Surah 74: Al-Muddaththir (The Cloaked One)

Lore & Background

The surah begins by addressing an individual who covers himself, likely in response to a divine call, and instructs him to glorify his Lord, avoid uncleanliness, and be patient (Surah 74:1, 74:3, 74:5, 74:7). It then shifts to a figure created alone, who is given wealth and children but desires more, leading to a declaration of arduous torment (Surah 74:11, 74:13, 74:15, 74:17). This figure deliberates and turns back arrogantly, dismissing the message as the word of a human being (Surah 74:19, 74:21, 74:23, 74:25).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray a stark contrast between two groups. On one side is a wealthy, arrogant individual who rejects the warning, deliberates arrogantly, and is destined for Saqar, a Fire that blackens skins (Surah 74:11, 74:17, 74:19, 74:23, 74:25, 74:27, 74:29). On the other side are the companions of the right, who confess they neglected prayer and engaged in vain discourse until certainty came (Surah 74:39, 74:41, 74:43, 74:45, 74:47). The surah emphasizes that the keepers of the Fire are angels, and their number serves as a trial for disbelievers and a confirmation for believers (Surah 74:31). It repeatedly calls attention to the Fire as a great affliction and a reminder for humanity, while noting that many turn away from the reminder as if fleeing from a lion (Surah 74:35, 74:37, 74:49, 74:51, 74:53, 74:55).

Did You Know?

• The surah opens with the phrase 'O you who covers himself with a garment' (Surah 74:1).
• The Fire is named Saqar, which blackens the skins (Surah 74:27, 74:29).
• The keepers of the Fire are angels, and their number is a trial for disbelievers (Surah 74:31).
• The companions of the right say they were not of those who prayed (Surah 74:39, 74:43).