Values of Surah Al-Inshirah You Should Know

As Muslims, reading Qur’an is supposed to be one of our needs. Besides gaining good deeds, we can also get benefits of reading Al-Qur’an everyday. When facing any kind of problem in this life, the answer can be found in Qur’an. It grows peace and calmness in our hearts. In addition, there are still other reasons why Qur’an has all life answer. Look at the Qur’an we have, how long has it been left untouched?

Qur’an is like a miracle Allah gives to us. We are highly recommended to read, memorize, internalize, and apply its values in our daily lives. Even if we do not know its meaning, it somehow can enlighten our minds. And with 114 surahs, or 6.666 ayahs in it, it is not impossible to memorize since Allah has designed Qur’an in such way so that we can feel close to it.

Surah Al-Inshirah is one surah in Al-Qur’an which have great values. It is the ninety-fourth surah and consists of 8 ayahs. This surah is a part of juz’ 30, which is mostly known among other juz’ in Al-Qur’an, so it must be familiar to Muslims. Al-Inshirah itself means solace or comfort, derived from the word al-Sharh meaning the opening-up of the heart.

According to some articles and scholars’ exegesis, there are some values of Surah Al-Inshirah which are worth to know, especially for Muslims.

• Allah gives Rasulullah strength in the midst of his hard struggle

In ayah 1 till 3, it is mentioned that Allah expands the breast of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and relieves him of his burden.

أَلَمْ نَشْرَحْ لَكَ صَدْرَكَ وَوَضَعْنَا عَنكَ وِزْرَكَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنقَضَ ظَهْرَكَ

“Did We not expand your breast for you and relieve you of your burden which [almost] broke your back?” (Al-Inshirah: 1-3)

We know what the Prophet Muhammad did to fight for Islam is certainly not easy. Even though it is in the sake of goodness and the direct order from Allah, still he had to face uncountable obstacles. However, Allah helped him by giving patience and the immensity of knowledge. The words ‘expand your breast’ is not literal meaning. It rather refers to spiritual and mind aspect of the Prophet Muhammad.

When related to the life in the present, the value of these 3 ayahs encourages us to always take the good path and believe in Allah’s help. Whatever we will face ahead, Allah will always be with us.

• Allah puts Rasulullah in a high position

The words ‘high position’ here in the term that Rasulullah is Allah’s Messenger and we as Muslims are advised to follow his sunnah since it contains a lot of goodness and benefits. In surah Al-Inshirah, this point is mentioned in verse 4.

وَرَفَعْنَا لَكَ ذِكْرَكَ

“And We exalted for you your reputation.”

The name of Rasulullah mostly follows the name of Allah, as it can be seen in shahada. Ashadu an laa ilaaha illallah, wa ashadu anna muhammadan rasulullah. I bear witness that there is no deity but God, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of God.

The context of this verse of Surah Al-Inshirah is that in the middle of Rasulullah’s hard struggle, Allah gives him a kind of reassurance that he places special and honor position in Islam.

• There’s no problem without solution

In surah Al-Inshirah, we can find a beautiful message from Allah that most of us must have known.

فَإِنَّ مَعَ ٱلْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا إِنَّ مَعَ ٱلْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا

“For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.” (Al-Inshirah: 5)

Yes, hardship will come with ease. And the interesting thing is Allah mentions this sentence twice in verse 5 and 6 as an emphasis. Allah directly gives motivation to us.

Once, this verse is intended as a reassurance for Rasulullah. But, the exegesis of most scholars refer this verse to a broader meaning.

When you go through difficult way, face uneasy situation, or have problems which felt like you cannot handle them, don’t be hopeless. Allah promises He will ease your way and provide the solution, as long as you understand and apply the ways to make your heart calm in facing problems. The ease does not come after the hardship, yet it comes along with it.

Feeling tired is okay because we are humans. However, we are not allowed to give up for Allah must help us and design the best thing for us. Those who plant the seed, will eat the fruits one day.

• Being discipline is important

In verse 7, Allah orders us to do other duties after finishing one duty.

فَإِذَا فَرَغْتَ فَٱنصَبْ

“So when you have finished [your duties], then stand up [for worship].”

According to scholars, this verse has various meanings. It can be when we finish the affairs of the material world, then do religious duties. Or when we finish the religious duties, go to the recommended acts advised by Allah.

Whatever the meaning, the point is we should be discipline and have a good time management, as there are fabulous benefits of discipline in Islam. Go from one responsibility to other responsibilities as our duties are plentiful, even more than the time we have. Our duties as Muslims, children, fathers, mothers, neighbors, or citizens.

We are supposed to be smart in managing our time. Don’t ever waste it for useless things, since we are the one who will regret in the end.

• Our hope is only for Allah

وَإِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ فَٱرْغَب

“And to Your Lord direct [your] longing.” (Al-Inshirah: 8)

Having hope to human being will only gain disappointment. Yet, having hope to Allah will only gain satisfaction and serenity. Even though the way or the result is sometimes out of our expectation. But, again, we are only humans. It feels like we know everything whereas we know nothing. Through prayers to get your hope accepted, don’t forget to always ask for Allah’s guidance.

From all of above explanation, how grateful we are to learn the precious values of Surah Al-Inshirah. It can be such a reminder for us to not easily give up. When spreading the religion of Islam, Rasulullah faced very complex challenges yet he could solve it with the help of Allah. Then, how about us who will also be helped by Allah?