Surah Al-Muzzammil

Surah Muzzammil, the 73rd Surah in the Holy Quran, takes its name from Alla Azzawajal’s name, ‘Al-Muzzammil,’ which translates to ‘The One Covering Himself’ or ‘The Enshrouded One.’ It was revealed in the initial Makkan days and thus is a Makki Surah. It consists of 2 ruku’ and 20 verses. The Surah can be found in the 29th Juz (Para) of the Holy Quran. Surah Muzzammil, as its revelation period indicates, was sent upon the Prophet Muhammad (ï·º) to prepare him for the future tasks and challenges that the proclamation of Islam merited. The Surah also carried the message of praying through most of the night and reciting the Holy Quran. Therefore, the word ‘Al-Muzzammil’ also refers to the state of the Prophet Muhammad (ï·º) at night during prayer sessions when he would be covered in his cloak.

Themes and Subject Matter of Surah Muzzammil

Surah Muzzammil starts with the importance of the message of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and the extraordinary ordeal upon the Prophet Muhammad ( ﷺ ) of spreading this message amongst the people. The verses address the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ ) on how he has to stay firm and ready and ask him to prepare himself to shoulder the arduous responsibilities of the divine mission on which he was sent to this world. He is entrusted with the task, and the best form of working on that mission is to stand up during the night and pray for half of it. 

The Surah also comforts the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) to not worry too deeply about the opponents of Islam and what they say regarding the revelations. The Surah asks the Prophet (ﷺ) to leave the case of the disbelievers to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), and He shall deal with them. Surah Muzzammil also warns the disbelievers of the extreme repercussions they will face for their actions and apprises them of the punishments for opposing the Holy Prophet ( ﷺ). 

The last verses of the Surah, which were revealed after one year, relieved the Prophet ( ﷺ ) and the believers of the long standings during the night and asked them to pray as much as they could during the night and recite as much of the Quran as is easy for them. It also commands the Muslims to establish the five daily prayers and Zakat.

Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: When the opening verses of Surah Al-Muzzammil was revealed, the Companions would pray as long as they would pray during Ramadan until its last verses were revealed. The period between the revelation of its opening and the last verses was one year. - Sunan Abi Dawud 1305

Virtues and Benefits of Surah Muzzammil 

Reciting Surah Muzzammil during the night after Isha prayers or Tahajjud is believed to keep one’s heart pure and clean. This Surah safeguards the reciter from any mental illness and provides one with the contentment of heart and peace of mind.

The recitation of this Surah is also encouraged for the forgiveness of sins and the resolution of the hardships and difficulties one may face. Surah Muzzammil, upon its recitation, is also known to provide a believer with abundance and prosperity concerning wealth and financial security.