73. Surah Al-Muzzammil; The Enwrapped 🌌

(Belived to be either the 3rd or 4th Surah to be revealed) 

Surah Al-Muzzammil, which consists of 20 verses, was revealed in Makkah. The Surah introduces the concept of Tahajud (night prayer), which plays a significant role in the spiritual journey of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers. It was revealed during the early days of the Prophet’s mission, a time of great struggle after his first encounter with Angel Jibreel (Gabriel). The Prophet, overwhelmed by the experience of the first revelation, returned home seeking comfort and requested his wife, Khadija, to cover him with a blanket, saying “Zammilooni, Zammilooni” (“Cover me, cover me”). This moment marked the beginning of the revelation of Surah Al-Muzzammil.

The Surah begins with a deeply personal and direct address to the Prophet: “O you who covers himself [with a garment]”(73:1). This divine call was both a reminder and an instruction from Allah for the Prophet to rise from his state and prepare for the immense responsibility of prophethood. The chapter continues by commanding the Prophet to stand in prayer during the night and recite the Qur’an, initiating the practice of Qiyam al-Layl, or night prayer. The command is powerful: “Stand [in prayer] all night, except for a little” (73:2). This emphasis on nightly worship highlights the importance of solitude, spiritual discipline, and connection with Allah during the quiet hours of the night.

Verses 3 and 4 encourage moderation, suggesting prayer for half the night, or a little more or less (one-third to two-thirds of the night). The recitation of the Qur’an should be deliberate and beautiful: “Recite the Qur’an with measured recitation” (73:4), pronouncing every letter carefully. The Sunnah is to recite in a voice just loud enough to hear yourself—balanced between being audible and humble. Verse 5 reveals the reason for this intense spiritual preparation: “Indeed, We will cast upon you a heavy word.” This refers to the immense responsibility and burden of conveying Allah’s message to mankind.

Tahajjud, as described in this Surah, is not just a ritual; it is a source of strength. It provides the spiritual resilience needed to withstand the trials of this world. While praying after Isha is permissible, the highest reward lies in waking up from sleep to offer this voluntary prayer. As verse 6 emphasizes, “Indeed, the hours of the night are more effective for concurrence [of heart and tongue] and more suitable for words.” The night prayer strengthens the believer’s ability to speak the truth and express themselves courageously during the day.

Allah also acknowledges the demands of daily life. Verses 7 and 8 remind us that while the night should be devoted to reflection and remembrance, we must also remember Allah during our busy routines. The Surah also touches on patience and mentions the punishment for those who reject faith, reinforcing the need to stay steadfast and rely on Allah through all challenges.

The final verse of Surah Al-Muzzammil, which was revealed much later than the earlier ones, reflects a significant transition. It begins by acknowledging the Prophet’s established habit of standing in prayer for large portions of the night—“Indeed, your Lord knows, [O Muhammad], that you stand [in prayer] almost two-thirds of the night or half of it or a third of it, and [so do] a group of those with you.” This verse shows that the Prophet was no longer alone in this practice—his followers had joined him in Tahajjud. It also marks a shift from obligation to flexibility, as Allah, in His mercy, eases the command: “So recite what is easy [for you] of the Qur’an.” Recognizing the varying circumstances of believers—illness, travel, work, or striving in Allah’s cause—this verse encourages balance and prioritizes quality and sincerity in worship over rigid quantity.

Many scholars believe that Tahajjud was initially obligatory for the early Muslims before the five daily prayers were formally established, and then it became voluntary due to the evolving needs and responsibilities of the community. Nevertheless, the spirit of the Surah remains: read the Qur’an regularly, uphold your prayers, give zakah, support good causes, and always seek Allah’s forgiveness. Even if one cannot perform Tahajjud consistently, the door to earning reward remains wide open through acts of charity, prayer, and devotion.

Finally, a profound reminder closes the Surah—do not allow religious rituals to inflate your ego. Spiritual acts should bring humility, not arrogance. No matter how devoted we become, we must continue to recognize our shortcomings and seek Allah’s forgiveness: “Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”

Key Lessons

- Turn to Allah in times of fear and vulnerability 

- Spiritiual strength requires private worship 

- Consistency builds spiritual discipline 

- Make time for Allah, despite a busy life