The Majestic Quran

74. Al-Muddathir The Cloaked One After the first revelation of chapter Al- ʿ Alaq the Angel Gabriel stopped coming to the Prophet r . This break in revelation may have lasted for a year, and this chapter was the first to be revealed after the break. In this case it’s a significant revelation. The Prophet r is reminded of his important position and crucial role in transforming humanity. The opening verses clearly instruct him to be energetic and forthright in preaching the Message, without fear of anyone. However, it also contains scores of new constructions, expressions, linguistic patterns, metaphors, statements that allow multiple interpretations, and elegantly concise turns of phrase, not to mention the new intellectual and cultural dimensions that intersect with this linguistic and rhetorical development . 3 The Messenger r is being prepared for the hostility he will face, and Walid ibn al-Mughira, his opponent, is severely criticised, and his gloomy future in Hellfire vividly described. The proverb, “You reap what you sow” is mentioned in this context. The Quran also presents this principle: “Every person is endangered by the evil he has done, except the companions of the right hand” (38). In other words, every person is held hostage by the wrong they do; evil leads to evil results, vice creates vice, and wrong actions lead to wrong outcomes. An empowering verse; people can touch their own destiny. At the end the Messenger r is reassured and cautioned that the jealousy of some will prompt their opposition to him.