The Virtue in Studying Surah Inshirah...

“Have We not expanded for you your breast?” 2. “And We removed from you your burden," 3. “Which weighed down your back?" 4. “And We exalted for you your reputation?” 5. “Then, surely with hardship comes ease:" 6. “Surely, with hardship comes ease," 7. “So when you have finished (with your immediate task), still strive hard, (then toil)," 8. “And to your Lord turn (all) your attention.” We Endowed You With Various Bounties!

The verses are stated in a loving and affectionate tone which shows the extreme grace of Allah to the holy Prophet (S). In the first verse, pointing to the greatest bounty of Allah, it says: "Have We not expanded for you your breast?” The term /nasrah/ is based on /sarh/ which, according to Raqib cited from his book, Mufradat, means 'to stretch pieces of flesh and produce the thinner layers'.

Then, he adds that the objective point of 'expansion of the breast' is its expansion with the Divine Light and His bestowed stillness and tranquility. Further, he says that 'explaining the difficulties of speech' means its expansion and to explain its hidden meanings. In any case, undoubtedly, the objective point of 'expansion of the breast' is its metaphorical meaning, here which refers to the expansion of thought and the holy spirit of the Prophet (S).

The very expansion can have a broader meaning that consists of both the expansion of knowledge of the Prophet (S) through inspiration and revelation, and the expansion of his patience and perseverance against the sabotage and obstructions of his enemies and opponents. It is in the same light as when Moses is told "Go thou to Pharaoh, for he has indeed transgressed all bounds" [^2] , The response is: "(Moses) said: O my Lord! Expand me my breast" [^3] .

In another Surah the Prophet (S) is told: "So wait with patience for the command of thy Lord.