Sūrah 73
Sūrah al-Muzzammil
Introduction to this pair
Both these sūrahs form a pair with regard to their topics. The first sūrah directs the Prophet (sws) to prepare himself for bearing the burden of a heavy responsibility, while the second one explains this responsibility: after indhār (warning), the first phase of his preaching mission, he should now launch the next phase of indhār-i ‘ām (open warning) to his people.
Both sūrahs are addressed to the Prophet (sws) and also to his addressees: the leadership of the Quraysh.
It is evident from the topics of these sūrahs that with their revelation in Makkah began the phase of indhār-i ‘ām of Prophet Muḥammad’s (sws) preaching mission.
The theme of Sūrah al-Muzzammil is to direct the Prophet (sws) to abandon his state of sorrow resulting from the reaction of his people and prepare to bear the burden of a heavy responsibility, and to admonish the leadership of the Quraysh that they have very little time left; if they do not mend their ways, they should get ready to face the consequences.
The theme of Sūrah al-Muddaththir is to explain the responsibility of indhār-i ‘ām to the Prophet (sws) with its requirements and limits and to threaten and rebuke his addressees that the Day of Judgement which the Prophet (sws) has now been directed to openly warn them of must not be regarded by them as something trivial. It is a day which will not be easy upon its rejecters and it is a reality which can neither be denied nor evaded through any intercession whatsoever.
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Ever-Merciful.
O you enwrapped in the shawl! Stand by night, but a little. Half the night or even less or a little more and in this prayer of yours recite the Qur’ān in a measured way. This is because soon We shall lay on you the burden of a heavy word. This rising by night, in reality, is very suitable for the heart’s resolve and for the speech’s correctness. This is because during the daytime you will be engaged [with this task; so, pray at this time,] and remember the name of your Lord, and [in this seclusion of the night] devote yourself entirely to Him. He is the Lord of the East and the West. There is no deity but Him. Therefore, take Him alone as your Guardian, bear with patience what they say, graciously ignore them and leave the matter of these deniers who enjoy the comforts of life to Me and give them only a little respite. We certainly have in store [for them] heavy fetters and a blazing fire, and choking food and a painful torment also. On the day when the earth and the mountains shall tremble violently and the mountains shall be as if they are disbanding heaps of sand.
To you [O Quraysh of Makkah!] We have sent forth a Messenger as a witness to you just as We had sent a Messenger to the Pharaoh. Then as the Pharaoh disobeyed that Messenger, We seized him with a dreadful punishment. So, if you also deny, then how will you save yourselves from the day which shall turn the children old? The heavens are ripping apart with its burden, and the promise of God is certain to be fulfilled. Undoubtedly, [before that,] this is a reminder. So, whoever desires may take the path to His Lord.
[O Prophet! We had enjoined upon you to stand by night.] Your Lord well knows that sometimes you stand almost two thirds of the night before him, sometimes half and sometimes one third of it, and so does a group among your companions. God alone [keeping in view the need of people] appoints the day and night in due measure. He knew that you people would not be able to follow this [routine]. So, He turned towards you mercifully. Thus, recite now from this Qur’ān in this prayer as much as you are able to. He knows that in future there will be those among you who will be sick too and others also who will be travelling to seek the bounty of God and some others who will be fighting for the cause of God. So, recite from this as much as is possible, and [during the day and night] adhere diligently to the prayer and pay zakāh, and [for the cause of religion and state,] lend to God a befitting loan. And [remember that] whatever good you send forth for yourselves, you shall find it with God better than before and greater in reward. Keep seeking God’s forgiveness. Indeed, God is the Most Forgiving, Ever-Merciful.