The Kingdom of God: A Fully Illustrated Commentary on Surah Al Mulk

by Asim Khan, Ismail Musa Menk (Foreword)

This book, suitably titled ‘The Kingdom of God’ delves into the profound meanings and guidance found in Surah al-Mulk, the 67th chapter of the Qur’an. It contains key features that are unique for a book explaining a chapter of the Qur’ān, such as the diagrams and illustrations highlighting the beautiful meanings of the verses.

It will take you on a captivating journey exploring diverse topics, including tenets of faith, political issues, spirituality, and social affairs, in a smooth and coherent manner.

If you love the Qur’an you will love this book.

The commentary is profound and inspiring, it masterfully highlights the nuances of the Qur'ān’s language and repeatedly draws the reader’s attention towards practical changes they can make in their lives.

“Easy to read – the way the book is written is quite conversational (in a good way). Quran commentaries can be quite daunting if it’s not something you’ve read a lot of; coupled with overly complicated language, that can totally put some of us off. I get it. This book is clear, easy to read and a quick read (if that is a concern for you).”

- Independent review by Blogging Believer 2021

Genres: Islam, Religion, Nonfiction

133 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 21, 2021

About the author

Asim Khan is currently the Imam of Redbridge Islamic Centre, Instructor for the Sabeel institute, & author for Islam21c.com.

He has, from an early age, excelled in academic studies and has gained a Masters in Pharmacy from the University College London, UK, as well as studying Arabic and Quranic Sciences in Cairo, Egypt.

He appears regularly on Islam Channel’s religious programming & is currently presenting the Dreamer show for Eman Channel. Asim Khan has a special interest in Tafsir studies (Quranic Studies) and teaches the subject in London where he lives.

Reviews

[Zeynep زينب (HIATUS) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Infinity stars✨

I really have no words to express how much I loved this short, yet rich book, and how much new I learned from it. Asim Khan's way of explaining everything beautifully, adding diagrams, illustrations, and tables for easier understanding, and—my favorite—the reflection parts in between to help us think and reflect deeply about the topic, makes this book one of my top favorite books. I definitely need to reread this sometime later.

Learning the meaning of the verses of such a powerful surah is truly such a blessing. I fully agree with Mufti Menk:
"If you love the Qur'an you will love this book."

"The Prophet ﷺ was the nicest, kindest person in the world and yet there were people who despised him and wished death upon him. This teaches us that some people's hatred is irrational and in no way a reflection of a shortcoming within you. Think about it. The Prophet's conduct was such that it gave people absolutely no reason to hate him but some did, and with a passion! You know why? Because his character and message was winning the hearts of the sincere, and no amount of money or torture would make his Companions leave Islam. That is why they couldn't stand him. He had something that money couldn't buy: a loving-message from the Almighty that won the hearts of people."

I love this🥹❤️


May Allah bless Asim Khan for writing such an informative and amazing book. May He allow more people to benefit from it, increase our understanding of His Kingdom, and draw us closer to Him through knowledge and reflection. Ameen.🤍

[Aiza Idris (biblio_mom) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily a 5 star read for me.

more reviews here https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSer8JQ3X/

[Jaylani Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love how the author made illustrated graphics and explanations of the words and verses of this chapter in the Qur'an. I hope he does this type of work for all the chapters of the Qur'an.

[Whimsicalmaria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surah Al-Mulk is the surah that Prophet Muhammad SAW read every night before he slept. It is also a surah that protects its reader from torments of the grave. Of course, when Prophet Muhammad SAW reads some surahs regularly, we would want to know the meaning behind each surah.

This book contains commentaries on Surah Al-Mulk. The chapters are arranged according to the themes presented in a group of verses. Each chapter starts with translation of the ayahs, and then the author goes on and explains each of them, followed by reflections. In some chapters there are photos of related subjects, like the night sky, the birds, and even Machu Pichu. In some other chapters, there are charts and graphics explaining the significance of the order of the verses or words used in them.

The chapters end with word banks, which explains a few Arabic words found in the chapter, and sometimes synonyms that may be used differently in the Quran.

This book is good for visualising the surah and understanding the surah in a more, technical, if I can say, manner. It gives a general idea on how the Quran can be interpreted and approached from various angles.

The book is made of thick matte paper, which is nice to look at and touch, but personally I prefer just simple paper, so that I could write/draw directly on them. The graphics are beautiful and colourful, quite easy to navigate.

[My.__.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's love how this book is the tafseer of surah mulk in a easy way to understand. I learnt so much from this book. I love how it is illustration and has pictures.

The book is written into 6 sections:-

1) Allah is powerful

2) Heaven and hell

3) Danger Is immient unless you change

4) Life is short & time is running out

5) Those who reject the after life

6) People are weak

The thing I loved the most about this book is the reflection section it has after the ayahs unlike other tasfeer stuff I've read so far nothing gives a reflection part which helps me actually think other books more teach me background information of the ayah.

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple and thought provoking commentary on surah mulk. A surah I’m read daily but often don’t stop and contemplate on. Very readable and easy to understand and engage with.

[Humaira · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short book explaining the commentary and translation of Surah Mulk, a chapter of the Quran that is very important to Muslims and it’s encouraged to read and memorise it especially before sleeping at night.

For me this book got a bit repetitive and while the commentary and insights were very well written, it didn’t add anything to the narrative for me.

[Niena Aniesza]

A book that enhances my understanding of Surah Al-Mulk. The kingdom of Allah encompasses the heavens and the earth. This understanding makes us aware of our responsibility as His servants.

[nadiaizzaty · Rating 5 out of 5]

“ Blessed is the one in whose hands rest the Kingdom . And, He is most capable of everything , ( 67: 1 ) “

Surah Al-Mulk the 67th chapter in the Quran . Al-Mulk meaning is The Kingdom . Therefore , the book title “ The Kingdom of God “ is a book that which delves into profound meanings and guidance found in Surah Al-Mulk .

As a person who is really want to keep on learning more in depth about the meaning every verses of the Surah in the Quran . This book really helps me a lot. ❤️

Why this book really helpful for me ? :
▫️ The book divided into 6 sections -
* Section 1 : Allah is in full control .
* Section 2 : The Afterlife is a reality we must accept .
* Section 3 : Danger is imminent unless you change .
* Section 4 : The time to change is running out.
* Section 5 : People are in denial about the Afterlife .
* Section 6 : People are not in control .
* Whereby, every sections divided again into certain part of verses to be explain in more details .
▫️The explanation of every verses more interesting as it simplified by including colourful tables , charts , diagrams and illustrations.
▫️How amazingly ,through this book , I just realized that every sections is symmetrical and interrelated. Subhanallah. ❤️
▫️ My favourite part of the book is the reflection part at the end of every verses that been discussed. Totally make us to look back, reflect and remind ourselves.
▫️ Through the book , it also brought me in learning more about the nuances of the Quran languages and word choices which totally a new knowledge for me . Alhamdulillah. ❤️

Wholly , Surah Al-Mulk , as we know , speaks about Allah’s Divine majesty , power and magnificence. How this book presents with every details of Surah Al- Mulk in a way that we can easily understand will put us in awed of the Almighty.

Hugely thank you to @kube for sending this amazing and beautiful book to me . Totally grateful. Alhamdulillah. ❤️

Highly recommended book. 🥰 If you wish to buy the book can get it from @kubepublishing directly or @imanshoppe and other local bookstores near you.

#trulybynia #nadianiabookreview #flatlaysbynia #surahAlmulk #AlMulk #thekingdomofGod #asimkhan #kubepublishing

[Faiza Sattar · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★ (5/5)
A selection of my favourite passages

Introduction to the Surah
• As well as being called al-Mulk (the Kingdom), it is also known as al-Waqiyali (the Protector), al-Munjiyah (the Rescuer), and al-Mani'ah (the Defender) because it protects the one who recites it and rescues them from the punishment of the grave. It is also called al-Mujadilah (the Advocate) because it advocates on behalf of the one who recites it upon being interrogated in the grave
• The Surah challenges the reader to
o formulate a new concept of the universe and its relationship with its Creator as being like that of a kingdom with respect to a king.
o A number of frightening warnings are given to awaken those who are spiritually lost; promises of punishment are delivered to those bent on disbelief.
o Surah al-Mulk invites the reader to look at how the universe is moved by God's Will, under His perfect control.
o It speaks of creatures living on earth alongside man, such as the jinn and the birds, or other matters belonging to the Afterlife, such as hell and its keepers.
o The reader is sent on a journey to discover a new sense of perspective about the power of God and the extent of His control over the cosmos and beyond.
o From this newfound enlightened viewpoint, the planet and the present worldly life pale into insignificance when placed before the vastness of the seven heavens and the eternity of the Afterlife.
Gems from the Surah
• The beginning is about Allah being the source of all goodness, goodness which is great and vast, and the ending of the verse states that everything other than Him falls under His decree and limits (qadr).
• "The creation of the stars is for three things: decoration of the nearest heaven, missiles to hit the devils, and signs to guide travellers." – Abu Qatadah
• Another reason why the verse draws our attention to the two faculties—hearing and the intellect—is because both are fundamental to establish human accountability before God
• In a reassuring Prophetic Narration, we read, "Allah has accepted my invocation to forgive the passing thoughts that occur in the hearts of my followers, unless they put it to action or utter it."
• Allah is extremely subtle and caring in how He brings about change in our lives and creates transformation in the world. The path of change is often long and drawn out.
• The idea is further magnified through the use of the word fi ('in'), which literally means they are 'inside' delusion as if to say: they are drowning in delusion.
• Allah is the only One who has bestowed four blessings upon humanity, namely:
1. Brought us into being.
2. Gave us the faculty of hearing (Verses 16, 17, and 18 told them to recall the devastating divine punishment that came to perished nations.)
3. Blessed us with sight (Verse 19 told the critic to look at the flight of birds and see the Signs of God.)
4. Gifted us intellect (Verses 20 and 21 furnished rational proofs to show the fallacy of idol worship.)
• Allah expects people to have faith in a number of things alongside Him, such as the Angels, the Afterlife, the divinely revealed scriptures, and so on. However, when it comes to trust and reliance (tawakkul), one should only place it in Allah.

On the Eloquence of the Quran
• The difference between the two is that tafawut refers to small gaps that are difficult to spot from a far-away distance, whereas the second word, futur, describes bigger gaps, large enough for a well to flow out of, which can thus be seen from a distance.
• after one dense crowd of people has been dispatched with, another group will follow closely behind them.
• The earth is described in very affectionate terms throughout the Qur'an. It is described as being like a resting place (mihad), like a carpet (firash), like a living quarter (mustaqar), and as being submissive to people (dhalul).

On the Names of Allah (SWT)
• The use of the definite noun al-mulk with the alif-lam, as opposed to mulk, creates an all-encompassing meaning, as if to say that He is in control of every part of the kingdom and that every individual is within His Grasp. All of them are provided for and bound by Him.
• The combination of the Names 'The Almighty' (Al-Aziz) and 'The Extremely Forgiving' (Al-Ghafur) has a stark contrast. The first invokes the idea of power, authority, and punishment, whereas the second invokes the idea of love, forgiveness, and kindness.
• He is also the Most Subtle (Al-Latif) and All-Aware (Al-Khabir). The great scholar, Ibn ‘Ashur, says these two Names not only underscore the message of the previous verse about Allah knowing people's secrets, but also goes further to broaden it by alluding to the fact that He knows even more hidden matters than the secrets that people keep. the meaning of al-Latif also includes the idea of Allah managing the affairs of the world with care and wisdom.
• Interestingly, the name Al-Latif occurs seven times in the Qur'an, five of which are coupled with the name Al-Khabir. The pairing of these Names reveals even more insight and wisdom. It is like Allah is telling us that He plans out the events of the world in a very subtle but caring manner and that planning and governing is done based on expert knowledge of both the hidden and apparent.

Words Referring to Acts of Disobedience and Sinning
• Junah means to lean towards sinning or criminal activity. It could refer to the intent to do something immoral, but not the act itself
• Hub refers to a great transgression. The Qur'an uses this word to describe the sin of people who steal from orphans and hence contains the element of being an oppressive type of sin
• Khatiah literally means to miss the mark or overstep it. It can be used to refer to sins that were not premeditated
• Sayyi'ah refers to sins that are vulgar and as a consequence can make the appearance of the perpetrator become despicable
• Fahishah refers to the more indecent and shameful acts (i.e. more vulgar than the Sayyi'ah)
• Munkar is a type of act that the hearts of morally sound people feel a sense of aversion towards
• Ithm literally means to delay or neglect to do something good, however in the Qur'an, it is used to refer to the greatest of all sins: associating partners with Allah
• Dhanb is a general word that refers to both acts of indecency and self-harm

[Aisha Oredola · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know how we think we are familiar with certain chapters of the Quran and then we read tafsir (commentaries, interpretation, elucidation, explanation, context) & see so much that we did not initially, because the Arabic language when translated into English loses some of its originality. It’s never the same. The tafsir explains in detail what we were missing in ordinary translation texts.

The Kingdom of God by Asim Khan takes Surah Mulk and analyzes it right from the title to each verse. The root words of certain words and phrases used in the verses are explained, scholarly interpretations are written, there are references for explanations on meanings of certain verses that date back to peculiar events and why they were revealed.

It’s a beautiful, enlightening, collection that takes the 30 verses of this chapter and breaks them down in sections to highlight important messages and bring us to reflection. I highly highly recommend this book if you’re looking to connect more with chapters of the Quran and not just recite without understanding the wisdom behind the verses.

[𐙚 🇵🇸 Moonie ⋆˚꩜｡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

(5⭐️) Easiest 5 stars I’ve ever given this was very easy to understand. It gave the meanings of the Arabic words and went into detail, gave diagrams, and split specific verses into different sections to make it easy to understand, it’s impossible to read this book without reflecting and I loved every second I highly recommend reading this + reading surah Al Mulk everyday before going to bed as it protects you from the punishment of the grave 🫶🏻

[umairahmn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good and beneficial read mashaaAllah. Reciting surah Al-Mulk before sleeping is a routine I started to get adapted with when I first entered a boarding school, but I never got to understand the surah fully. Alhamdulillah for this opportunity.

The whole surah is divided into six sections discussing 3-4 ayahs each. Easy to understand even for a beginner. Now I'm looking forward to reading another surah commentary that is The Heart of The Quran, inshaAllah

[safina · Rating 5 out of 5]

May Allah bless the author of this book with more knowledge and wisdom and ease everything for him as i need him to write and publish more book like this for every surah (chapter) of the Quran. This book make me fall in love with Quran, Islam and Allah more than ever.

[Shannen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid book to gain depth to reading Surah Al-Mulk and easy to read. Not too dry.

[Reader467 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated and very easy to understand. The simple colorful diagrams, the logical explanations, the Arabic vocabulary, it all helps you with your journey of understanding the most important book in the world.

If you liked this book, check out the SHIELD series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtPk9...

It offers amazing insight into Ayatul Qursi and last three suwar of the Qur'an, just like this book offers insight into Al-Mulk.

[Aizat Affendi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated and thoughtful commentary on Surah Al-Mulk, this book provides a deep and accessible dive into the Quranic verses. Asim Khan’s insights are engaging and practical, making it suitable for readers at all levels of understanding. The visuals further enhance the reading experience, adding depth to the spiritual lessons. It is definitely a must-read for anyone seeking a meaningful connection to the Quran.

[Ziyy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review posted on my Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CrA0tNmRWPg/

[Mohammed Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. Goes into great detail of Surah Al-Mulk. Something we should be reading every night before sleep. Don't give this a miss!

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought overall this was a pretty good book of tafseer. It was simple enough to read that a new Muslim could understand but contained a lot of information that I didn't even know.

[Muhammad · Rating 2 out of 5]

Same as the other.