Surah Al-Muddathir is the 74th chapter of the Quran. In this surah, Allah commands the believers to take action against the non-believers. This surah has 56 verses, and it is a Makki surah. Surah Al-Muddathir got its name from the word ‘Muddathir’ in the 1st verse, which means ‘The Cloaked One/The Clothed One’. This surah is placed in 29th juz(para) and has 2 rukus. The first seven verses of this surah were revealed in the early days of prophethood, while the rest of the surah was revealed while the Prophet (ﷺ) was on pilgrimage a few months later. Thus, this is a Meccan or Makki surah.
The 1st surah that was revealed to the Last Messenger (ﷺ) was verses of Surah Alaq. After the first revelation, new verses were not revealed to the Prophet for some time. After a long pause, one day, the Prophet (ﷺ) saw Angel Gabriel sitting on a throne between heaven and earth. This sudden encounter terrified the Prophet (ﷺ), and he rushed home. He asked his family members to cover him up, and that’s why Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) was referring to him in the 1st verse by saying ‘O Cloaked One’. The 1st 7 verses of Surah Al-Muddathir were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) at this time.
٧٤ - ٱلْمُدَّثِّر
74 - Al-Muddathir
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Surah Al-Muddathir (الْمُدَّثِّر) talks about several important topics in depth. It is a call to prophethood asking the Messenger (ﷺ) to warn people of their wrongdoings and give them the true message of Allah so they become believers. It is a reminder that the end of disbelievers is near, and there are flames of hell waiting for them. It gives a reality check that every person is accountable for their sins and good deeds. No person is accountable for the sins of another.
As explained before, the first 7 verses were revealed after a long pause in Quranic revelation upon Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ). The first revelation introduced the Prophet Muhammad to His Lord and Creator. These verses instructed the Prophet (ﷺ) to tell the words of Allah to others so they may believe in the one God and come to the right path. In the 2nd verse of the surah, Allah instructs the Prophet to “Arise and deliver thy warning!”
In the subsequent verses, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) gives the Prophet a set of rules to live by, such as in verse 4, He says, and keep your clothes clean.” And in verse 7, He says, “And for the sake of your Lord, patiently endure.” In this verse, Allah was alerting him that this road to prophethood is not a smooth one and there will be a lot of bumps. However, for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), be patient.
Surah Al-Muddathir is a serious warning from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) to remind mankind of its fate on the day of Resurrection. From verse 11 to verse 26, Allah exclaims that the wishes of man are never ending. Even though humans are dependent on Allah for everything, they still are never thankful and ask for more. So, for the disbelievers who turn away from the signs of Allah and spread in the land that the preaching of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) are nothing but a magic stone of Hell are waiting. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) gives notice to wrathful non-believers that their actions are making them fuel of Hellfire.
From verses 27 to 35, Allah sheds light on what Hell is. He clearly states in verses 28 and 29 that “It neither leaves nor spares. It strips away the hide of man.” The fire in Hell won’t spare any disbelievers, they’ll be melted due to their fate. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) further explains that there are nineteen guards that are above the Hell. He is omnipotent, He guides whomever He wills. If He decides for a person to go astray, no one can make him walk on the right path. Thus, obeying Allah is the only way out of facing the misery of Hell.
In the later verses of the surah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) warns people about signs and deeds that can cause them to be in Hell. From verses 42 to 46, He makes it as clear as the daylight. Allah says that people in Paradise will ask the question to people in Hell about the reason they are in Hell. To which Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) mentioned their replies as a warning and signs. He says, “They said, “We never used to offer the prayer.” (74:43) “Nor used to feed the needy.” (74:44) “And used to dwell on evil matters with those who think evilly.” (74:45) “And used to deny the Day of Justice.” (74:46). On the day of Judgment, there will be no rescue for the people in Hell. On an ending note, Allah asks people to pay attention to their deeds and take guidance from Islam and the Holy Book; the Quran.
Reciting the Quran is one of the most noble deeds that one can do. Recitation of Surah Al-Muddathir has many benefits. It higher up the rank of readers in Jannah. Moreover, daily recitation of Surah Al-Muddathir (الْمُدَّثِّر) will be a generous addition of good deeds to your record. It is one of the best ways to obtain Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) blessings and open the door to Paradise. You should always remember the message Surah Al-Muddathir gives and make sure to act right as per the principles of Islam.