Surah Name: Al-Muddaththir (سورة المدّثّر)
Translation: The One Enwrapped
Origin of name: The name is taken from the first verse, where the Prophet is addressed as "Al-Muddaththir," meaning “the one wrapped in a cloak” or “enwrapped.”
Surah Number: 74
Number of Ayahs (Verses): 56
Makki or Madani: Makki
Approximate Time of Revelation: Early Makkan period, shortly after the first revelation of Surah Al-‘Alaq
Historical Context
Surah Al-Muddaththir was revealed in the earliest phase of the Makkan period, soon after the initial verses of Surah Al-‘Alaq. It marks a pivotal moment in the life of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), when his mission as a public Warner officially begins.
According to some sources, while the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was walking on the road, he heard a voice from the sky but saw no one; this frightened him, so he returned home and said to his wife, “Cover me, cover me,”. It was in this state—wrapped in his cloak—that the first verses of Surah Al-Muddaththir were revealed, calling him to arise and begin his mission. [1,2]
This period in Makkah was marked by the dominance of idol worship and social customs deeply tied to tribal loyalty, power, and wealth. Religious life in the city revolved around the Ka‘bah, which had become a center for polytheism. Morality was in decline, with injustices like the mistreatment of the poor and women being widespread.
Additionally, the surah references in later verses to al-Walīd ibn al-Mughīrah—an influential leader who rejected the Prophet’s message despite understanding its divine nature. The opposition from such figures would intensify in the following years, shaping the social and political climate of early Islamic revelation.
References:
[1] al-Māturīdī, tafsir manuscript, fol. 842a
[2] al-Qurṭubī, Tafsīr, vol. XIX, pp. 59–60
Main Themes of Surah Al-Muddaththir
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Call to Prophethood and Responsibility:
The surah begins with a direct call to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), urging him to rise from covering himself and begin his mission of warning humanity. He is commanded to glorify his Lord, stay pure, avoid evil, and patiently endure difficulties in conveying the message. -
Emphasis on Accountability in the Hereafter:
A core message of the surah is that everyone will be held accountable for their actions. The existence of the Hereafter, Judgment Day, and Hellfire (particularly the section called “Saqar”) are all highlighted to caution those who deny the truth. -
Warning to the Arrogant and Wealthy Rejecters:
The surah strongly critiques people who, despite being blessed with intelligence and wealth, reject faith out of arrogance. An example is given of a person (commonly believed to be Al-Waleed ibn al-Mughirah) who deliberately turned away from the truth. -
Characteristics of the People of Hell:
The surah lists the traits of those who will be punished: they did not pray, did not help the poor, followed wrongdoers, lived in heedlessness, and denied the Day of Judgment. -
Human Denial and Demands for Miracles:
Many people refuse to accept divine messages unless they receive personal miracles or special revelations. The surah clarifies that such demands are not how guidance works, and that the Quran itself is sufficient for those who truly want to be guided. -
Sincerity in Calling to Islam:
Prophet Muhammad is reminded not to see his efforts as doing people favors or expect repayment. His mission is to do sincere work for Allah’s sake alone and to maintain patience through adversity.
Key Lessons from Surah Al-Muddaththir
- Purification, both spiritual and physical, is essential for those who call others to truth.
- Arrogance, wealth, and power do not save a person from punishment if they reject the truth.
- Key signs of disbelief include neglecting prayer, ignoring the poor, following the crowd blindly, and denying the Day of Judgment.
- No person or idol will be able to help anyone on the Day of Judgment.
Notable Ayahs from Surah Al-Muddaththir
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Verse 1-2:
"O you covered up ˹in your clothes˺! Arise and warn ˹all˺."
These are among the first commands given to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), marking the beginning of his mission to call people to Islam. -
Verse 8-10:
"˹For˺ when the Trumpet will be sounded, that will ˹truly˺ be a difficult Day— far from easy for the disbelievers."
A vivid description of the Day of Judgment and its challenges for those who deny the truth. -
Verse 11-15:
"And leave to me ˹O Prophet˺ the one I created all by Myself, and granted him abundant wealth, and children always by his side, and made life very easy for him. Yet he is hungry for more."
Referencing al-Walid ibn al-Mughira. -
Verse 35-38:
"Surely Hell is one of the mightiest catastrophes— a warning to humankind, to whichever of you chooses to take the lead or lag behind. Every soul will be detained for what it has done,"
A powerful reminder that everyone is responsible for their own actions. -
Verse 42-47:
"“What has landed you in Hell?” They will reply, “We were not of those who prayed, nor did we feed the poor. We used to indulge ˹in falsehood˺ along with others, and deny the Day of Judgment, until the inevitable came to us.”"
A dialogue between the believers and the people of Hell. -
Verse 56:
"But they cannot do so unless Allah wills. He ˹alone˺ is worthy to be feared and entitled to forgive."
A closing reminder of Allah’s complete control over guidance and His balance of justice and mercy.
