In several Hadiths, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) mentioned the virtues of Surat Al-Mulk.
For example, he told us that it protects its reader from the punishment of the grave (this seems to be the more commonly known virtue). It is also intercedes for its reader on the Day of Judgement, with Allah’s permission.
Such blessings of Surat Al-Mulk should make us more curious about what we can learn/apply from it.
In this article, we will explore lessons from surat Mulk to enrich our young lives.
Lesson #1: Surat Al-Mulk Is Your Ally
The above blessings of Surat Al-Mulk makes one wonder, if the Quran will act as an ally to defend us in our most vulnerable moments, do we treat it like an ally?
Or do we use the excuses many young people use: “I’m busy. I’ll get to it later. I’ll find time.”
We learn the first lesson from Surat Al-Mulk before we even begin to recite it: treat the Quran like a friend. Spend time with it. Listen to it. Defend it to those who slander it.
One of the most powerful reflections I have heard about the Quran is that, by virtue of it being revelation from Allah, it is “living” in a sense.
The Quran speaks to us in a way that Allah permits. Surat Al-Mulk is no exception, so befriend it and let it speak to you.
Lesson #2: God Made You Whole
{˹He is the One˺ Who created seven heavens, one above the other. You will never see any imperfection in the creation of the Most Compassionate.1 So look again: do you see any flaws?
Then return [your] vision twice again. [Your] vision will return to you humbled while it is fatigued.} (Al-Mulk 67:3-4)
Read these verses closely. And just as the verse instructs repetition, read them again.
Self-worth is a struggle of many young people that can carry into adulthood. It is well-documented in the research literature and anyone who works with young people can attest to it anecdotally. You may wonder how it connects to this verse, keep reading.
The same Allah who created the sky without any breaks created you and your soul. The same Allah who kept the sky whole has given us all we need to remain whole in this dunya. He has given us the Quran and Prophet Muhammad’s (peace and blessings be upon him) example.
Umar ibn al-Khattab was known to have said,
“Verily, we were a disgraceful people and Allah honored us with Islam. If we seek honor from anything besides that with which Allah honored us, Allah will disgrace us” (Sahih: Al-Mustadrak 214).
This is another beautiful reminder of self-worth, especially when we find ourselves hesitant or shy in performing the actions of a Muslim in public. It is our honor and our reward is with the One who made us whole.
Lesson #3: You Can’t Hide What’s in Your Heart
{Whether you speak secretly or openly—He surely knows best what is ˹hidden˺ in the heart.
Does He who created not know, while He is the Subtle, the Acquainted?} (Al-Mulk 67:13-14)
Ibn Abbas reflects that the reason for the revelation of this verse was that the Kuffar would slander the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and remind each other to whisper/keep quiet. They seemed to neglect that Allah hears all.
The lesson in these verses is almost haunting and is not meant for strictly the Quraiysh. The lesson is that whether you say it or not, what is truly inside your heart will come out and it will be known.
We can’t tell if the Instagram photo of you volunteering was posted with the intention to self-promote/boast or share an opportunity for good work.
But Allah can tell. And He will reveal us if we are not actively doing “heart work” to purify ourselves.
This includes practical effort like constantly making tawbah (repentance), giving Allah His right through our salah, refining our character through kind words and charity and much more.
Don’t get caught in building a profile of what a good person you are online. Build it in real life and remember Allah knows the effort or the lack thereof.
Lesson #4: God Only Knows…
{˹Still˺ they ask ˹the believers˺, “When will this threat come to pass, if what you say is true?” Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “That knowledge is with Allah alone, and I am only sent with a clear warning.”} (Al-Mulk 67:25-26)
In this example, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is mockingly asked about when the Day of Judgement will happen. The lesson we learn here is two-fold.
These two verses represent a common theme in the Quran. It is of Allah instructing the Prophet on what to reply to those who have ill intentions toward him and the Muslims.
1. To not fixate on the details that Allah hasn’t given to us. This requires a trust that Allah knows better, which He does because He is the All-Knowing.
In a hadith in Bukhari, a man asked the Prophet when the Day of Judgement would be. The Prophet responded, “what have you prepared for it”?
This perspective shift is essential for success in this world and the next. The shift is to focus on what you can control rather than what you cannot.
2. The second part of the lesson is to note how Allah supports his Prophet by giving him the proper responses to any jabs.
This support extends to us. These verses (along with several others in the Quran) narrate the perfect come-backs, explanations and strategies to respond to questions.
These questions may be from others or they may be questions we ask ourselves. To train yourself in the art of Quranic rhetoric requires time interacting with the Quran and reflecting on such verses.
Surat Al-Mulk Challenge
There are many more lessons to learn from Surat Al-Mulk about tawakkul (reliance on Allah), rizq (sustenance), and the unseen.
As a challenge, make it a habit to read surat Al-Mulk every night. Take that time to reflect on the lessons we’ve discussed here and more you may unlock on your own!
May Allah make the Qur’an the light of our hearts.