What is the difference between "Al-Muddathir" and "Al-Muzzammil," and what is the general meaning of each?
Allah addressed His Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, by describing his state: "O you who wraps himself [in clothing]" (Al-Muzzammil) and "O you who covers himself [with a garment]" (Al-Muddaththir), as an act of kindness and affection towards him. The meaning in both phrases is the same, despite a difference in their linguistic derivation. The Quran indicated the beginning of the revelation's descent, as reported in the of Aisha and Jabir, may Allah be pleased with them, that after the revelation descended, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was overcome with fear, which led him to wrap and cover himself. So Allah revealed the verses: "O you who wraps himself [in clothing]" and "O you who covers himself [with a garment]".
Thus, the call "Al-Muddaththir" was addressed to him when he was seized by fear after the first descent of the angel Gabriel and after the second period of revelation, where Allah commanded him to arise and warn. When the matter became severe for him and the call became burdensome after his compliance, Allah called him "Al-Muzzammil" to strengthen him and command him to perform night prayer, recite the Quran, and be patient.
Scholars differed on which of the two surahs was revealed first: - Those who held that "Al-Muzzammil" was revealed before "Al-Muddaththir" believed that the call "Al-Muzzammil" was due to the sorrow he experienced because of the polytheists' words, and he was commanded to perform night prayer to dispel that. Then the revelation paused, and when he saw the angel again, he covered himself, so Allah called him "Al-Muddaththir". - Those who held that "Al-Muddaththir" was revealed before "Al-Muzzammil" believed that "Al-Muddaththir" was a command for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, to warn after seeing the angel, and then the polytheists' obstinacy increased, so the command for patience and night prayer was revealed in "Al-Muzzammil".
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