Day 335 · Surah Al-Muzammil Verses 1-20

Al-Muzzammil 1–20

Night prayer is established as a method of character formation for those who bear the message of Islam—carried out by the Messenger and the Companions for three to six hours throughout the year—before finally being lightened.

• Standing for night prayer in the last third of the night is called the best method to form character in bearing the great and heavy responsibility of Islam.
• The Messenger and the Companions performed night prayer for three to six hours every night for a full year before the lightening was revealed.
• Night prayer is valued as having a stronger effect on forming belief, balancing daytime occupations, and calming the heart when facing challenges.
• The evil of the disbelievers will be punished by Allah in the world and Hell is prepared in the Hereafter, as Pharaoh who disobeyed Musa.
• The last verse gives lightening so that night prayer is done to one's ability, especially for those who are sick, travelers seeking provision, and those who struggle in jihad.

Verses 1-19 of Surah Al-Muzzammil explain the best method of forming the character of a Messenger of Allah in bearing the responsibility of Islam which is very great and heavy, namely Qiyamullail, prayer in the last third of the night. This method applies to all the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), especially its preachers. The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) and the Companions prayed at night 3-6 hours every night for a full year. After that Allah gave lightening.

Night prayer has a stronger effect and impact on forming belief and faith. The busyness during the day in preaching or various other activities can only be balanced with night prayer. Moreover, in facing enemies of Islam, extra patience is needed. Night prayer is able to calm the heart so it is able to be patient in facing various challenges and trials.

Allah informed the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) that the matter of the evil of the disbelievers, He who will punish them in the world. In the Hereafter, Allah has already prepared Hell for them. Just as Pharaoh who disobeyed Musa. How can the disbelievers feel safe on the Day of Resurrection where even babies can turn gray and the sky breaks apart. His promise is sure to happen. This is a warning. Whoever wants to be saved, take the path of Allah.

Verse 20 of Surah Al-Muzzammil continues the previous verse regarding night prayer (qiyamullail). Verse 20 provides a lightening (rukhsah) to the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) and his Ummah so we can practice it to the maximum of what we can do. Night prayer also teaches us sincerity in worship and supplication to Allah. Those who can get the lightening are the sick, travelers seeking provision and those who struggle in the path of Allah.

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