This is one of the earliest Suras to have been revealed. The first was Sura 96 (Iqraa), in the fortieth year of the Prophet's life say about 12 years before the Hijra. Then there was an interruption (Fatra), of which the duration cannot be exactly ascertained, as there was no external history connected with it. The usual estimate puts it at about six months, but it may have been a year or two years. The years were then counted by the luni-solar calendar. The second Sura in chronological order was probably a great portion of Sura 68 (Qalam), which came after the Fatra was over. About the same time came this Sura (say third) and Sura 74, which follows (say fourth), and the remainder of Sura 96. We may roughly put the date of this Sura at about 11 to 10 years before the Hijra.
The subject matter is the significance of Prayer and Humility in spiritual life and the terrible fate of those who reject Faith and Revelation.
C.253-(Verses 1 to 20)-Devote yourself to the service of Allah in the stillness of the night, but not all night. In the world's persecution rely on Allah, Who will deal with His enemies fittingly. Let not Allah's service be a matter of difficulty to you, do all your duties in whole hearted remembrance of Allah, and ever seek His bountiful Grace.
73:1 SURA 73. Muzzammil, or Folded in Garments. In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. O thou folded in garments!
73:2 Stand (to prayer) by night, but not all night, --
73:3 Half of it, -- or a little less,
73:4 Or a little more; and recite the Koran in slow, measured rhythmic tones.
73:5 Soon shall We send down to thee a weighty Message.
73:6 Truly the rising by night is the most potent for governing (the soul), and most suitable for (framing) the Word (of Prayer and Praise).
73:7 True, there is for thee by day prolonged occupation with ordinary duties:
73:8 But keep in remembrance the name of thy Lord and devote thyself to Him wholeheartedly.
73:9 (He is) Lord of the East and the West: There is No god but
He: Take Him therefore for (thy) Disposer of Affairs.
73:10 And have patience with what they say, and leave them with noble (dignity).
73:11 And leave Me (alone to deal with) those in possession of the good things of life, who (yet) deny the Truth: and bear with them for a little while.
73:12 With Us are Fetters (to bind them), and a Fire (to burn them),
73:13 And a Food that chokes, and a Penalty Grievous.
73:14 One Day the earth and the mountains will be in violent commotion. And the mountains will be as a heap of sand poured out and flowing down.
73:15 We have sent to you, (O men!) an apostle, to be a witness concerning you, even as We sent an apostle to Pharaoh.
73:16 But Pharaoh disobeyed the apostle; so We seized him with a heavy Punishment.
73:17 Then how shall ye, if ye deny (Allah), guard yourselves against a Day that will make children hoary headed? --
73:18 Whereon the sky will be cleft asunder? His Promise needs must be accomplished.
73:19 Verily this is an Admonition: Therefore, whoso will, let him take a (straight) path to his Lord!
73:20 Section 2. Thy Lord doth know that thou standest forth (to prayer) nigh two-thirds of the night, or half the night, or a third of the night, and so doth a party of those with thee. But Allah doth appoint Night and Day in due measure. He knoweth that ye are unable to keep count thereof. So He hath turned to you (in mercy): Read ye, therefore, of the Koran as much as may be easy for you. He knoweth that there may be (some) among you in ill-health; others travelling through the land, seeking of Allah's bounty; yet others fighting in Allah's Cause. Read ye, therefore, as much of the Koran as may be easy (for you); and establish regular Prayer and give regular Charity; and loan to Allah a Beautiful Loan. And whatever good ye send forth for your souls, ye shall find it in Allah's Presence, -- Yea, better and greater, in Reward. And seek ye the Grace of Allah: For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
