The Holy Quran with Five Volume Commentary (Vol 5) — Page 351
PT. 29 AL-MUZZAMMIL CH. 73 prayer is the most potent means إِنَّ نَاشِئَةَ الَّيْلِ هِيَ اَشَدُّ وَطْئًا Verily, getting up at night for. 7 وَأَقْوَمُ قِيلًاة إِنَّ لَكَ فِي النَّهَارِ سَبْحًا طَوِيلًا of subduing the self and most effective in speech. 4418 8. Thou hast indeed, during the day, a long chain of engagements. 4419 paroxysm was due to this sensation. 4418. Important Words: tb, (subduing) is derived from They say, i. e. he trod under means, he وطى الفرس foot the thing ,means وطىء أرض عدوه. mounted the horse he entered the enemy's land (Lane & Aqrab). Commentary: Getting up in the night for Prayer is a potent means of subduing one's self and of bringing under effective control one's evil propensities and inclinations. It is a proven experience of all spiritual wayfarers and holy men that nothing conduces to one's spiritual development so much as Prayers at night. In the stillness and solitude of night, a peculiar sort of peace prevails and all nature is quiet, and man, being all alone with his Creator, enjoys special communion with Him, and becomes illumined with a special heavenly light which he imparts to others. The time is eminently suited for man to develop strength of character and to make his speech sane, solid and sound. Effective speech and infinite capacity for hard work are two very necessary qualifications for a Reformer to succeed in his mission, Prayer at night helps in the development of these two qualities. Having acquired control over one's mind and tongue one comes to exercise control over others. This is the significance of the verse under comment. The verse may also mean that Night Prayer causes the actions of man to correspond to his words, which constitutes another sure sign of the strength of his character and the sincerity of his heart. 4419. Important Words: (long chain of engagements) is derived from he swam in the water and took سبح. i. e سبح في الماء They say pleasure in it. means, he سبح في حوائجه went far into the land سبح means, he busied himself in the accomplishment of his needs. (sabhun) also signifies the running of a horse in which the forelegs are stretched forth well as are the arms of a man in swimming; being quick or swift (Lane & Aqrab). Commentary: 3247 The reference in the verse is to the multifarious duties of the Holy Prophet which he performed with alacrity and took pleasure in doing them. As Head of a newly-established Republic, surrounded on all sides by bitter foes and beset with the plots and machinations of internal enemies,