Surah Name: Al-Muzzammil (سورة المزّمّل)
Translation: The Enshrouded One
Origin of name: The Surah is named after the word “Al-Muzzammil” mentioned in the first verse, which refers to the Prophet Muhammad as “the one wrapped in a garment,” reflecting his emotional state during the early moments of receiving revelation.
Surah Number: 73
Number of Ayahs (Verses): 20
Makki or Madani: Primarily Makki (with verses 10, 11, and 20 considered to be revealed in Madinah based on their content)
Approximate Time of Revelation: Early Makkan period (with the final verse likely revealed around ten years later in Madinah)
Historical Context
Surah Al-Muzzammil was revealed during the earliest stage of Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) mission in Makkah. This was a time of immense spiritual intensity and emotional awakening for the Prophet.
The cause of its revelation is closely tied to the Prophet’s emotional state after receiving the first revelation. According to one narration, after hearing hurtful and mocking words from the Quraysh leaders, he withdrew to his home and wrapped himself in his garment. Another widely accepted narration states that after the first revelation in the cave of Hira, the Prophet, shaken with fear and awe, returned home and covered himself out of intense emotion. In both cases, the command came addressing him as “the one wrapped in a garment” (Al-Muzzammil), instructing him to rise, prepare, and begin the mission of prophethood.
During this period, the Prophet was being mentally and spiritually prepared to take on the immense burden of delivering God's message. The emphasis was placed on inner spiritual growth, especially through lengthy night prayers and deep reflection on the Qur’an — tools that would strengthen their resolve in the face of opposition.
Later, when Islam spread to Madinah, the situation changed. The Muslim community began growing, and responsibilities increased. The final verse of the Surah reflects this shift, offering ease in the religious obligations such as night prayer due to the newer circumstances. It allowed flexibility in worship as the early Muslim society started to take shape and engage in broader communal duties.
Main Themes of Surah Al-Muzzammil
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Spiritual Preparation for Prophethood:
The surah begins by calling the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to prepare for his mission. He is asked to engage in night prayers, recite the Qur'an with reflection, and build a close connection with Allah. This spiritual training is essential for handling the great responsibility of delivering Allah’s message. -
Trust in Allah and Patience with Opposition:
The Prophet is commanded to trust in the Lord of the world and to be patient with those who insult or oppose him. The Prophet should withdraw respectfully from gatherings of hostility and stay firm in his mission with dignity. -
Warning to the Arrogant Rejectors:
Those who deny the early revelations and are obsessed with status and wealth are warned of the coming punishment in the next life. The story of Pharaoh serves as an example of the fate of those who rebel against Allah’s message. -
Ease and Mercy in Worship:
In the final verse, which was revealed later, Allah eases the earlier commands of long night worship. Instead, believers are encouraged to worship according to their ability, perform obligatory prayers, give zakah, and seek Allah's forgiveness, showing Allah's mercy and understanding of human challenges.
Key Lessons from Surah Al-Muzzammil
- Spiritual preparation is essential for carrying the message of Islam.
- Night prayer strengthens the soul and deepens connection with Allah.
- Reciting the Qur’an slowly and thoughtfully helps in understanding and reflection.
- Patience and politeness are key when facing opposition or harsh words.
- Worship, charity, and seeking forgiveness are continuous duties of a believer.
Notable Ayahs from Surah Al-Muzzammil
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Verse 1-4:
"O you who wraps himself ˹in a cloak˺, Stand all night ˹in prayer˺ except a little — ˹pray˺ half the night, or a little less, or a little more—and recite the Quran ˹properly˺ in a measured way."
This is how Allah addresses the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) calling him to rise and prepare for his mission. -
Verse 5:
"˹For˺ We will soon send upon you a weighty revelation."
Describes the Quran as a heavy responsibility, highlighting the seriousness of the prophetic mission. -
Verse 10:
"Be patient ˹O Prophet˺ with what they say, and depart from them courteously."
This verse advises the Prophet to respond to insults and opposition with patience and dignity. -
Verse 20:
"Surely your Lord knows that you ˹O Prophet˺ stand ˹in prayer˺ for nearly two-thirds of the night, or ˹sometimes˺ half of it, or a third, as do some of those with you. Allah ˹alone˺ keeps a ˹precise˺ measure of the day and night. He knows that you ˹believers˺ are unable to endure this, and has turned to you in mercy. So recite ˹in prayer˺ whatever you can from the Quran. He knows that some of you will be sick, some will be travelling throughout the land seeking Allah’s bounty, and some fighting in the cause of Allah. So recite whatever you can from it. And ˹continue to˺ perform ˹regular˺ prayers, pay alms-tax, and lend to Allah a good loan. Whatever good you send forth for yourselves, you will find it with Allah far better and more rewarding. And seek Allah’s forgiveness. Surely Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful."
A comforting command permitting flexibility in worship due to life’s challenges, while encouraging continued devotion and charity.
