وَٱذْكُرِ ٱسْمَ رَبِّكَ وَتَبَتَّلْ إِلَيْهِ تَبْتِيلًا 8
Translations
And remember the name of your Lord and devote yourself to Him with [complete] devotion.
Transliteration
Wa-dhkur isma rabbika wa-tabattal ilayhi tabtīlā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to remember and invoke the name of his Lord and to devote himself entirely to Him with complete dedication and sincerity. Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that 'tabtīl' (تَبَتُّل) means to sever oneself from all distractions and worldly attachments, turning wholly toward Allah in worship and remembrance. This is an instruction to maintain constant spiritual focus and undivided devotion in the night vigil that forms the central practice of Surah Al-Muzzammil.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the Meccan period during the early revelation of Surah Al-Muzzammil, which emphasizes night prayers and spiritual discipline. The surah's overall context addresses the Prophet during a demanding period of his mission, providing guidance on maintaining spiritual resilience through dedicated nocturnal worship and remembrance of Allah.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best remembrance is 'La ilaha illallah' (There is no god but Allah)' - Tirmidhi. Additionally, Aisha reported that the Prophet would spend the night in prayer and remembrance, exemplifying the tabtīl (complete devotion) mentioned in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that true spiritual progress requires both invoking Allah's names with mindfulness and severing attachment to distractions, creating space for genuine devotion. Modern readers are reminded that remembrance of Allah paired with intentional detachment from material preoccupations is essential for deepening their relationship with the Divine.