Surah Al-Mulk 67:1
سُورَةُ المُلۡكِ · Meccan · Verse 1 of 30
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ تَبَٰرَكَ ٱلَّذِى بِيَدِهِ ٱلْمُلْكُ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ قَدِيرٌ
Translation
Exalted is He who holds all control in His hands; who has power over all things;
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
The Surah opens by placing all dominion in a single hand: 'Blessed is the One in whose hand is the kingdom.' al-Razi notes 'in His hand' is an Arabic idiom for total, unshared control, as we say a matter is 'in someone's hands', not a bodily image. 'Tabarak' means His good overflows and multiplies without limit (al-Saadi), and al-Biqa'i reads the whole Surah's aim as khudu', humbling the heart before the One whose sovereignty is absolute. Before it warns or promises, it simply establishes: everything belongs to Him. Ask yourself: I spend so much energy trying to control outcomes that were never in my hand to begin with. What would loosen in me if I truly believed the kingdom is already, wholly, in His?
Grounded in classical tafsir: al-Razi, al-Biqa'i, al-Saadi.
Wording
This beautiful opening verse of Surah Al-Mulk begins by drawing our hearts to Allah's immense glory and power. It's a declaration by Allah Himself, meant to fill us with awe and humility.
Overwhelming Blessings
The verse opens with `تبارك` (tabāraka). This single word carries a profound weight. As scholars like Ibn Ashur explain, it signifies an overflowing abundance of goodness and blessings. It means Allah is superabundant in all forms of goodness, exalted and magnified beyond the attributes of anything He has created, as Al-Zamakhshari notes. When we say `تبارك`, we are acknowledging that every kind of perfection is inherently and eternally true for Allah. It's a direct statement of His grandeur and also teaches us how to praise Him.
Absolute Dominion
Next, we read `الذي بيده الملك` (alladhī biyadihī al-mulk), "He in Whose Hand is all dominion." The word `الملك` (al-mulk) refers to absolute authority and governance, a comprehensive control over everything, as Ibn Ashur clarifies, distinguishing it from mere ownership. This is the true and everlasting dominion, unlike any temporary or limited power held by humans. The phrase `بيده` (biyadihī), literally "in His Hand," is understood by scholars like Al-Razi and Ibn Ashur as a metaphor for Allah's complete and total control, power, and authority over all things, not a physical hand. It emphasizes His absolute sway and sovereignty. The placement of `بيده` at the beginning of the phrase emphasizes this exclusivity: only in His Hand is the dominion, asserting that no one else truly holds such ultimate power. Any power seen in creation is ultimately fleeting and granted by Him.
All-Encompassing Power
The verse concludes with `وهو على كل شيء قدير` (wa huwa 'alā kulli shay'in qadīr), "And He is over all things supremely capable." This statement expands on the previous one. While "in His Hand is the dominion" refers to His control over existing things, "He is over all things supremely capable" generalizes this power to literally `كل شيء` (kullī shay'in), "every single thing." This includes not just what exists, but also what does not yet exist, things He can bring into being or annihilate, as Ibn Ashur points out. The word `قدير` (qadīr) is a powerful form, indicating "perfectly capable" or "possessor of abundant power," far beyond mere `qādir` (capable), as Al-Razi highlights. It means nothing can hinder His will or power. The emphasis on "over all things" also serves to refute the claims of those who attribute divinity to others, for no idol or created being has such comprehensive power.
Through this profound wording, the verse invites us to recognize Allah as the ultimate source of all good, the sole possessor of true authority, and the One with infinite, unchallengeable power over everything.
Sources: al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jalalayn, al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi)
Qur'anic Worlds
Surah Al-Mulk opens with a magnificent declaration that immediately sets the tone for reflection, particularly profound for its initial audience in Makkah. This verse was revealed during a period when the foundational beliefs about Allah's absolute power and dominion were being deeply impressed upon people's hearts.
The Blessed Opening
The Surah begins with تَبَٰرَكَ ٱلَّذِى (Tabaraka Alladhi), meaning "Blessed is He" or "Glorious is He." This isn't just a statement of praise; it conveys an abundance of goodness and blessing that multiplies and expands without end, embracing all of creation. Mufti Shafi explains that when related to Allah, it means "to be highest in all respects," akin to saying "Allah is the Highest." It’s an invitation to recognize the overflowing bounty and majesty of Allah from the very first word.
In Whose Hand is All Dominion
The verse continues, بِيَدِهِ ٱلْمُلْكُ (biyadihi al-mulk), "in Whose Hand is the Kingdom/Sovereignty." While we affirm Allah's attributes as they are revealed, "hand" here signifies His complete control, dominion, and power, far beyond any physical limb. The plain meaning clarifies that this refers to His sovereignty over both this world and the Hereafter, and His command and decree are absolute within them. Sayyid Qutb reflects on this by noting that when this truth settles in the human conscience, it naturally directs one to worship only Allah, the one Master, Deity, and King of the entire cosmos.
Absolute Power Over All Things
This declaration culminates with وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ قَدِيرٌ (wa huwa `ala kulli shay'in qadeer), "and He is over all things Most Capable." This emphasizes Allah's limitless power, that nothing can overpower Him, and no obstacle can stand in the way of His will. Mufti Shafi highlights that the verses that follow this one provide proofs of Allah's existence, oneness, and all-encompassing knowledge and power by inviting us to ponder the wonders of creation, from human beings themselves to the heavens and the earth. This verse, then, acts as a foundational principle, setting the stage for exploring the vast "World of Creation" that attests to Allah's might.
A Guiding Light for Hearts
For the early believers and for us today, this verse isn't merely an abstract concept. As a Makkan surah, it cemented the fundamental truth of Allah's singular and absolute authority. The Companions cherished this Surah, knowing its immense spiritual benefits. Prophetic traditions, mentioned by Ibn Kathir and Mufti Shafi, tell us it is a "protector" (Waqiyah) and "saviour" (Munjiyah) that intercedes for its reciter and protects from the torment of the grave. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, expressed his desire that Surah Al-Mulk "be in every believer's heart." This underscores its profound personal and spiritual impact, anchoring the heart in the boundless glory and power of Allah in both the World of Revelation and our present one.
Sources: al-Baghawi (Maalim al-Tanzil), Ma'arif al-Quran (Mufti Shafi), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), Sayyid Qutb (Fi Zilal al-Quran), Ibn Kathir
Worldly Mirror
Surah Al-Mulk opens with a declaration that deeply impacts how we see ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us. It's a call to reorient our hearts to the ultimate power and source of all blessings.
An Overflowing Blessing
The verse begins with تَبَٰرَكَ (تبارك), a word meaning "highly blessed," "exalted," or "overflowing with goodness and grace." It's a profound acknowledgment that Allah's blessings are immense and without end, permeating all of creation. For the believing heart, this immediately cultivates a spirit of gratitude and awe, reminding us that every good thing we experience, from the breath we take to the joys we share, originates from Him. This recognition helps us sift through the worries and demands of daily life, grounding us in the understanding that an endless source of goodness sustains everything.
The King of All
Next, the verse states, ٱلَّذِى بِيَدِهِ ٱلْمُلْكُ (He in whose Hand is the sovereignty). The Arabic word ٱلْمُلْكُ (al-Mulk) signifies absolute dominion, ownership, and authority over everything in this world and the Hereafter. The phrase "in His Hand" powerfully conveys His complete control and management of all affairs, as Ibn al-Jawzi explains, indicating His power to exalt or abase. Dr. Israr Ahmad highlights this as a foundational principle, a "political manifesto" that challenges any earthly power that claims ultimate authority. When this truth settles in our conscience, as Sayyid Qutb notes, it liberates us from subservience to any human leader or system, directing our ultimate allegiance to Allah alone. This understanding encourages a reflective Muslim to evaluate societal structures and personal choices through the lens of divine sovereignty.
Power Beyond Limit
The verse concludes with وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ قَدِيرٌ (and He is over every single thing All-Powerful). قَدِيرٌ (Qadeer) signifies Allah's perfect and absolute capability, meaning nothing can stand in the way of His will or intention. This comprehensive power addresses our deepest fears and aspirations. For our inner selves, it instills profound trust and security. When faced with overwhelming personal challenges, community struggles, or global issues, knowing that Allah is All-Powerful means no problem is beyond His wisdom or capacity to resolve. Sayyid Qutb explains that this truth frees the human mind from the limited confines of its own thoughts and the perceived power of others, allowing us to find peace in His limitless ability. It encourages us to approach life with humility, surrendering our will to His, yet also with immense hope, knowing that all things are possible with Him.
Our Place in the Grand Design
Ultimately, this opening verse is an invitation to re-examine our position in the universe. If Allah is the overflowing source of blessing, the absolute sovereign, and the All-Powerful, then our purpose in life is to align ourselves with His will. This reflection fosters deep humility, profound gratitude, and unwavering reliance, shaping our character and guiding our actions in every facet of our lives.
Sources: Ibn al-Jawzi (Zad al-Masir), Israr Ahmad (Bayan ul Quran), Sayyid Qutb (Fi Zilal al-Quran), Tazkirul Quran, al-Munir (Wahba al-Zuhayli)
Connections
Surah Al-Mulk, which opens with this majestic verse, begins by establishing the foundational truth of existence. Here, Allah (God) Himself declares His absolute dominion and blessings. The verse invites us to contemplate the profound power and immense goodness of the One who holds ultimate authority over everything.
The Grand Opening
The Surah opens with the word تَبَارَكَ (tabāraka), which al-Wasit (Tantawi) explains signifies an abundance of all goodness and blessing, and also denotes steadfastness and permanence. It is a declaration of Allah's immense, ever-increasing bounties and His enduring grace upon all creation. This word sets the tone, describing Allah as the Source of all good and blessing. Following this, the verse states, ٱلَّذِى بِيَدِهِ ٱلْمُلْكُ (al-ladhī biyadihi al-mulk), meaning "He in Whose Hand is the Dominion." Al-Biqa'i clarifies that "dominion" (al-mulk) here refers to the apparent order of the world, encompassing all its management and design. The phrase "in His Hand" is a metaphorical expression, as al-Shinqiti notes, depicting Allah's absolute power and control, encompassing everything He desires, without any impediment or equal. This is further reinforced by the conclusion, وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ قَدِيرٌ (wa huwa ‘alā kulli shay’in qadīr), meaning "and He is over all things Competent," emphasizing His perfect and complete capability over everything, whether existing or not, as al-Wasit (Tantawi) points out.
A Bridge from the Previous Surah
The opening of Surah Al-Mulk is beautifully connected to the end of the previous surah, At-Tahrim, as highlighted by al-Biqa'i. Surah At-Tahrim concludes with profound stories: two women who were wives of prophets (Nuh and Lut) yet did not benefit from their husbands' piety, and two women who were virtuous despite their circumstances (Pharaoh's wife and Maryam). These stories powerfully illustrate that no worldly connection, whether to a prophet or a tyrant, can ultimately grant benefit or protection from Allah's decree. Only Allah truly gives grace and removes harm. This sets the perfect stage for Surah Al-Mulk, immediately declaring that the true King, ٱلَّذِى بِيَدِهِ ٱلْمُلْكُ, is the One who bestows favor and dominion upon whom He wills, and removes it from whom He wills, as also echoed in Surah Al Imran.
The Surah's Core Purpose
Al-Biqa'i articulates the central purpose (maqsud) of Surah Al-Mulk as "submission to Allah because of His perfect sovereignty." This opening verse is the very foundation of this purpose. It establishes Allah's absolute power and authority, which then naturally leads to the call for humanity to submit to Him. The various names given to this Surah, such as "Al-Mani'ah" (The Preventer), "Al-Waqiyah" (The Protector), and "Al-Munjiyah" (The Deliverer), all stem from this central theme. As al-Biqa'i explains, submission to such a King leads to the path of happiness, saving one from fear and protecting them from every terror.
Echoes of Majesty
This declaration of Allah's unique dominion finds echoes throughout the Quran. Al-Shinqiti draws a connection to Surah Yasin 36:83, فَسُبْحَانَ الَّذِي بِيَدِهِ مَلَكُوتُ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ وَإِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ ("So glory be to Him in Whose Hand is the dominion of all things, and to Him you will be returned"). These verses, both opening with a glorification of Allah (تبارك or سبحان) and emphasizing His singular control over the مُلْكُوتُ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ (dominion of all things), serve to impress upon us the incomparable greatness and absolute power of our Creator.
Sources: al-Sabuni (Safwat al-Tafasir), al-Wasit (Tantawi), al-Shinqiti (Adwa al-Bayan), al-Biqa'i (Nazm al-Durar)
Wisdom
This blessed verse, the very first of Surah Al-Mulk, opens with a powerful declaration about Allah, inviting us to contemplate His sheer greatness and absolute authority. It is not just information; it’s an invitation to reshape our understanding of who Allah is in our lives.
A Declaration of Majesty
The verse begins with تَبَارَكَ (Tabaraka), which means "Glorious is He" or "Most Blessed is He." Scholars like al-Saadi explain this word to signify Allah's immense magnificence, His elevated status, and the abundance and continuous flow of His goodness and blessings to all creation. Mufti Shafi adds that it conveys a meaning similar to "Allah is the Highest." This isn't a passive statement; it is a call to recognize that Allah is utterly transcendent and the source of all good that multiplies and overflows.
Following this, the verse states, الَّذِي بِيَدِهِ الْمُلْكُ (the One in whose Hand is the dominion). The "Hand" (yad) here, as explained in al-Muyassar's plain meaning and by Mufti Shafi, refers to Allah's power, authority, and ultimate control, in a way that befits His majesty, without us imagining Him with a physical limb. It establishes that all sovereignty, all ownership, and all power in the heavens and the earth, in this world and the Hereafter, belongs entirely to Him. Al-Qurtubi highlights that this includes His ability to honor or humiliate, give life or cause death, enrich or impoverish, grant or withhold. There is no aspect of existence that falls outside of His sole dominion.
Power Over All Things
The verse concludes with وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ (and He is powerful over every thing). This emphasizes Allah's absolute and unconstrained power. He can do anything He wills. Nothing is beyond His capability, whether it is bestowing blessings or bringing about consequences. This profound statement serves as a foundational maxim in the Quran, reminding us that Allah's ability is limitless and encompasses every single thing in existence.
A Lifelong Lesson
When we deeply reflect on this verse, we recognize a fundamental truth: our lives, our challenges, our joys, and our very being are all under the dominion of the One who is utterly Glorious and All-Powerful.
* Trust and Reliance: Knowing that all power and authority are in Allah's hand should fill our hearts with profound trust and reliance on Him. When faced with difficulties or uncertainties, we can find peace in knowing that the ultimate controller is capable of all things.
* Humility and Gratitude: This verse cultivates humility, as we acknowledge our own limitations compared to His limitless power. It also inspires gratitude for the abundant blessings that flow from His overflowing goodness (*Tabaraka*).
* Hope: No matter how impossible a situation may seem, remembering "He is powerful over every thing" rekindles hope that Allah can change any circumstance.
This verse essentially anchors our perception of reality in the absolute sovereignty and omnipotence of Allah. It reminds us that His blessing is ever-increasing, His control is total, and His power knows no bounds. This realization should resonate in our hearts, guiding our actions and shaping our perspective on life.
Sources: al-Qurtubi (al-Jami li-Ahkam), Ibn al-Jawzi (Zad al-Masir), Ma'arif al-Quran (Mufti Shafi), al-Saadi (Taysir al-Karim), al-Munir (Wahba al-Zuhayli)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-Mulk 67:1 is discussed in 8 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Al-Mulk 67:1 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.