Al-Muddassir (المدثر)
Definition
Al-Muddassir (المدثر) - “The Enwrapped” or “The Cloaked One.” This title refers to the 74th Surah (chapter) of the Qur’an, where the term appears in the first verse: “O Thou, enwrapped in thy mantle, arise and preach.” This Surah calls upon Prophet Muhammad to begin his prophetic mission.
Etymology
The term Al-Muddassir is derived from the Arabic root د-ث-ر (d-th-r), which means “to cover” or “to enwrap.” The word is formed by adding the prefix ‘al-’, which serves as the definite article “the,” to the base word muddassir (wrapped).
- Arabic: المدثر (Al-Muddassir)
- Turkish: El-Müddessir
Context in the Qur’an
Surah Al-Muddassir is believed by some scholars to be among the earliest revelations to Prophet Muhammad, while others hold that Surah Al-‘Alaq (96th Surah) is the earliest. The first verses of Al-Muddassir command the Prophet, who had been spiritually preparing for his mission, to rise and begin preaching the message of Islam.
Verse 1: “O you wrapped in garments (or cloak),”
Verse 2: “Arise and warn,”
Significance in Islamic Tradition
Surah Al-Muddassir encapsulates the moment when Prophet Muhammad transitions from a private to a public life of prophethood. The command to “arise and warn” signifies the responsibility placed upon him to spread the message of Islam and to warn people of the consequences of ignoring God’s guidance.
Books for Further Study
For more comprehensive insights into the significance of Surah Al-Muddassir and its place in the Qur’anic revelation, the following books are recommended:
- “The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- “An Introduction to the Qur’an” by Abdullah Saeed
- “The Qur’an: A New Translation” by M.A.S. Abdel Haleem
- “The Cambridge Companion to the Qur’an” by Jane Dammen McAuliffe
Key Takeaways
- Al-Muddassir means “The Enwrapped” or “The Cloaked One,” referring to Prophet Muhammad at the beginning of his prophethood.
- It is the title of the 74th Surah of the Qur’an.
- The Surah symbolizes the transition of Prophet Muhammad from spiritual preparation to public preaching.
- Understanding Surah Al-Muddassir provides insight into the early phase of the prophetic mission and the essence of Islamic preaching.
Conclusion
Surah Al-Muddassir holds a pivotal place in the Qur’an, marking the commencement of Prophet Muhammad’s public mission. Studying this Surah not only clarifies the early stages of Islamic revelation but also illuminates the persistent themes of responsibility, guidance, and warning prevalent throughout the Qur’an.
For further exploration, the recommended literature delves deeper into the historical, theological, and linguistic aspects of this significant chapter and its application in the broader context of Islamic teachings.
