Chapter 73 - 7
Covered (Surah Al-Muzammil)
(20 verses in total; revealed in early Makkan Period)
This chapter introduced nightly prayers (tahajjud) as a means to deeper devotion and deeper appreciation of the message contained in the Qur’an. This Surah also begins to illustrate the physical manifestation of the Day of Resurrection.
Key themes in this chapter are as follows:
- Optional night prayer as much as one can but within reason and ability is highly encouraged for the Prophet and his followers
- The Day of Resurrection will cause upheaval on earth and flatten the mountains
- Ritual prayers and devotion, contributing to common good and charity are foundational for progress in this life and rewards in the Hereafter
In the Name of God, the God of Mercy and the Endower of Mercy!
O You (Prophet) covered up (in your cloak)!
Rise (to devotion) by night
All but a little
Half of the night or a little less
Or a little more
And recite the Qur’an, slowly and distinctly! (v. 1-4)
We are about to endow you with a mighty message
The vigil of the night will make the impression deeper
The words sharper
Your days are consumed in prolong activities
Be mindful of the exalted nature (Esma) of your Sustainer
Fully devote yourself to God
The Cherisher of the East and the West
There is no other god but God
Take God as your true Guardian
Be patient with what the deniers say
Ignore their behavior with dignity (v. 5-10)
Leave the deniers to Me
Those who possess plenty (wealth and pride)
Let’s spare them for a while
With Us are fetters (to restrain)
And abyss (of fire)
And food that chokes
And consequences dire
On a Day when the earth and mountains will shake
The mountains becoming heaps of loose sand (v. 11-14)
(O people) We have sent you a messenger
As a witness for you
Just as We sent a messenger to Pharaoh
But the Pharaoh denied the messenger
And We seized him with a terrifying grip
How, then, if you deny (God)
Will you protect yourselves?
From a Day that turns children grey-haired
Makes the sky torn to pieces
Surely, God’s promise is ever fulfilled! (v. 15-18)
Indeed, this is a Reminder
You are free, if you will, to take the way to Your Sustainer God! (v. 19)
(O Prophet), Your Sustainer Knows that you spend nearly two-thirds of the night in devotion, sometime half of it, sometimes a third of it and so does a group of those who follow you. It is God who measures the night and the day. God recognizes that you are not able to do so. Therefore, God has relented to all of you – therefore, devote and read as much of the Qur’an as is easy for you.
God knows that there are those who are sick among you, those who travels on land, seeking livelihoods and others who exerts in God’s way. Therefore, read as much of it as easy for you, while you maintain your worship of God (salah), support common good (zakat) and lend to God a good loan (qardan hasanan - sadaqah).
Whatever good deeds you store for your soul beforehand, you will find it with God – better and with a grand reward!
Ask forgiveness from God. God is Forgiving, God is the Endower of Mercy! (v. 20)
