Surah Al-Mulk (The Sovereignty)

Al-Mulk means "The Sovereignty" or "The Dominion," referring to God's absolute kingship and control over all creation, life, and death.

Al-Mulk is the 67th chapter of the Quran, a Meccan surah of 30 ayahs that opens the 29th juz. Revealed during the Meccan period, it belongs to the group of chapters focused on foundational belief rather than law. Its central theme is God's supreme sovereignty over the universe: the chapter opens by declaring blessing upon the One in whose hand rests all dominion and who holds power over everything. It presents the creation of death and life as a test to see who acts best, and points to the ordered heavens, the stars, and the balanced cosmos as signs pointing to a single, wise Creator. The surah contrasts the fate of those who deny their Lord with the reward promised to those who revere Him unseen. It challenges people to reflect on the provision, faculties, and sustenance they take for granted, and closes by asking who could restore water if it were withdrawn. Throughout, the tone invites reflection, humility, and awareness of accountability before God.

Surah number: 67
Revelation: Meccan
Ayahs: 30
Arabic: الملك

Read Surah Al-Mulk online — full Arabic text with the Pickthall English translation.

Main themes

God's absolute sovereignty and power over all creation
Death and life created as a test of deeds
The order and perfection of the cosmos as signs of the Creator
Accountability and the contrasting fates of belief and denial
Reflection on God's provision, faculties, and sustenance
Human dependence on God for the most basic needs

Why this surah matters

Al-Mulk holds a cherished place among many Muslims for its powerful reflection on God's dominion and the accountability of every soul. It is one of the most widely memorized shorter surahs. Traditionally, many Muslims recite Al-Mulk each night before sleeping, drawing on well-known reports in the hadith literature that describe the chapter as one that intercedes for and protects the person who regularly recites it. In various narrations it is referred to by names such as al-Mani'ah ("the Protector") and al-Munjiyah ("the Deliverer"). These virtues are commonly held traditions and points of encouragement rather than obligations, and the surah remains valued above all for turning the reader's attention toward reflection, humility, and remembrance of the hereafter.

Frequently asked questions

Is Surah Al-Mulk Meccan or Medinan?

It is a Meccan surah, revealed before the migration to Medina, and its themes of God's sovereignty, resurrection, and accountability are characteristic of Meccan revelation.

How many verses does Al-Mulk have?

It has 30 ayahs and is the first chapter of the 29th juz (para) of the Quran.

Why do many Muslims recite Al-Mulk at night?

It is a well-known tradition, based on reports in the hadith literature, that reciting Al-Mulk before sleep brings protection and blessing. Many Muslims observe this as a cherished practice, though it is an encouraged tradition rather than an obligation.

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