Surah Al-Muzzammil (73) — Ayah 8

(Ayah 8) {وَ اذْكُرِ اسْمَ رَبِّكَ …: ’’ بَتَلَ يَبْتُلُ‘‘} (n, d) To cut off. {’’تَبَتُّلٌ‘‘} To be cut off. This verse can have two meanings: one is that, especially at night, apart from standing (in prayer), recitation, and remembrance of Allah, you should also continue the remembrance of Allah at all times, day and night, and turn all your attention away from creation and keep it only towards your Lord. The indication for this meaning is that no specific time has been set for remembrance and devotion in this verse. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) says: [ كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّی اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَذْكُرُ اللّٰهَ عَلٰی كُلِّ أَحْيَانِهٖ ] [ مسلم، الحیض، باب ذکر اللّٰہ تعالٰی في حال الجنابۃ وغیرھا : ۳۷۳ ] "The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) used to remember Allah at all times." The second meaning is that after being free from the extensive engagements of the day, especially at night, remember your Lord and, by completely detaching yourself from every other task, turn towards your Lord, as stated in Surah Inshirah: « فَاِذَا فَرَغْتَ فَانْصَبْ (7) وَ اِلٰى رَبِّكَ فَارْغَبْ » [ الانشراح : 8،7 ] "So when you are free, then strive hard, and turn your attention to your Lord." The indication for this meaning is the context of the verses from the beginning of the Surah. Both meanings are correct: in the first case, general remembrance and devotion are meant, which continue along with other engagements, and in the second, it is specific, which is performed with concentration in the solitude of the night after leaving other tasks.