يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلْمُزَّمِّلُ 1
Translations
O you who wraps himself [in clothing]
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha al-muzzammil
Tafsir (Explanation)
This opening ayah addresses the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) with the title 'Al-Muzzammil' (the Enshrouded One), referring to him wrapped in his garment during the night. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir note this was likely his condition when receiving revelations at night, emphasizing the intimate nature of divine communication. The address establishes the surah's focus on night vigils and devotional practices that would follow.
Revelation Context
This surah was revealed in the early Meccan period and addresses the Prophet during his nocturnal worship and Quranic recitation. The specific address 'O Enshrouded One' reflects the Prophet's practice of wrapping himself while engaged in night prayers and meditation, establishing the context for the forthcoming commandment regarding tahajjud (night prayer).
Related Hadiths
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Prophet used to pray at night, and this surah was revealed during that period of intensive night worship (Sahih Bukhari). The hadith about the Prophet's night prayers emphasizes the virtue of qiyam al-layl as mentioned in this surah's opening.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that Allah addresses His servants with care and specificity, acknowledging their circumstances and struggles; it also reminds us that devoted worship, particularly in solitude at night, is a means of drawing closer to divine guidance and receiving spiritual illumination.