قُمِ ٱلَّيْلَ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا 2
Translations
Arise [to pray] the night, except for a little -
Transliteration
Qumi al-layla illa qalilan
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to stand in night prayer except for a small portion of the night, establishing the practice of Tahajjud (night vigil). Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that this instruction was specifically for the Prophet and represents an exceptional standard of devotion, though the surah later provides relief from this rigorous obligation (73:20). The command reflects the spiritual elevation required of the Prophet as a leader and intercessor for his Ummah.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Muzzammil was revealed in the early Meccan period and begins with the Prophet wrapped in his garment, likely during a night of revelation or spiritual intensity. This ayah sets the tone for the entire surah by establishing night prayer as a foundational spiritual practice during a time of intense opposition to the Islamic message in Mecca. The surah's context is one of encouragement and spiritual fortification during trials.
Related Hadiths
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: 'The Prophet used to pray eleven rak'ahs at night' (Sahih Bukhari 1147). Additionally, the hadith in Sahih Muslim relates that the Prophet said night prayer is 'the best prayer after the obligatory prayers.'
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that sincere devotion to Allah requires effort and sacrifice, particularly in times of hardship, and that drawing close to the Divine through additional worship strengthens one's resolve and spiritual resilience in facing life's challenges.