Al-Muzzammil

Sūrat al-Muzzammil (Arabic: سورة المزمل‎, "The Enshrouded One, Bundled Up, Enfolded") is the 73rd Sura, or chapter, of the Qur'an. The Sura contains 20 ayat, or verses, which are recognized by Muslims as the word of Allah (God).

Al-Muzzammil takes its name from the reference to the Islamic prophet Muhammad, in his cloak praying at night, in the opening verses of the Sura. Many commentators claim that “The Enfolded One” is a name for Muhammad, used throughout the Qur'an.

In the beginning of this Sura, Allah prepares Muhammad for an important revelation. In preparation for this revelation, Allah loosens the strict regulation on night prayer. Muhammad is then instructed to be patient for the disbelievers will be punished in Hell, as exemplified by a story of Pharaoh’s punishment.

Content

In the beginning of Sura 73, Allah expounds upon the merits of night prayer in the First Meccan Period. Muhammad, and subsequently the Muslim community, is commanded to “stay up throughout the night, all but a small part of it, half, or a little less, or a little more; recite the Qur’an slowly and distinctly.” During the First Meccan Period, the total Qur'anic revelation was brief enough to recite during the night. As such, it was expected of Muslims to recite the Qur'an in full during the night. 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.