أَلَمْ نَشْرَحْ لَكَ صَدْرَكَ 1
Translations
Did We not expand for you, [O Muḥammad], your breast?
Transliteration
Alam nashrah laka sadrak
Tafsir (Explanation)
This opening ayah of Surah Ash-Sharh addresses Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) directly, asking rhetorically: 'Have We not expanded for you your breast?' According to classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, this refers to Allah's expansion of the Prophet's heart with knowledge, wisdom, and tranquility, preparing him spiritually for the burden of prophethood and the difficulties he would face. The rhetorical question format (alam) expects an affirmative answer, emphasizing Allah's favor and the strengthening of the Prophet's resolve through divine grace.
Revelation Context
This surah was revealed in Mecca during a period of intense hardship for the Prophet Muhammad, addressing his emotional and spiritual struggles. The surah serves as consolation and reassurance that despite the challenges of his mission, Allah has provided him with spiritual strength and ease, establishing a thematic response to trials through divine support.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Indeed, in the body is a morsel of flesh, if it is sound, the entire body is sound, and if it is corrupt, the entire body is corrupt. Indeed, it is the heart.' (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim) - emphasizing the spiritual heart's central importance that this ayah addresses.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that Allah expands the hearts of those who trust in Him and submit to His will, granting them spiritual strength to bear life's burdens. For modern readers, it offers comfort that difficulties are often preceded by divine preparation and grace, encouraging reliance on Allah during challenging times.