Surah Al-Mulk (67) — Ayah 1
Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim — Hafiz Abdus Salam Bin Muhammad Bhutvi
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
(Ayah 1) ➊ { تَبٰرَكَ الَّذِيْ بِيَدِهِ الْمُلْكُ : ’’ تَبٰرَكَ ‘‘ ’’بَرَكَةٌ ‘‘} is from the form "tafā'ul." There is emphasis in it, so the translation is "very blessed." The meaning of {’’بَرَكَةٌ‘‘} is to be abundant, to increase. {’’ تَبٰرَكَ ‘‘} means that He surpasses the entire universe in goodness and virtue, and in elevation, greatness, and benevolence—in short, in every respect, His essence encompasses countless excellences and virtues. See also the commentary of the first verse of Surah Al-Furqan.
➋ By bringing { ’’ بِيَدِهِ ‘‘} first, exclusivity is created in the statement, so the translation is "only in His hand."
➌ Here a question arises: there are many kings in the world, so how did Allah say that all sovereignty is only in His hand? The answer is that the entire system of the world runs on mutual dependence; the subjects depend on the king for their needs, such as protection of life and property, honor and dignity, and religion and faith, and the king depends on the subjects to run his affairs—if they do not support him and do not pay taxes, he cannot remain king for even a moment. The same point is mentioned in Surah Az-Zukhruf, where it is said: « لِيَتَّخِذَ بَعْضُهُمْ بَعْضًا سُخْرِيًّا » [ الزخرف : ۳۲ ] "So that some of them may take others into subjection." A poet has beautifully depicted the dependence of worldly kings:
The beggar is a beggar, whether he asks for charity or tribute,
Whether one accepts it or not, all lords and kings are beggars.
Besides this, whether someone is a king or a subject in this world, despite their mutual dependence, in reality neither of them possesses anything. Their own wealth and poverty, health and sickness, honor and disgrace, victory and defeat, youth and old age, profit and loss, and life and death—all are in the hands of Allah, the Owner of all sovereignty. So, what exaggeration is there in saying that all sovereignty is only in Allah's hand? If there is any other king, it is only in name. In reality, there is only one King; all others are beggars, as He said: « يٰۤاَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اَنْتُمُ الْفُقَرَآءُ اِلَى اللّٰهِ» [فاطر : ۱۵ ] "O people! You are the ones in need of Allah."
➍ The word { وَ هُوَ عَلٰى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيْرٌ: ’’ شَيْءٍ ‘‘ ’’شَاءَ يَشَاءُ‘‘} is a verbal noun with the meaning of a passive participle, meaning "will" or "wish." That is, He is capable of every will and everything; He can do whatever He wishes. Not like the kings of the world, whose countless wishes, instead of being fulfilled, become regrets and are buried with them in their graves.
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan — Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran — Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
[1]
The Virtue of Surah Al-Mulk:
Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah ؓ says that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: In the Quran, there is a surah of thirty verses. This surah interceded for a man until he was forgiven, and that surah is ﴿تَبَارَكَ الَّذِي بِيَدِهِ الْمُلْكُ﴾ (Al-Mulk). [ترمذی۔ ابواب فضائل القرآن۔ باب ماجاء فی سورۃ الملک]
Sayyiduna Jabir ؓ says that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ would not go to sleep until he recited Surah Alif Lam Meem Tanzil and ﴿تَبَارَكَ الَّذِي بِيَدِهِ الْمُلْكُ﴾. [ترمذي۔ ايضاً]
[2]
The Literal Meaning of ﴿تَبَارَكَ﴾:
The meaning of ﴿تَبَارَكَ﴾ (barakah) is the establishment of goodness in something from Allah Almighty (Mufradat), that is, when a deed is done, the name of barakah is that it yields the maximum expected benefit, provided that the deed has an aspect of goodness. And that thing in which this aspect of goodness proves fruitful is called mubarak (blessed). And the word Tabaraka is specific to Allah Almighty and is used only for those good deeds that are specific to Allah Almighty. In this verse, it means that every single thing in this universe that Allah Almighty created for a better purpose is fulfilling that purpose in the best possible way; therefore, the Being of Allah is tabarak, i.e., full of barakah.
[3] ﴿الْمُلْكُ﴾ means complete sovereignty, rule, and authority over everything in the universe. And such power that nothing can stand before the command of Allah.
