Seerat Shahina
Surah Al-Muzammil; brief summary & background.
The Holy Quran is divided into several chapters for the proper understanding and utilization of its virtues by mankind. The Quran contains 114 surahs. All the surahs have various clear, visible and hidden advantages for all the humanity. Al- Muzammil is 73rd Chapter of the Qur'an, containing 20 verses and 2 Parts. which are recognized by Muslims as the Word of Allah. Al-Muzammil is an Arabic word, which means “Enwrapped”, “Bundled Up”, “Enfolded”. Many commentators claim that this surah was revealed in Mecca during the early days of Muhammad’s (SAW) proclamation of his prophethood.
In the beginning of this Surah Almighty Allah Says: O Muhammad (The Enwrapped) Rise to pray in the night but not all night. Half of it or subtract from it a little. And recite the Qur’an slowly and distinctly. The words of the Qur'an must not be read hastily, merely to get through, just for the sake of reading more, without understanding or assimilation. They must be studied, and their deep meaning pondered over. They are themselves so beautiful that they must be lovingly pronounced in slow tone. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to worship in the cave of Hira, both before and after he received his mission, spending days and nights in prayer. Midnight and after-midnight prayers have technically received the name of Tahajjud. 17:79.
God prepared Muhammad (PBUH) for an important revelation and heavy responsibility for him and subsequently for the Muslim community. Almighty Allah expounds upon the benefit of night prayer. During the day people are preoccupied with many activities. For contemplation, prayer, and praise, what time can be more suitable than the night, when calm and silence prevail, without noise and disturbances of traffic and marketplace. The night prayer was of such importance, because the believer's focus on prayer and separation from any distraction was believed to make a deeper impression on the believer`s heart and mind.
“Those who spend the night in adoration of their Lord prostrate and standing; Humble prayer brings them nearer to Allah.” 25:64
Therefore, praise highly the name of your Lord and devote yourself to Him with exclusive and sincere devotion. He is the Lord of the East and the West. there is no deity so take Him as a Protector of your affairs, putting full trust in Him.
Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is then commanded to bear patiently what they (disbelievers) say and leave them with noble dignity. As Disposer of all affairs of the universe (He) will handle them. For them are chains and food that chokes. On the Day the earth and the mountains will convulse and the mountains will become a heap of sand pouring down. The Holy Quran has been referred in many verses about rising from death and scene of the day of judgement. The Creator can do anything. These verses describe the scattering of mountains like dust and wool and their disintegration in final hours (Quran: 73:14, 20;105, 81:3,18:47:19:90,77:10)
And Quran says the matter of the deniers, will be tackled strictly. Indeed, for them are shackles and burning fire. The Holy Prophet has been sent as Messenger who is witness over people just as He sent Moses as a Messenger towards Pharaoh. The disbelievers will be punished in Hell, as exemplified by a story of Pharaoh's punishment. The Pharaoh disobeyed the messenger; so, the Almighty Allah seized him with a heavy punishment. Yet Allah wanted to keep future generations aware of what will be the fate of disbelief and arrogance. So, He maintained Pharaoh’s body without decay. Allah has mentioned it in holy Quran (10:92)
The Prophet (PBUH) and his followers used to pray almost two thirds of the night or half of it or a third of it and recite Quran. In verse 20 there is a relaxation both for Prophet (Peace be upon him) and for believers that they may recite from the Quran as much as possible. This Verse also emphasizes the importance of establishing prayers and pay alms-tax, (zakat) and lend to Allah a virtuous loan, and seek Allah’s forgiveness. Almighty Allah is All-Forgiving and Most-Merciful. Good deeds will be rewarded in greatest way. In numerous verses of the Quran, Allah describes Himself as being extremely generous, merciful, and forgiving towards His creations. He assures:
"He is Allah besides Whom there is no God; the Knower of the unseen and the seen; He is the Beneficent, the Merciful.” (59:22)
The subject matter and the content of Surah Al- Muzammil, guides a person in hard times, it acts as a light at the end of the tunnel and finds a way for its believer. Surah Al-Muzammil`s benefits are also very significant. A person who recites this surah with full concentration and wholeheartedly surely gets guidance with blessings.