فَمَنۡ يُّجِيۡرُ الۡكٰفِرِيۡنَ مِنۡ عَذَابٍ اَلِيۡمٍ

Say, “Have you considered that if Allah were to destroy me and those with me, or had mercy on us, then who would save the disbelievers from a painful punishment?”

Commentary:

This verse clarifies the belief in monotheism.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) says: “If Allah were to save us (the believers) or test us, it would not benefit the disbelievers.

The punishment for their denial would be with them.”

This verse shows that salvation is only possible through faith, not through any relationship or nationality.

Verse 29

قُلۡ هُوَ الرَّحۡمٰنُ اٰمَنَّا بِهٖ وَعَلَيۡهِ تَوَكَّلۡنَا​ۚ فَسَتَعۡلَمُوۡنَ مَنۡ هُوَ فِىۡ ضَلٰلٍ مُّبِيۡنٍ

”Say: He is the Most Gracious. We believe in Him and on Him we rely. Then you will know who is in clear error.”

Commentary:

This verse is a declaration of faith by the believers.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and the believers are of the view that they believe only in the Most Gracious and rely on Him.

This conveys the message that believers do not lose faith in Allaah even in difficult situations.

At the end, Allaah says: Soon you will know who is in clear error.

Verse 30

 قُلۡ اَرَءَيۡتُمۡ اِنۡ اَصۡبَحَ مَآؤُكُمۡ غَوۡرًا فَمَنۡ يَّاۡتِيۡكُمۡ بِمَآءٍ مَّعِيۡنٍ

Say, “Have you considered that if your water becomes a source of thirst, then who will bring you a certain water?”

Commentary:

This is the final verse that breaks down human arrogance.

If Allah stops water—the foundation of life—no power can bring it back.

This verse is a reminder of Allah’s power, man’s neediness, and His mercy.

It teaches us gratitude, humility, and trust.

Authentic Hadiths about Surah Malik

1. Salvation from the torment of the grave

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: Surah Tabarak, meaning Surah Malik, intercedes for a person until he is forgiven. (Sunan Tirmidhi: 2891)

2. Surah Guardian of the Grave

It is narrated from Hazrat Ibn Abbas that this Surah protects its reciter in the grave, to the point that the punishment of the grave is averted from him (Ibn Majah: 3786).

3. Emphasis on recitation at night

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever recites Surah Malik every night, Allah will protect him from the punishment of the grave.” (Musnad Ahmad: 7634)

Scholars’ Quotes

1. Imam Qurtubi (RA) says:

“This Surah is the foundation of faith, action, and contemplation —

Whoever understands it from the heart, his life changes.”

2. Imam Fakhruddin Razi (RA) writes:

“Surah Al-Malik is a bridge between reason and faith,

which leads the servant to the knowledge of God.”

3. According to Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Saadi (RA):

“Reciting this Surah creates fear of God and preparation for the Hereafter in man.”

FAQs

Conclusion

The message of Surah Mulk is the reality of life, the power of Allah, and the accountability of the Hereafter. This Surah teaches us that the purpose of life is not just to live, but to live with good deeds. Whoever recites Surah Malik every night with faith and certainty, Allah Almighty protects him from the punishment of the grave, illuminates his heart with peace and the light of faith, and makes him worthy of Paradise in the Hereafter. May Allah Almighty grant us the ability to understand Surah Malik, act upon it, and receive its blessings and blessings. Amen, O Lord of the Worlds.