نِّصْفَهُۥٓ أَوِ ٱنقُصْ مِنْهُ قَلِيلًا 3
Translations
Half of it - or subtract from it a little
Transliteration
Nisfu-hu awi enqusu min-hu qalīlan
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah instructs the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to reduce the night vigil from half the night, or lessen it somewhat, as part of Allah's mercy upon him and the ummah. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari note this represents a Divine concession following the initial command in 73:2 to stand the night in prayer, demonstrating Allah's compassion for human capacity and weakness. The verse establishes the principle that religious obligations should be approached with balance and consideration for human limitations.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the opening revelation of Surah Al-Muzzammil, revealed early in the Meccan period. It comes after the initial command to pray at night and represents Divine guidance adapting the practice to be sustainable, reflecting Allah's mercy during the challenging early years of prophethood when the Prophet faced immense opposition.
Related Hadiths
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Prophet prayed at night and the Qur'an was revealed commanding him to do so, but later this was made easier for him (Sahih Bukhari). Related to this is the hadith about the Prophet's night prayers gradually being adjusted to what was manageable (Sahih Muslim).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that Islam values moderation and sustainability in religious practice rather than excessive rigidity; it reminds us that Allah understands human limitations and that sincere, consistent worship within our capacity is more beloved to Him than unsustainable extremism.