Surah Al-Muzzammil (The Enshrouded One)

Al-Muzzammil means "The Enshrouded One" or "The Wrapped One," a description addressed to the Prophet Muhammad as one wrapped in a garment.

Surah Al-Muzzammil is the 73rd chapter of the Quran, a relatively short Meccan surah of 20 ayahs placed in the 29th juz. It opens by addressing the Prophet Muhammad with a tender description of him wrapped in his cloak, and calls him to rise for prayer during the night. The surah is chiefly known for establishing the practice of the night vigil (qiyam al-layl), giving guidance on devoting a portion of the night to worship and to reciting the Quran deliberately and attentively. It speaks of the spiritual weight of revelation, the value of patience in the face of denial, and reliance upon God. Traditionally the surah is understood as belonging to the early Meccan period, when the small Muslim community was building spiritual discipline. Its closing passage is commonly held to have eased the initial rigor of the night prayer, acknowledging human circumstances such as travel, illness, and other obligations.

Surah number: 73
Revelation: Meccan
Ayahs: 20
Arabic: المزمل

Read Surah Al-Muzzammil online — full Arabic text with the Pickthall English translation.

Main themes

The night vigil (qiyam al-layl) and devotional prayer
Deliberate, attentive recitation of the Quran
Patience and steadfastness amid opposition
Reliance and trust in God
Accountability and the reality of the Hereafter
Easing of religious obligation in light of human circumstance

Why this surah matters

Al-Muzzammil holds an important place as one of the earliest Meccan revelations and is closely associated with the foundational practice of night prayer in Islamic spirituality. Many Muslims traditionally look to it as a scriptural basis for voluntary nighttime worship and for reciting the Quran slowly and thoughtfully. Its message of patience and reliance on God is widely cited as encouragement for those facing hardship. Scholars commonly note its role in shaping early devotional discipline within the nascent Muslim community.

Frequently asked questions

Is Surah Al-Muzzammil Meccan or Medinan?

It is traditionally classified as a Meccan surah, revealed in the early period of the Prophet's mission, though some scholars consider its final, longer verse to have come later.

What does the name Al-Muzzammil mean?

It means "The Enshrouded One" or "The Wrapped One," referring to the Prophet Muhammad described as wrapped in his garment at the surah's opening.

What is the surah mainly about?

It is best known for establishing the night vigil and encouraging devotional prayer, attentive recitation of the Quran, patience, and reliance upon God.

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