قَالَ رَبِّ ٱشْرَحْ لِى صَدْرِى 25
Translations
[Moses] said, "My Lord, expand [i.e., relax] for me my breast [with assurance]
Transliteration
Qala Rabbi ishrah li sadri
Tafsir (Explanation)
Musa (Moses) supplicates to Allah, asking Him to expand and open his chest (heart) to receive divine guidance and overcome his anxiety about the mission ahead. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that 'expanding the chest' (sharhul-sadr) refers to granting ease, clarity of understanding, and psychological comfort to carry out the heavy responsibility of confronting Pharaoh. This prayer exemplifies the servant's reliance upon Allah during moments of difficulty and fear.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Musa's call to prophethood (20:11-36), immediately after Allah revealed Himself to Musa at Mount Tur. Musa is expressing his human weakness and anxiety about the overwhelming task of conveying Allah's message to Pharaoh, a tyrant with tremendous power. The context shows how even the greatest prophets experienced doubt and sought divine assistance through sincere supplication.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'Whoever Allah wishes good for, He gives him understanding of the religion' (Sahih Bukhari 71). Additionally, the Prophet taught: 'O Allah, make the Qur'an the spring of my heart and the light of my chest' (Sunan Ibn Majah), reflecting the same theme of seeking spiritual expansion.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that acknowledging our limitations and turning to Allah in sincere prayer is not a sign of weakness but a mark of true faith and wisdom. Even in modern struggles, we should seek Allah's help to expand our hearts with understanding, patience, and courage rather than relying solely on our own capabilities.