Surah 94. Ash-Sarh The Soothing - English Translation

The surah Ash-Sharh (“The Relief” or “The Expansion,” also known as Al-Inshirah) is a Meccan surah consisting of 8 verses. It was revealed after Ad-Duha and continues its message of divine comfort to the Prophet ﷺ. Its name comes from the opening verse: أَلَمْ نَشْرَحْ لَكَ صَدْرَكَ (“Did We not expand your chest for you?”).

According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, the surah was revealed to soothe and strengthen the Prophet’s heart after the challenges he faced in spreading the message of Islam. It reminds him of God’s favors, the removal of burdens, and the promise that ease always accompanies hardship.

Main Teachings and Key Insights

Ash-Sharh is a message of divine reassurance and a reminder of Allah’s mercy toward His Messenger ﷺ. It inspires gratitude, patience, and trust. Its key teachings include:

• Reminder of divine favors: God expanded the Prophet’s chest, removed his burden, and raised his name in honor. (verses 1–4)
• Promise of ease after hardship: every difficulty carries within it a relief and mercy. (verses 5–6)
• Call to perseverance and devotion: continue striving in worship and place full trust in God. (verses 7–8)

This surah is often recited for spiritual strength and tranquility in times of distress. It complements Ad-Duha by linking patience to reward and struggle to divine relief.

Structure and Main Themes

• Verses 1–4: reminders of divine blessings — the expansion of the chest, the lifting of burdens, and the elevation of the Prophet’s status.
• Verses 5–6: repetition of the divine promise — ease accompanies hardship.
• Verses 7–8: exhortation to persistence in prayer and absolute trust in God.

The tone of the surah is comforting, luminous, and uplifting, encouraging believers to see every trial as a means of purification and closeness to their Lord.

Key Verses

The key verses are verses 5–6:

فَإِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا * إِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا

Indeed, with hardship comes ease. Indeed, with hardship comes ease.

Why are these verses key?

• They affirm a universal divine promise: every trial carries its own relief and resolution.
• The repetition emphasizes certainty — ease is not just after hardship but bound to it.
• They embody a core spiritual principle in Islam: patience and trust in God always lead to deliverance.

In summary, Ash-Sharh is a hymn to patience, gratitude, and hope. It reminds believers that God uplifts and supports His servants, and that every difficulty is accompanied by a promise of ease.