Surah Al-Muzzammil 73:5
ﱖ ﱗ ﱘ ﱙ ﱚ
Indeed, We will cast upon you a heavy word.
Tafsir of Al-Muzzammil 73:5
Tafsir
Al-Kashshaf
Verse range: 73:5
Al-Muzzammil: (5) "Indeed, We will cast upon you..."
[Exegesis] This verse is a parenthetical statement (iʿtirāḍ). By "the heavy word" (al-qawl al-thaqīl), it means the Qur’an and the commands and prohibitions contained within it. These are arduous obligations that are heavy upon those tasked with them, especially upon the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), because he bears them himself and carries the burden of them for his nation; thus, they are heavier and more burdensome for him.
By this parenthetical statement, He intended to show that the command to perform the night prayer (qiyām al-layl) is among the heavy, difficult obligations brought by the Qur’an. This is because the night is a time for sleep, rest, and tranquility; therefore, whoever keeps it alive must act in opposition to their nature and struggle against their own self.
[Reports]
- Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him): When the revelation would descend upon him, it would weigh heavily upon him, and his skin would change color.
- Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her): I saw the revelation descend upon him on an intensely cold day, and when it ceased, his forehead was streaming with sweat.
- Al-Hasan: It is "heavy" in the balance.
- Others: It is heavy upon the hypocrites.
- Others: It is speech that possesses weight and significance, not triviality (safsāf).