Reciting Surah Al-Mulk (Surah 67) before sleeping has several spiritual, emotional, and practical benefits, rooted in Islamic tradition and supported by various hadiths:
1. Protection from the Punishment of the Grave
- Hadith Evidence: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "There is a surah in the Qur'an of thirty verses which will intercede for a man until he is forgiven. It is: ‘Blessed is He in Whose Hand is the dominion.’" (Sunan Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi)
- Benefit: Reciting Surah Al-Mulk protects the reciter from the torment of the grave by acting as an intercessor.
2. Gaining Allah’s Pleasure
- Surah Al-Mulk reflects Allah's sovereignty and power, which can inspire deep humility and gratitude in the believer. Reciting it consistently is a means of earning Allah’s favor and blessings.
3. Strengthened Faith and Reflection
- The verses of Surah Al-Mulk invite reflection on Allah’s creation and His supreme control over the universe. This can deepen one’s faith and foster a sense of awe and submission to Allah’s greatness.
4. A Peaceful Sleep
- Recitation of Qur'anic chapters like Surah Al-Mulk is often associated with tranquility and spiritual comfort, helping individuals fall asleep in a state of dhikr (remembrance of Allah).
5. Habit of Consistent Worship
- Reciting a chapter regularly before sleep cultivates discipline in worship and ensures that the last act of the day is one of devotion.
6. Protection from Shaytan
- The Qur'an acts as a safeguard against Shaytan’s influence. Ending the day with Surah Al-Mulk provides spiritual protection and reduces vulnerability to whispers or negative influences.
Tips for Recitation
- Make Intentions: Recite with the intention of seeking Allah's mercy and protection.
- Consistency: Make it a nightly routine, even if it requires planning for time.
- Understand the Meaning: Reading a translation or tafsir alongside can enhance your connection and reflection.
Here is the English translation of Surah Al-Mulk (67):
1. Blessed is He in Whose Hand is the dominion, and He is Able to do all things.
2. [He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed—and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving.
3. [And] who created seven heavens in layers. You do not see in the creation of the Most Merciful any inconsistency. So look again: Do you see any breaks?
4. Then look again and yet again, your sight will return to you humbled and fatigued.
5. And We have certainly beautified the nearest heaven with stars and have made them [what is thrown] at the devils and have prepared for them the punishment of the Blaze.
6. And for those who disbelieved in their Lord is the punishment of Hell, and wretched is the destination.
7. When they are thrown into it, they hear from it a [dreadful] inhaling while it boils up.
8. It almost bursts with rage. Every time a company is thrown into it, its keepers ask them, "Did there not come to you a warner?"
9. They will say, "Yes, a warner had come to us, but we denied and said, 'Allah has not sent down anything. You are not but in great error.'"
10. And they will say, "If only we had been listening or reasoning, we would not be among the companions of the Blaze."
11. And they will admit their sin, so [it is] alienation for the companions of the Blaze.
12. Indeed, those who fear their Lord unseen will have forgiveness and great reward.
13. And conceal your speech or publicize it; indeed, He is Knowing of that within the breasts.
14. Does He who created not know, while He is the Subtle, the Acquainted?
15. It is He who made the earth tame for you—so walk among its slopes and eat of His provision—and to Him is the resurrection.
16. Do you feel secure that He who [holds authority] in the heaven would not cause the earth to swallow you and suddenly it would sway?
17. Or do you feel secure that He who [holds authority] in the heaven would not send against you a storm of stones? Then you would know how [severe] was My warning.
18. And already had those before them denied, and how [terrible] was My reproach.
19. Do they not see the birds above them with wings outspread and [sometimes] folded in? None holds them [aloft] except the Most Merciful. Indeed, He is of all things Seeing.
20. Or who is it that could be an army for you to aid you other than the Most Merciful? The disbelievers are not but in delusion.
21. Or who is it that could provide for you if He withheld His provision? But they have persisted in insolence and aversion.
22. Then is one who walks fallen on his face better guided or one who walks erect on a straight path?
23. Say, "It is He who has produced you and made for you hearing and vision and hearts; little are you grateful."
24. Say, "It is He who has multiplied you throughout the earth, and to Him you will be gathered."
25. And they say, "When is this promise, if you should be truthful?"
26. Say, "The knowledge is only with Allah, and I am only a clear warner."
27. But when they see it approaching, the faces of those who disbelieve will be distressed, and it will be said, "This is that for which you used to call."
28. Say, "Have you considered: whether Allah should cause my death and those with me or have mercy upon us, who can protect the disbelievers from a painful punishment?"
29. Say, "He is the Most Merciful; we have believed in Him, and upon Him we have relied. And you will [come to] know who it is that is in clear error."
30. Say, "Have you considered: if your water was to become sunken [into the earth], then who could bring you flowing water?"
