Verse 7
The Enshrouded One • makkah
View Aspects
Important Words:
وطأ (subduing) is derived from وطیء. They say وطیء الشیء i.e. he trod under foot the thing. وطیء الفرس means, he mounted the horse. وطیء أرض عدوہ means, 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.
Getting up at night for Prayer is a potent means of subduing one’s self and bringing under effective control one’s evil propensities and inclinations. It is the proved experience of all holy men of God that nothing conduces to one’s spiritual development so much as Prayer 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 one to develop strength of character and to make one’s speech sane, solid and sound. Effective speech and infinite capacity for hard work are two very necessary qualifications for a Reformer in order 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.