Surah Ash-Sharh – Ahmed Aissa El Masarawi

Ash-Sharh ("Solace", literally "The Expansion"), also called Al-Inshirah, is the 94th surah of the Quran, in Juz' Amma. Meccan, it has 8 verses and is the 12th surah in the traditional order of revelation, after Ad-Dhuha, whose consolation it continues. Its name comes from its first verse: "Did We not expand your breast for you?" (94:1).

Three favours are recalled to the Prophet ﷺ: his breast opened wide, the burden that weighed down his back removed, and his mention raised high (94:1-4). Commentators note that his name is joined to God's in the call to prayer and in the testimony of faith.

The surah then states twice: "Indeed, with hardship comes ease" (94:5-6). Because "hardship" is definite in both verses and "ease" indefinite, scholars understood one hardship to be met by two eases, hence the saying transmitted from Companions such as Umar: "One hardship will never overcome two eases."

It closes with a directive: when you are free from one task, strive in worship, and turn to your Lord with longing (94:7-8).