Al-Inshirah (ٱلشَّرْح)

Surah Al-Inshirah, translated as The Relief, is also known as Surah Ash-Sharh (الشَّرْح). Its name is taken from the first ayah; [أَلَمْ نَشْرَحْ لَكَ صَدْرَكَ] "Did We not expand for you, your chest?" [94:1]. It is the 94th chapter of the Qur'an, coming after Surah adh-Dhuha [93] in the 30th Para/Juz of the Quran. The subject matter of Surah Al-Inshirah closely resembles that of Surah adh-Dhuha [93] (The Morning Brightness). Both these surahs have been revealed in about the same period under similar conditions. According to Abdullah bin Abbas, it was sent down in Makkah just after Surah adh-Dhuha [93]. Some estimates suggest it was revealed in the 4th year of the prophethood of the Rasulallah (ﷺ), during substantial hardship as he increased his efforts of Dawah (invitation to Islam).

The surah consists of 8 Ayats of comforting and reassuring words to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and believers who were facing harsh persecution by the disbelieving tribes of Makkah. The content of this surah is mainly encouragement for the Prophet (ﷺ) and his companions to remain steadfast in the face of adversity. Most significantly, it directly addresses the grief and pain of Allah's Beloved (ﷺ), including the challenges, and overtly reassures with hope and relief. The most heartfelt and poignant reminder in this surah is an emphasis on the easing of difficulties and the importance of perseverance. 

The Theme of Surah Al-Inshirah (ٱلشَّرْح): With Hardship, Comes Ease

Surah Al-Inshirah (الشَّرْح) begins with words directly addressing the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). These words are a potent reminder to the one (ﷺ) who was given the responsibility of relating the revelation (i.e. the Quran) to his Ummah.

"Did We not expand for you, [O Muhammad], your breast? And We removed from you your burden, which had weighed upon your back, and raised high for you your repute" (Qur'an 94:1-4).

The Arabic word SHARḤ (الشَّرْح) in the first Ayat literally denotes "to open, to cause the bosom to be widely opened." Within the context of this Surah, it is to cause the bosom to be wide open to comprehend the Divine mysteries granted by Allah. The verse signifies that Allah illuminated the "bosom" or the chest of His Messenger (ﷺ) with wisdom, Nūr (Divine light), and peace, making it spacious and wide to withhold the divine knowledge. Some authentic Hadiths report the miracle when the angels, with Allah's permission, physically opened the blessed chest of the Holy Prophet ﷺ. 

It is narrated on the authority of Anas bin Malik that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "(the angels) came to me and took me to the Zamzam and my heart was opened and washed with the water of Zamzam and then I was left (at my place)." Another narration mentions the instance in the Prophet's (ﷺ) childhood (Sahih Muslim 162 b; Sahih Muslim 162 c).

Some commentators, including Ibn Kathir, interpret the 'expansion of the chest' in the Surah to refer to this miracle. The first central theme of this short Surah is the highlighted favors and support that Allah bestowed His Prophet (ﷺ), relieving him of his burdens and raising his status. Ibn Kathir quotes Qatadah, saying, "Allah raised his fame in this life and the Hereafter. There is no one who gives a sermon, declares the Testimony of Faith (Shahadah), or prays a prayer (Salah) except that he proclaims it: I bear witness that there is no God worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad ﷺ is the Messenger of Allah."

This reminder of the miracle continues to the next noteworthy subject in Surah Al-Inshirah, the promise of ease following hardship. The Surah repeats to solidify this message in the hearts of the believers.

"For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. So when you have finished [your duties], then stand up [for worship]. And to your Lord direct [your] longing" (Qur'an 94:5-8).

Allah, the Sustainer, reassures the Messenger (ﷺ) that the period of hardships that he is passing through is not very long, but following close behind it, there is also a period of ease. It is a reminder to continue their efforts with dedication and commitment, remain steadfast in their worship, and continuously seek Allah's guidance and support. Some Mufassirin note how the same has been described in Surah adh-Dhuha, saying: "What is to come is better for you than what has gone before;" [93:4] 

Virtues and Benefits of Surah Al-Inshirah (ٱلشَّرْح)

Reciting Surah Al-Inshirah impacts a believer's faith and mindset for living this life on earth. This Surah is an effective reminder of Allah's constant support and His promise of relief after hardship. It is a persuasive source of comfort and strength during challenging times. Memorizing this Surah (Hifdh) with its meaning and compulsively recalling it during times of struggle will help you maintain your faith and steadfastness. Mindful and deliberate reflection can even be a physical remedy, helping one to reduce stress and anxiety by calming their thought process and nerves. 

The reassuring words of this Surah can help alleviate worries and contribute to overall mental and emotional well-being. Muslims strongly believe that the Qur'an heals and guides the hearts of believers. Its words promote a deeper sense of faith and trust in Allah's plan. With lessons of patience and perseverance within the knowledge that ease follows every hardship, Muslims learn to remain steadfast. Building this positive mindset, the focus is on the eventual relief that Allah promises to those who endure their struggles with faith in Allah being the Ar-Razzaq (the Provider) and Al-Mu'izz (the Giver of Honor).