Tafsir from Tafsir Ibn Kathir
Surah Al-Inshirah is a Makkan surah. In this surah Allah reminds His Messenger Muhammad ﷺ of the great favors He bestowed upon him. Allah mentions how He expanded the Prophet’s chest, removed his burden, raised his mention, and promised that relief accompanies hardship. The surah concludes by directing the Prophet to devote himself to worship and to turn all hopes toward Allah.
The Opening of the Prophet’s Chest (Verses 1–4)
Allah says:
“Have We not opened your breast for you.
And removed from you your burden.
Which weighed down your back.
And have We not raised high your fame?”
(Qur’an 94:1–4)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that the meaning of Allah opening the Prophet’s chest is that Allah illuminated his heart and made it wide and spacious.
Allah mentions a similar meaning elsewhere in the Qur’an:
“Whomsoever Allah wills to guide, He opens his breast to Islam.”
(Qur’an 6:125)
Ibn Kathir also explains that when Allah expanded the chest of the Prophet ﷺ, He also made the religion easy and accommodating, without unnecessary hardship or difficulty.
Allah then says:
“And removed from you your burden.” (94:2)
Ibn Kathir explains that this refers to the removal of the burden that weighed upon the Prophet ﷺ. Allah forgave him and relieved him from what weighed heavily on his back.
Allah then says:
“Which weighed down your back.” (94:3)
Al-Inqad means “the sound,” and more than one of the Salaf explained “which weighed down your back” as “its burden weighed heavy upon you.”
Allah then says:
“And have We not raised high your fame?” (94:4)
Hardship and Relief (Verses 5–6)
Allah says:
“Verily, along with every hardship is relief.
Verily, along with every hardship is relief.”
(Qur’an 94:5–6)
Explanation
This repetition emphasizes the certainty that hardship will always be accompanied by ease.
Devotion to Worship (Verses 7–8)
Allah says:
“So when you have finished, devote yourself to Allah’s worship.
And to your Lord turn intentions and hopes.”
(Qur’an 94:7–8)
Explanation
This means that after completing one task, the believer should devote himself to acts of obedience and worship, relying on Allah and placing all hope in Him.
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References
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), English translation, Surah Ash-Sharh (94).
Verified on 2026-10-21 against: Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), Surah Ash-Sharh.