Relief that Comes with Hardship

TEHRAN (IQNA) – The world and life in this world are full of difficulties and adversities, which sometimes make one disturbed and nervous.

The Holy Quran, in Surah Al-Inshirah (Ash-Sharh), has good news for us, saying there will be ease after every difficulty.

Al-Inshirah or Ash-Sharh are the names of the 94^th chapter of the Quran. It has 8 verses and is in the 30^th Juz. Al-Inshirah is the 12^th Surah revealed to the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

Inshirah and Sharh mean expansion and the word Nashrah in the first verse of the Surah is about the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and the God-given patience in his heart: “Have We not expanded your chest for you (Prophet Muhammad)?”

The purpose of this Surah is giving peace to the Prophet (PBHU) and inviting him to be steadfast. That is why God enumerates the blessings He has given him, gives him the good news of imminent victory on problems, and orders him to pray.

The Surah points out three issues: First the three blessings given to the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Second, giving the news to the Prophet (PBUH) that problems in the way of inviting people to Islam will be surmounted. And third, encouraging the Prophet (PBUH) to pray and strive in worshipping God.

The first blessing mentioned in this Surah are the Sharh Sadr (expansion of the chest), which refers to becoming prepared for accepting the revelation, fulfilling the responsibilities of prophethood, and remaining patient and steadfast in the face of difficulties and hardships. The second is easing the difficulties and relieving the burden of prophethood and guiding people. And the third is making the Holy Prophet (PBUH) known and exalting his reputation. For example, in Tashahhud, which is part of Salah, God has put the name of the Prophet (PBUH) beside His name.

In Verse 5, there is good news for the Prophet (PBUH): that ease will come after difficulties: “Indeed, hardship is followed by ease.” This is repeated in the next verse.

Some Quran interpreters believe that the repetition of the word al-Usr (ease) with a definite article and Yusr (difficulty) with an indefinite article shows their difference and the fact that for every difficulty, there will be two cases of ease, one in this world and the other in the hereafter.

At the end of Surah, God tells the Holy Prophet (PBUH): “When you are free from (your obligations), strive hard (to worship God) and be devoted to your Lord's service.” (Verses 7-8)