Question: I have a question regarding the protection mentioned in Surah Al-Mulk. It’s said that reciting this surah can protect one from the punishment of the grave, but I am concerned about those who cannot read Arabic, whether due to language barriers or other circumstances. Additionally, not everyone has access to the internet to listen to it or find resources online. If someone cannot read Arabic, and they are unable to listen to the surah, but they sincerely make dua for protection (such as asking for the blessings of Surah Al-Mulk during sujood or in other prayers), would they still receive the same protection and rewards, even though they’re not able to recite or listen to it in its original language? I would appreciate any clarification or insight regarding this. JazakAllah Khair for your help.
Answer :Bismillah hir-Rahman nir-Rahim !
(Fatwa: 10219/1849/D=12/1446)
(1) The virtue of Surah Al-Mulk is mentioned in a Hadith, which states that this Surah is a protector against punishment and is a means of salvation from it. It will shield the one who recites it from the torment of the grave. (هِيَ الْمَانِعَةُ هِيَ الْمُنْجِيَةُ تُنْجِيهِ مِنْ عَذَابِ الْقَبْرِ. ترمذي: 2890)
The virtue mentioned above is specific for the one who recites it. Simply seeking its blessings and merits through supplication, without reciting it, will not grant its full virtue. Therefore, every believer should make a habit of reciting it regularly and strive to memorize it as well.
It is narrated from Hazrat Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “I wish that Surah Al-Mulk resides in the heart of every believer.” (Ma’ariful Qur’an)However, if a person prays to be protected from the torment of the grave, and Allah Almighty, out of His grace and mercy, accepts that prayer and grants him protection, then this will be purely due to Allah’s favour and kindness upon him.
(2) Supplication for protection from the punishment of the grave can be made outside of prayer as well as during prostration in nafl prayers. However, while in the state of prayer, the supplication should be made in Arabic, for example, one may say: (اللهم إني أعوذ بك من عذاب القبر)
It is not best to recite any supplication/tasbih beyond the masnoon tasbih in the sajdahs of fardh salah. Moreover, in the sajdahs of both fardh and nafl prayers, it is not permissible to recite non-Arabic supplications or those resembling ordinary human speech.
وكذا لا يأتي في ركوعه وسجوده بغير التسبيح على المذهب، وما ورد محمول على النفل. (الدر المختار، باب صفة الصلاة 2/212 ط؛ زكريا) ودعا بالعربية، و حرم بغيرها … بالأدعية المذكورة في القرآن والسنة، لا بما يشبه كلام الناس. (المصدر السابق 2/233)
