بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Transcription
Bismi Allahi alrrahmani alrraheemi
Edip-Layth
In the name of God, the Gracious, the Compassionate.
The Monotheist Group
In the name of God, the Almighty, the Merciful.
Muhammad Asad
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace:
Rashad Khalifa
In the name of GOD, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. ,
Shabbir Ahmed
All praise is due to God, the Lord/Cherisher/Sustainer of the Universe and everything therein.
Çeviriyazı
Bismillâhir rahmânir rahîm.
Edip Yüksel
Rahman, Rahim Allah'ın ismiyle
Yaşar Nuri Öztürk
Rahman ve Rahim Allah'ın adıyla...
Muhammed Esed
RAHMÂN, RAHÎM ALLAH ADINA
Ali Bulaç
Rahman ve Rahim olan Allah'ın adıyla

73:1 يايها المزمل

73:1 yaayha almzml
Transcription (English)
73:1 Ya ayyuha almuzzammilu
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
73:1 O you burdened with heavy responsibility,
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
73:1 O you who are covered with your garments.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
73:1 O THOU enwrapped one!1

Note 1
The expression muzzammil has a meaning similar to that of muddaththir, which occurs at the beginning of the next surah: namely, "one who is covered [with anything]", "enwrapped" or "enfolded [in anything]"; and, like that other expression, it may be understood in a concrete, literal sense - i.e., "wrapped up in a cloak" or "blanket" - as well as metaphorically, i.e., "wrapped up in sleep" or even "wrapped up in oneself". Hence, the commentators differ widely in their interpretations of the above apostrophe, some of them preferring the literal connotation, others the metaphorical; but there is no doubt that irrespective of the linguistic sense in which the address "O thou enwrapped one" is understood, it implies a call to heightened consciousness and deeper spiritual awareness on the part of the Prophet.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
73:1 O you cloaked one.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
73:1 O You (Prophet) the great selector of companions, the best caravan leader!1

Note 1


This is the 73rd Surah of the Qur’an. It has 20 verses. ‘Zameel’ = A close companion. ‘Tazmeel’ = Selecting the best companions. Al-Muzzammil denotes the most competent selector of virtuous human beings. He admits the best into his company and takes them along toward a Noble Mission. He is a great leader.



Unfortunately, Al-Muzzammil has been given a very feeble translation in most works as someone who is shivering and covering himself in a blanket! How do such grievous insults endure? - Because of the conjectural drama of “Shan-e-Nuzool”. Historians and traditionalists first come up with or follow a fabricated account of some event that “caused the revelation” of such and such verse. Then they try to conform the meaning of that particular verse to that supposed “event”. The later Mullahs keep the myth alive by repeating it through their mouths and pens. This is only one of the ways the Qur’an is made Mahjoor, left alone as a disabled slave of tradition! (25:30)



With the Glorious Name of God, the Instant and Sustaining Source of all Mercy and Kindness



73:2 قم اليل الا قليلا

73:2 qm alyl ala qlyla
Transcription (English)
73:2 Qumi allayla illa qaleelan
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
73:2 Stand the night except for a little.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
73:2 Stand the night except for a little.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
73:2 Keep awake [in prayer] at night, all but a small part
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
73:2 Meditate during the night, except rarely.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
73:2 Stay vigilant even by night, and never fall short on it -2

Note 2
As Head of the State the Prophet is responsible for arranging peace and security for all citizens 17:79, 76:26. ‘Illa’ here, as in many other verses, represents ‘never’, and not ‘except’ 11:107, 55:33, 87:6. "Al-Manar" vol 1 Pg 414

73:3 نصفه او انقص منه قليلا

Transcription (English)
73:3 Nisfahu awi onqus minhu qaleelan
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
73:3 Half of it, or a little less than that.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
73:3 Half of it, or a little less than that.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
73:3 of one-half thereof2 - or make it a little less than that,

Note 2
Thus Zamakhshari, relating the phrase illa qalilan ("all but a small part") to the subsequent word nisfahu ("one-half thereof", i.e., of the night).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
73:3 Half of it, or a little less.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
73:3 Half of it, or a little less.

73:4 او زد عليه ورتل القرءان ترتيلا

Transcription (English)
73:4 Aw zid AAalayhi warattili alqur-anatarteelan
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
73:4 Or a little more, and enunciate the Quran thoughtfully and distinctly.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
73:4 Or a little more, and arrange the Qur'an in its arrangement.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
73:4 or add to it [at will]; and [during that time] recite the Qur'an calmly and distinctly, with thy mind attuned to its meaning.3

Note 3
This, I believe, is the closest possible rendering of the phrase rattil al-qur'ana tartilan. The term tartil primarily denotes "the putting [of something] together distinctly, in a well-arranged manner, and without any haste" (Jawhari, Baydawi; also Lisan al-Arab, Qamus). When applied to the recitation of a text, it signifies a calm, measured utterance with thoughtful consideration of the meaning to be brought out. A somewhat different significance attaches to a variant of this phrase in 25:32, applying to the manner in which the Qur'an was revealed.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
73:4 Or a little more. And read the Quran from cover to cover.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
73:4 Or, you shall increase it whenever warranted. And convey the Qur’an in a calm distinctive manner, stage by stage.

73:5 انا سنلقى عليك قولا ثقيلا

Transcription (English)
73:5 Inna sanulqee AAalayka qawlan thaqeelan
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
73:5 We will place upon you a saying which is heavy.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
73:5 We will place upon you a saying which is heavy.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
73:5 Behold, We shall bestow upon thee a weighty message –
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
73:5 We will give you a heavy message.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
73:5 We are charging you with a substantial declaration (a lofty mission).

73:6 ان ناشئة اليل هى اشد وطا واقوم قيلا

Transcription (English)
73:6 Inna nashi-ata allayli hiya ashaddu wat-anwaaqwamu qeelan
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
73:6 The night-time production is more efficient and better for study.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
73:6 The time of the night is more effective and better for study.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
73:6 [and,] verily, the hours of night the mind most strongly and speak with the clearest voice,4

Note 4
Lit., "are strongest of tread and most upright of speech".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
73:6 The meditation at night is more effective, and more righteous.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
73:6 The vigil of the night impresses the minds most strongly, and the speech is most upright.3

Note 3
Mutual consultation with companions is better done in the silence of night

73:7 ان لك فى النهار سبحا طويلا

Transcription (English)
73:7 Inna laka fee alnnahari sabhantaweelan
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
73:7 For you have many duties during the day.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
73:7 For you have many duties during the day.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
73:7 whereas by day a long chain of doings is thy portion.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
73:7 You have a lot of time during the day for other matters.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
73:7 By day you are engaged in continued strife.

73:8 واذكر اسم ربك وتبتل اليه تبتيلا

Transcription (English)
73:8 Waothkuri isma rabbikawatabattal ilayhi tabteelan
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
73:8 Remember the name of your Lord, and devote to Him completely.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
73:8 And remember the name of your Lord, and devote to Him completely.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
73:8 But [whether by night or by day,] remember thy Sustainer's name, and devote thyself unto Him with utter devotion.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
73:8 You shall commemorate the name of your Lord, to come ever closer and closer to Him.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
73:8 Keep eminent the Name of your Lord and detach yourself from needless pursuits for His sake.

73:9 رب المشرق والمغرب لا اله الا هو فاتخذه وكيلا

Transcription (English)
73:9 Rabbu almashriqi waalmaghribi lailaha illa huwa faittakhithhu wakeelan
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
73:9 The Lord of the east and the west, there is no god but He; so take Him as a protector.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
73:9 The Lord of the east and the west, there is no god except He, so take Him as a protector.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
73:9 The Sustainer of the east and the west [is He]: there is no deity save Him: hence, ascribe to Him alone the power to determine thy fate,5

Note 5
For this rendering of the term wakil, see surah 17, note 4.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
73:9 Lord of the east and the west; there is no other god beside Him. You should choose Him as your advocate.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
73:9 Lord of the East and the West! There is no god but He. So, hold on to Him as Dispenser of affairs.

73:10 واصبر على ما يقولون واهجرهم هجرا جميلا

Transcription (English)
73:10 Waisbir AAala mayaqooloona waohjurhum hajran jameelan
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
73:10 Be patient over what they say, and depart from them in a good manner.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
73:10 And be patient over what they say, and depart from them in a good manner.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
73:10 and endure with patience whatever people may say [against thee], and avoid them with a comely avoidance.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
73:10 And remain steadfast in the face of their utterances, and disregard them in a nice manner.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
73:10 Endure with patience whatever people may say, and leave them graciously. [5:13, 15:85]

73:11 وذرنى والمكذبين اولى النعمة ومهلهم قليلا

Transcription (English)
73:11 Watharnee waalmukaththibeenaolee alnnaAAmati wamahhilhum qaleelan
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
73:11 Leave Me to deal with the deniers who have been given the good things, and give them time for a while.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
73:11 And leave Me to deal with the deniers who have been given the good things, and give them time for a while.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
73:11 And leave Me alone [to deal] with those who give the lie to the truth6 - those who enjoy the blessings of life [without any thought of God] - and bear thou with them for a little while:

Note 6
Cf. 74:11 and the last sentence of the corresponding note 5.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
73:11 And let Me deal with the rejectors, who have been generously blessed; just give them a little time.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
73:11 And leave to Me the deniers who enjoy the blessings of life. And bear with them for a little while.

73:12 ان لدينا انكالا وجحيما

Transcription (English)
73:12 Inna ladayna ankalan wajaheeman
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
73:12 We have with Us chains and a raging fire.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
73:12 We have with Us chains and a raging fire.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
73:12 for, behold, heavy fetters [await them] with Us, and a blazing fire,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
73:12 We have severe punishments, and Hell.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
73:12 With Us are shackles and a Blazing Fire.

73:13 وطعاما ذا غصة وعذابا اليما

Transcription (English)
73:13 WataAAaman tha ghussatinwaAAathaban aleeman
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
73:13 Food that chokes, and a painful retribution.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
73:13 And food that chokes, and a painful retribution.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
73:13 and food that chokes, and grievous suffering7

Note 7
Explaining this symbolism of torment in the hereafter, Razi says: "These four conditions may well be understood as denoting the spiritual consequences [of one's doings in life]. As regards the 'heavy fetters', they are a symbol of the soul's remaining shackled to its [erstwhile] physical attachments and bodily pleasures…: and now that their realization has become impossible, those fetters and shackles prevent the [resurrected] human personality (an-nafs) from attaining to the realm of the spirit and of purity. Subsequently, those spiritual shackles generate spiritual 'fires' inasmuch as one's strong inclination towards bodily concerns, together with the impossibility of attaining to them, give rise, spiritually, to [a sensation of] severe burning...: and this is [the meaning of] 'the blazing fire' (al-jahim). Thereupon [the sinner] tries to swallow the choking agony of deprivation and the pain of separation [from the objects of his desire]: and this is the meaning of the words, 'and food that chokes', And, finally, because of these circumstances, he remains deprived of all illumination by the light of God, and of all communion with the blessed ones: and this is the meaning of the words 'and grievous suffering' . . . But [withal,] know that I do not claim to have exhausted the meaning of these [Qur'an-]verses by what I have stated [above]…"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
73:13 Food that can hardly be swallowed, and painful retribution.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
73:13 And a choking food and an awful doom.

73:14 يوم ترجف الارض والجبال وكانت الجبال كثيبا مهيلا

Transcription (English)
73:14 Yawma tarjufu al-ardu waaljibaluwakanati aljibalu katheeban maheelan
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
73:14 The day the earth and the mountains shake, and the mountains become a crumbling pile.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
73:14 The Day the earth and the mountains shake, and the mountains become a crumbling pile.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
73:14 on the Day when the earth and the mountains will be convulsed and the mountains will [crumble and] become like a sand-dune on the move!8

Note 8
See the first part of 14:48, and the corresponding note 63, as well as note 90 on 20:105
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
73:14 The day will come when the earth and the mountains will quake, and the mountains will turn into a weightless pile.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
73:14 The Day is coming when the masses and the wealthy tyrants will shake and the leaders will become heaps of sand.

73:15 انا ارسلنا اليكم رسولا شهدا عليكم كما ارسلنا الى فرعون رسولا

Transcription (English)
73:15 Inna arsalna ilaykum rasoolanshahidan AAalaykum kama arsalna ilafirAAawna rasoolan
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
73:15 We have sent to you a messenger as a witness over you, as We have sent to Pharaoh a messenger.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
73:15 We have sent to you a messenger as a witness over you, as We have sent to Pharaoh a messenger.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
73:15 BEHOLD, [O men,] We have sent unto you an apostle who shall bear witness to the truth before you, even as We sent an apostle unto Pharaoh:9

Note 9
This is probably the oldest Qur'anic reference to the earlier prophets, to the historic, continuity in mankind's religious experience, and, by implication, to the fact that the Qur'an doe not institute a "new" faith but represents only the final, most comprehensive statement of religious principle as old as mankind itself: namely, that "in the sight of God, the only [true] religion is [man's] self-surrender unto Him" (3:19), and that "if one goes in search of a religion other than self-surrender unto God, it will never be accepted from him" (3:85).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
73:15 We have sent to you a messenger, just as we sent to Pharaoh a messenger.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
73:15 We have sent to you a Messenger to be a witness concerning you, just as We had sent to Pharaoh a Messenger.

73:16 فعصى فرعون الرسول فاخذنه اخذا وبيلا

Transcription (English)
73:16 FaAAasa firAAawnu alrrasoolafaakhathnahu akhthan wabeelan
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
73:16 But Pharaoh disobeyed the messenger, so We took him in a severe manner.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
73:16 But Pharaoh disobeyed the messenger, so We took him in a severe manner.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
73:16 and Pharaoh rebelled against the apostle, whereupon We took him to task with a crushing grip.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
73:16 Pharaoh disobeyed the messenger and, consequently, we punished him severely.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
73:16 But Pharaoh rebelled against the Messenger, whereupon We seized him with a calamitous seizing.

73:17 فكيف تتقون ان كفرتم يوما يجعل الولدن شيبا

Transcription (English)
73:17 Fakayfa tattaqoona in kafartum yawmanyajAAalu alwildana sheeban
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
73:17 So how can you be righteous if you have rejected, on a day when the children become gray-haired?
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
73:17 So how can you be righteous when you have rejected? A Day which will turn the children white haired!
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
73:17 How, then, if you refuse to acknowledge the truth, will you protect yourselves on that Day which shall turn the hair of children grey,10

Note 10
In ancient Arabian usage, a day full of terrifying events was described metaphorically as a day on which the locks of children turn grey"; hence the use of this phrase in the Qur'an. Its purely metaphorical character is obvious since, according to the teachings of the Qur'an, children are considered sinless - i.e., not accountable for their doings - and will, therefore, remain untouched by the ordeals and terrors of the Day of Judgment (Razi).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
73:17 If you disbelieve, how can you evade a day so terrible that it makes the infants gray-haired?,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
73:17 So, how, if you keep rejecting, will you guard yourselves on a Day which will turn children gray.4

Note 4
A horrifying Day

73:18 السماء منفطر به كان وعده مفعولا

Transcription (English)
73:18 Alssamao munfatirunbihi kana waAAduhu mafAAoolan
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
73:18 The heavens will shatter with it. His promise is always delivered.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
73:18 The heavens will crack with it. His promise is always delivered.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
73:18 [the Day] on which the skies shall be rent asunder, [and] His promise [of resurrection] fulfilled?
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
73:18 The heaven will shatter therefrom. His promise is true.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
73:18 The very sky will then be rent asunder. His promise always comes to pass.5

Note 5
‘Sky getting asunder’ may also mean the fall of the arrogant leaders

73:19 ان هذه تذكرة فمن شاء اتخذ الى ربه سبيلا

Transcription (English)
73:19 Inna hathihi tathkiratun famanshaa ittakhatha ila rabbihi sabeelan
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
73:19 This is a reminder, so let he who wishes take a path to his Lord.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
73:19 This is a reminder, so let he who wishes take a path to his Lord.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
73:19 This, verily, is a reminder: let him who wills, then set out on a way to his Sustainer!
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
73:19 This is a reminder; whoever wills, let him choose the path to his Lord.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
73:19 This Qur’an is a Reminder, a giver of eminence. So, whoever wills, let him set out on a way to his Lord.

73:20 ان ربك يعلم انك تقوم ادنى من ثلثى اليل ونصفه وثلثه وطائفة من الذين معك والله يقدر اليل والنهار علم ان لن تحصوه فتاب عليكم فاقرءوا ما تيسر من القرءان علم ان سيكون منكم مرضى وءاخرون يضربون فى الارض يبتغون من فضل الله وءاخرون يقتلون فى سبيل الله فاقرءوا ما تيسر منه واقيموا الصلوة وءاتوا الزكوة واقرضوا الله قرضا حسنا وما تقدموا لانفسكم من خير تجدوه عند الله هو خيرا واعظم اجرا واستغفروا الله ان الله غفور رحيم

Transcription (English)
73:20 Inna rabbaka yaAAlamu annaka taqoomu adnamin thuluthayi allayli wanisfahu wathuluthahu wata-ifatunmina allatheena maAAaka waAllahu yuqaddiruallayla waalnnahara AAalima an lan tuhsoohufataba AAalaykum faiqraoo ma tayassara minaalqur-ani AAalima an sayakoonu minkum marda waakharoonayadriboona fee al-ardi yabtaghoona min fadliAllahi waakharoona yuqatiloona fee sabeeliAllahi faiqraoo ma tayassara minhu waaqeemooalssalata waatoo alzzakatawaaqridoo Allaha qardan hasanan wamatuqaddimoo li-anfusikum min khayrin tajidoohu AAinda Allahihuwa khayran waaAAthama ajran waistaghfirooAllaha inna Allaha ghafoorun raheemun Bismi Allahi alrrahmanialrraheemi
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
73:20 Your Lord knows that you rise a little less than two thirds of the night, and half of it, and one third of it, as well as a group of those who are with you. God measures the night and the day. He knows that you will not be able to keep up, so He pardons you. So study what is made easy of the Quran. He knows that there will be sick among you, and others that venture out in the land seeking from God's bounty, and others who are fighting in the cause of God, so study what you can of it. Hold the contact prayer and contribute towards betterment and give God a loan of righteousness. Whatever you put forth yourselves, you will find it with God, for it is better and a greater reward. Seek God's forgiveness, for God is Forgiving, Compassionate.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
73:20 Your Lord knows that you rise a little less than two thirds of the night, and half of it, and one third of it; and a group of those who are with you. And God measures the night and the day. He knows that you will not be able to keep-up, so He pardons you. So read what is made easy of the Qur'an. He knows that there will be sick among you, and others that go forth in the land seeking from the bounty of God, and others who are fighting in the cause of God, so read what you can of it. And hold the contact prayer and contribute towards purification and lend God a loan of righteousness. And whatever you put forth yourselves, you will find it with God, for it is better and a greater reward. And seek the forgiveness of God, for God is Forgiving, Merciful.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
73:20 BEHOLD, [O Prophet,] thy Sustainer knows that thou keepest awake [in prayer] nearly two-thirds of the night, or one-half of it, or a third of it, together with some of those who follow thee.11 And God who determines the measure of night and day, is aware that you would never grudge it:12 and therefore He turns towards you in His grace. Recite, then, as much of the Qur'an as you may do with ease. He knows that in time there will be among you sick people, and others who will go about the land in search of God's bounty, and others who will fight in God's cause.13 Recite, then, [only] as much of it as you may do with ease, and be constant in prayer, and spend in charity,14 and [thus] lend unto God a goodly loan: for whatever good deed you may offer up in your own behalf, you shall truly find it with God - yea, better, and richer in reward. And [always] seek God's forgiveness: behold, God is much-forgiving, a dispenser of grace!

Note 11
Lit., "of those who are with thee". With this concluding passage, the discourse returns to the theme of the opening verses, namely, the great spiritual value of praying at night.

Note 12
Lit., "count it", i.e., the length of your vigil.

Note 13
This reference to "fighting in God's cause" has induced many commentators to assume that the whole of verse 20 was revealed at Medina; that is, years after the rest of the surah: for, the principle of "fighting in God's cause" (jihad) was introduced only after the Prophet's hijrah from Mecca to Medina. This assumption must, however, be dismissed as unwarranted. Although there is no doubt that jihad was first sanctioned during the Medina period, the sentence in question is clearly expressed in the future tense: "in time there will be" (sayakun) - and must, therefore, as Ibn Kathir points out, be understood as a prediction of future circumstances. With all this, the above passage stresses the necessity of avoiding all exaggeration even in one's devotions.

Note 14
For an explanation of the term zakah - of which the above is the earliest Qur'anic instance- see surah 2, note 34.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
73:20 Your Lord knows that you meditate during two-thirds of the night, or half of it, or one-third of it, and so do some of those who believed with you. GOD has designed the night and the day, and He knows that you cannot always do this. He has pardoned you. Instead, you shall read what you can of the Quran. He knows that some of you may be ill, others may be traveling in pursuit of GOD's provisions, and others may be striving in the cause of GOD. You shall read what you can of it, and observe the contact prayers (Salat), give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and lend GOD a loan of righteousness. Whatever good you send ahead on behalf of your souls, you will find it at GOD far better and generously rewarded. And implore GOD for forgiveness. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
73:20 (O Messenger) your Lord is fully Aware that you stay up working two thirds of the night, one half of it, or one third of it, together with some of your companions. But God has designed the night and the day, and He knows that you and your companions will not even keep count of your vigil. So He turns to you in kindness. Teach them as much of the Qur’an that you can do with ease. He knows that in time some of you may be ill, and others have to travel seeking God’s bounty - And others who will have to fight in the cause of God. Therefore, recite and convey as much of the Qur’an as may be easy for all. You have to establish the Divine System and set up the Just Economic Order. And lend to God a goodly loan. Whatever good you send forth for your own ‘self’ you will find with God, better and more excellent in reward. And seek the protection of forgiveness of God for imperfections. Certainly, God is Forgiving, Merciful.