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Surah Ash Sharh (Quran 94:1-8)

   

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
    
1. Have we not expanded your chest?
   
2. and removed from you your burden
   
3. which weighed down your back?
   
4. and have we not raised your fame?
    
5. so, Verily, with every difficulty, there is relief:
    
6. Verily, with every difficulty there is relief.

   

7. So when you have finished, devote yourself to Allah’s worship

   

8. and to your Lord turn (all) your attention.

Revelation of the Surah

The Surah was revealed soon after Surah Ad-Duha (Surah 93). Some scholars believe that the 2 surahs are
dealing with comforting the Prophet (saw). The surah was revealed in Makkah and deals with 3 subjects.
The first deals with the spiritual bounties, the second with the good news that the difficulties in the
Prophet’s (saw) mission will be removed and lastly that we should devote our worship to Allah alone.
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The Surah was revealed at a time where the Prophet (saw) was under a great deal of stress. He was finding
it difficult to get acceptance of his people into Islam. It was also a difficult time in terms of his personal life.
The Prophet (saw) had to face the deaths of two beloved people in his life. The first was his wife Khadija
and the second was his dear uncle Abu Talib who raised the Prophet (saw) and was his guardian and
protector. The Muslims were also facing boycotts from the non-Muslims and so it was a very difficult time.
The Prophet (saw) called this year the ‘Year of sorrow’.

1. Have we not expanded your chest? The chest is the place that contains the heart. This ayah reminds us
of when the Angels opened up the chest of the Prophet (saw) and washed his heart and purifying it and
filling it with knowledge. The expansion here is about the knowledge of the Prophet (saw) through
revelation and inspiration. This knowledge would give patience and determination against the obstacles
from those people who were against him (saw).

2. and removed from you your burden The burden is the stress and troubles that the Prophet (saw) was
facing

3. which weighed down your back? Allah (swt) removed the heavy load from the back of the Prophet
(saw). This isn’t a physical load on the back but is talking about lifting up the heart to make the Prophet’s
mission (Islam) easier.

4. and have we not raised your fame? The status given to the Prophet (saw) is greater than any other
leader. Just look at part of the shahada which mentions the Prophet (saw) by name straight after Allah’s
name. There are many instances where the Prophet’s (saw) name is mentioned. Name a few here:

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In all corners of the world, people of different races and ages will be mentioning his beloved name.

5. so, Verily, with every difficulty, there is relief: Even though Allah reminds the Prophet(saw) of all the
bounties of opening his chest, relieving him of his burden and elevating him in status, Allah is still showing
the Prophet the relief and hope that has been reserved for him. Hardship is always followed by ease. This is
something we should always remember in our lives.

6. Verily, with every difficulty there is relief. Allah repeats the verse to reassure the Prophet (saw) that al
his troubles will lead to ease and comfort. It also shows us how difficult things were for the Prophet (saw)

7. So when you have finished, devote yourself to Allah’s worship When you have finished your daily tasks
(your work etc.) then turn your heart to Allah as he created you to worship Him. This is a message for us all,
not just the Prophet (saw).

8. and to your Lord turn (all) your attention. Seek Allah alone. This is our key to success in all parts of life in
this world and the hereafter.

This Surah is sometimes known as Surah Alam Nashrah or Surah Inshirah.

Please learn the surah and the tafseer

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