SURA AL-INSHIRĀH: OPENING UP OF/EXPANDING THE CHEST

Abstract

UDK 28-23

Sura Al-Inshirāh or Sura Ash-Sharh is the 94^th surah of the Qur’an. It was revealed in Mecca as the 12^th surah in chronological order of the revelation. It followed immediately after the revelation of the surah Ad-Duhā, and it seems to be contextually complementing it. Just like the surah Ad-Duhā, surah Al-Inshirāh is primarily directly addressing the Messenger Muhammad s.w.s., and then all his followers. The central theme of the surah elevates the status of Muhammad s.w.s. giving him a spiritual and psychological consolation and encouragement. Revelation was a big burden placed on his chest bringing a tremendous change to his life. He became a beholder of vast Knowledge which no other human mind could comprehend. At the very initial stage of inviting people to Islam he faced many challenges: the society that until then appreciated and respected him turned now to be very hostile. This initial stage of prophet-hood must have had a very discouraging, disturbing effect on him. However, the task entrusted upon him required an outstanding emotional stability and extreme psychological endurance. Such was his state when surahs Ad-Duhā and Al-Inshirāh were revealed to him, as consolation, comfort, support and encouragement which he needed at the moment in order to continue the mission, but at the same time it discloses the distinctive, elevated place that he was granted by the Almighty Allah.