About the Surah

In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

O you wrapped up in garments! [i.e. Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)].

Stand (to offer Salat) at night, except a little –

Half of the night or a little less than that,

Or a little more. And recite the Quran (aloud) at a slow pace and clearly.

Indeed, We shall soon send down to you very heavy instructions (i.e. obligations and laws in the Quran).

Indeed, to rise at night (for Tahajjud prayer) is hard though very suitable for concentration and very effective (for self control). 

Indeed, you have a lot of busi-ness to conduct during the day.

And remember the Name of your Creator and devote yourself to Him with full devotion.

The Creator of the east and the west, none has the right to be worshipped but Him. Hence, make Him (Alone) the Guardian of your affairs.

And remember the Name of your Creator and devote yourself to Him with full devotion.

And leave it to Me to deal with those who deny (the truth) and are leading a luxurious life and grant them little more time (to receive the punishment).

Indeed, We have chains (to bind them) and a flaming Fire.

And food that chokes (the throat) and a painful torment.

On that Day when the earth and the mountains will be violently shaken and the mountains will become heaps of sand.

Indeed, We have sent to you a messenger [Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)] to be a witness over you, just as We sent a messenger to Firaun.

But Firaun disobeyed the messenger, so We seized him with a severe punishment.

If you remained disbelievers, then where would you find refuge on the Day which will make the children grey headed (due to the horrors of that Day),

(That day) the sky will split apart. His (Allah’s) Promise will certainly to be fulfilled.

Indeed, this is an advice (for you). Hence, whosoever desires, may follow a Path to his Creator!

Indeed, your Creator knows that a group of people offer Tahajjud with you in a little less than two thirds of the night, or half the night, or one third of the night. And Allah measures the night and the day. He knows that you will not be able to keep up with it (i.e. to pray at night, at those times, due to physical and spiritual hardships). So Allah has turned to you (in mercy). Hence, recite the Quran as much as you can easily (i.e. offer Tahajjud 2-8 rakat during any part of the night). (It is also because) Allah knows that some of you may be sick, others may be travelling through the land seeking Allah’s Bounty, and still others may be fighting in Allah’s Cause. Hence, recite as much of the Quran as you can recite easily, and perform Salat, and give Zakat (the poor due), and lend Allah a sincere loan (i.e. give additional charity apart from obligatory Zakat). And whatever good deeds you send forth for yourselves, you will find a better and more reward for them with Allah. And seek forgiveness from Allah. Indeed, Allah is Very-Forgiving, Most-Merciful.