Surah Ash-Sharh: Explanation and Benefits

April 29, 2022

By Eman Abdallah Kamel

Eman is a writer and an engineer. She also studied at Zad Scientific Academy (an online academy) for Islamic Studies and Arabic.

In this article, you will learn the explanation and benefits of Surah Ash-Sharh (The Relief).

Ash-Sharh (The Relief)

In Surah Ash-Sharh, Allah Almighty reminds His Messenger, Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him), of the many blessings He has given him. Allah Almighty has expanded his heart to Islam (submission to God), helped him invite others to worship God, and supported him with great morals, raising his status in this world and the hereafter.

Allah Almighty also promised His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) that, despite the hardships, ease would follow. Also, Allah, Exalted and Glorified, ordered His Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) to strive in worship and supplication.

Surah Ash-Sharh (The Relief): Meccan, 94; number of verses: 8, number of words: 27, number of letters: 102.

Tafsir (Explanation)

In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.

{1} Did We not expand your heart for you, [O Prophet]?

Meaning: O Muhammad, did We not enlighten your heart and expand it with guidance, faith in God, and knowledge of the truth?

This verse is like the saying of Allah Almighty: {Whoever Allah wills to guide, He opens their heart to Islam} (Al-An’am (The Cattle) 6:125)

{2} And We removed from you your burden. Meaning: We have forgiven you for your past sins and removed from you the burden of the days of ignorance.

This is as Allah Almighty said: {That Allāh may forgive you [O Prophet] what preceded of your sin and what will follow and complete His favor upon you and guide you along a straight path} (Al-Fath (The Victory) 48: 2)

{3} Which weighed on your back,

That is, which had weighed on your back and tired your back.

{4} And elevated your renown for you.

Whenever there is a call to prayer, iqamah, or prayer, the name of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah upon him) is always mentioned along with Allah’s name.

{5} Indeed, with hardship will be ease. That is, with your hardships from the jihad of the infidels, ease will come.

{6} Surely, with hardship will be ease.

Repetition of the verses to confirm the promise.

{7} So once you have finished [your duty], then stand up [for worship].

When you have finished your duties, strive to supplicate and worship your Lord.

{8} Turn to your Lord alone with hope.

Benefits

In Surah Ash-Sharh, there is an explanation of what the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) suffered from the fatigue of carrying sins until they burdened his back. However, many do not care about their sins because of weak faith. Anas Ibn Malik narrated that Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “All the sons of Adam are sinners, but the best of sinners are those who repent.” (Tirmidhi: 2499 and Ibn Majah: 2451)
Humans are subject to sin, but we must return to God and seek His forgiveness. Allah Almighty says, “Then glorify the praises of your Lord and ask His forgiveness, for sure He is ever Accepting of Repentance.” (An-Nasr (The Divine Support) 110:3)
When there is hardship or difficulty, ease follows. The person should always be optimistic. Allah Almighty said, “Allah will bring about, after hardship, ease.” (At-Talaq (The Divorce) 65:7)

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