Embrace the empowering guidance of Surah 73: Al-Muzzammil (The Enshrouded One). Discover the powerful call to prayer, patience, and perseverance in Surah Al-Muzzammil that inspires believers with strength, discipline, and spiritual elevation.
Surah 73: Al-Muzzammil (The Enshrouded One)
Al-Muzzammil: Introduction
Surah Al-Muzzammil is the seventy-third chapter of the Holy Qur’an, revealed in Makkah, and consists of twenty verses. Its name means “The One Wrapped in Garments,” referring to the Prophet Muhammad in a state of rest, wrapped in his cloak, when the call came to rise and engage in night prayer. The Surah begins with a direct command to dedicate a significant portion of the night to worship and to recite the Qur’an slowly and thoughtfully. It emphasizes that the mission entrusted to the Prophet is a weighty responsibility that requires spiritual strength, patience, and steadfastness. The stillness of the night is described as the most effective time for concentration, sincerity, and meaningful recitation. The Surah also acknowledges the distractions and responsibilities of the day, urging the Prophet to rely on Allah alone and to respond to opposition with patience and dignity. It warns of the severe punishment awaiting those who reject the truth and draws a parallel to the fate of Pharaoh, who defied the messenger sent to him. The chapter concludes by easing the initial command of prolonged night worship, showing Allah’s mercy and understanding of human circumstances. It encourages believers to pray, give charity, recite from the Qur’an as much as possible, and seek forgiveness, assuring them that every good deed will be rewarded abundantly by Allah. 0 0 0
Surah 73: Al-Muzzammil (The Enshrouded One): Text
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
1. O you who are wrapped up in your garment,
2. stand (for prayer) at night, except for a small part of it,
3. half of it, or a little less than that,
4. or a little more than that; and recite the Qur’an with measured recitation.
5. Indeed, We will soon place upon you a weighty message.
6. Surely, the rising at night is more effective for concentration and more suitable for words.
7. Indeed, during the day you have much preoccupation.
8. So remember the name of your Lord, and devote yourself to Him with complete devotion.
9. He is the Lord of the east and the west; there is no god but Him, so take Him alone as your Guardian.
10. And bear patiently what they say, and part from them in a gracious way.
11. And leave Me to deal with the deniers who live in luxury, and give them a little respite.
12. Surely with Us are heavy fetters and a blazing fire,
13. and food that chokes, and a painful punishment.
14. On the Day when the earth and the mountains will shake, and the mountains will become heaps of shifting sand.
15. Indeed, We have sent to you (the Arabs) a messenger (Muhammad) as a witness over you, just as We sent a messenger (Moses) to Pharaoh.
16, But Pharaoh disobeyed the messenger, so We seized him with a severe seizure.
17. Then how will you guard yourselves, if you disbelieve, against a Day that will make children’s hair turn white?
18. The heaven will split apart therefrom; His promise is ever fulfilled.
19. Indeed, this is a reminder, so whoever wills may take a path to his Lord.
20. Surely, your Lord knows that you stand in prayer nearly two-thirds of the night, or half of it, or a third of it, and so do some of those with you. And Allah determines the measure of the night and the day. He knows that you will not be able to keep count of it, so He has turned to you in mercy. Therefore, recite whatever you can from the Qur’an. He knows that there will be among you those who are ill, and others travelling through the land seeking Allah’s bounty, and others fighting in Allah’s cause. So recite whatever you can from it, establish prayer, give zakah, and lend to Allah a goodly loan. Whatever good you send ahead for yourselves, you will find it with Allah, better and greater in reward. And seek Allah’s forgiveness; indeed, Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful. 0 0 0
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Al-Muzzammil: Comment
Surah Al-Muzzammil offers a profound lesson in spiritual preparation for anyone engaged in serving the truth. The early verses show that before facing the challenges of a hostile environment, the Prophet was to build his inner strength through long hours of worship and reflection during the night. This highlights the connection between private devotion and public mission. The quiet moments before dawn allow a believer to stand before Allah with undivided attention, free from worldly distractions, which in turn strengthens resolve for the tasks of the day. The Surah also reminds that patience, restraint, and noble conduct are essential qualities when dealing with opponents. Its warnings to the deniers serve as a reminder of the seriousness of rejecting divine guidance. The easing of the night prayer requirement in the final verse reflects Allah’s compassion, showing that He does not burden His servants beyond their capacity. Instead, He invites them to engage in worship and service according to their ability, with the assurance that every act of obedience will be rewarded. Surah Al-Muzzammil stands as a timeless call for believers to nurture their faith, remain patient in adversity, and maintain a constant connection with their Lord through prayer, charity, and remembrance. 0 0 0
FAQS on Surah 73: Al-Muzzammil (The Enshrouded One)
Q1. What is Surah Al-Muzzammil and why is it called “The Enshrouded One”?
Surah Al-Muzzammil is the 73rd chapter of the Holy Quran, revealed in Makkah, with 20 verses. The word “Al-Muzzammil” means “The Enshrouded One,” referring to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) when he wrapped himself in a cloak or blanket. This title symbolizes the Prophet’s early spiritual preparation for the weighty mission of delivering the Quran. Surah Al-Muzzammil addresses him directly, urging him to rise at night for prayer, recite the Quran with devotion, and prepare for the responsibility of guiding humanity. By naming the chapter Surah Al-Muzzammil, the Quran highlights the intimate and powerful beginning of prophetic discipline.
Q2. What are the main themes of Surah Al-Muzzammil?
The main themes of Surah Al-Muzzammil include the importance of night prayer (tahajjud), patience in preaching, reliance on Allah, and the preparation for prophethood. The Surah stresses that reciting the Quran in the quiet hours of the night brings clarity, focus, and strength. Surah Al-Muzzammil also highlights the heavy responsibility of carrying divine revelation, reminding the Prophet to remain patient with opposition. Additionally, it emphasizes the balance between worship and worldly obligations, showing Islam’s holistic approach to life. Altogether, Surah Al-Muzzammil teaches that spiritual discipline is the foundation for facing life’s challenges.
Q3. Why does Surah Al-Muzzammil emphasize night prayer?
Surah Al-Muzzammil highlights night prayer as a source of spiritual strength and tranquility. In the silence of the night, distractions are minimal, and the believer can connect deeply with Allah. The Surah teaches that night recitation of the Quran is more impactful and effective, strengthening the heart and mind for the challenges of the day. For Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), this practice prepared him for the heavy responsibility of delivering the Quran. For all believers, Surah Al-Muzzammil shows that tahajjud builds patience, discipline, and closeness to Allah, making it a powerful spiritual practice.
Q4. How does Surah Al-Muzzammil prepare the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) for his mission?
Surah Al-Muzzammil was revealed in the early period of Islam when the Prophet was beginning his mission. It directly calls on him to strengthen himself through prayer, Quranic recitation, and patience. The Surah reminds him of the burden of revelation and the hostility he would face but assures him that Allah’s help is with him. By urging him to rise at night, detach from worldly comfort, and engage in worship, Surah Al-Muzzammil equipped the Prophet with the spiritual discipline needed to guide humanity. This early chapter reflects the balance of devotion and endurance required for divine leadership.
Q5. What guidance does Surah Al-Muzzammil give for dealing with opposition?
Surah Al-Muzzammil instructs the Prophet to remain patient with what people say, to avoid arguments with the arrogant, and to trust in Allah’s judgment. It reminds him that just as previous nations faced warnings and consequences, those who oppose the truth will also face divine justice. For believers, Surah Al-Muzzammil teaches that opposition is part of the journey of faith and that patience, worship, and reliance on Allah are the best responses. The Surah transforms hostility into a test of endurance, reassuring Muslims that truth will always triumph over falsehood.
Q6. How does Surah Al-Muzzammil balance worship with daily obligations?
While Surah Al-Muzzammil emphasizes the importance of night prayer, it also acknowledges human limitations. In its later verses, Allah eases the command by reminding believers that He knows some are ill, traveling, or striving in daily work. This balance highlights Islam’s practical approach: devotion should strengthen, not burden, life. Surah Al-Muzzammil encourages consistent worship but also validates the need for rest, work, and social duties. By balancing worship and responsibility, Surah Al-Muzzammil provides a holistic framework for living a life of both spirituality and productivity.
Q7. How does Surah Al-Muzzammil inspire believers in their personal lives?
Surah Al-Muzzammil inspires believers by showing that spiritual discipline builds inner strength. It encourages Muslims to adopt the habit of night prayer, regular Quran recitation, and patience in the face of challenges. The Surah reminds believers that hardships can be endured with faith and devotion, and that success comes from balancing worship with daily obligations. By reflecting on Surah Al-Muzzammil, Muslims are motivated to live more mindful lives, where reliance on Allah becomes their source of confidence, peace, and determination.
Q8. What is the significance of Surah Al-Muzzammil being revealed in Makkah?
Surah Al-Muzzammil’s Makkan revelation is significant because it came at the beginning of the Prophet’s mission when strength and reassurance were most needed. In a time of isolation and opposition, the Surah provided spiritual training and comfort. By focusing on night prayer, patience, and Quran recitation, Surah Al-Muzzammil gave the Prophet and early Muslims the tools to endure hostility and persecution. Its Makkan style emphasizes faith, worship, and perseverance, making Surah Al-Muzzammil a timeless guide for believers facing challenges in their own lives. 0 0 0
