Most surahs of the Qur’an can be divided into Meccan (from the early part of the prophet’s life) and Medinan (from the later part of the prophet’s life). But this one, Enfolded, is part-Meccan, part-Medinan. In the Meccan part, God speaks of the punishment of the unbelievers on the Day of Resurrection, when they will be sent to hell.
The Medinan part includes a relaxing of previous commands regarding prayer and Qur’an recitation. Because the prophet and his people were so busy building a new community (in Medina), and because the Qur'an was gradually becoming longer, God says that they may pray and “recite as much of the Qur’an as is easy for you.” The surah acknowledges the busyness of peoples’ lives, and cuts down on the prayer/recitation requirements. The title of the surah comes from the first line, which describes the prophet during his nightly prayers: “You, enfolded in your cloak…recite the Qur’an slowly and distinctly.” Thus, despite the new relaxed requirements, the Muslims are not to relax their devotion and sincerity.
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| Reciting the Qur'an. |
