The psychological wisdom behind supplications made in distress (Supplication by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

It is generally seen that whenever a man is in distress, he starts to knock every door for early redressal of his grievance. This generally happens because of weak faith and not knowing who can really make our bards times go away. Just yesterday, I came across a supplication in which a man was being acknowledged as the sole redresser of one's grievances and ease of bad times. When I tried to correct him by saying that it is Allah alone who can ease one's sufferings and ward off the bad times, he was rather furious for I undermining the 'powers' of the deity he was praying to and banking upon him to ease his sufferings.

Al Qur'an makes it amply clear and verses to this effect are spread over the entire Al Qur'an that it is only Allah alone who can come to help of His servant and none else. Before I present the verses from Al Qur'an, let me share a hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ which links the redressal of grievance to Allah alone. And despite being Allah's most beloved prophet, he did not ask people to come to him for ease of their sufferings - instead he asked his companions and followers to remember Allah in times of distress and acknowledge that Allah alone is the deliverer - no one else.

The Hadith

The hadith is recorded in Sunan Abi Dawud 1525 (with similar narrations in other collections).

Narrated Asma' daughter of Umays:

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to me: May I not teach you phrases which you utter in distress? (These are:) "Allah , Allah is my Lord, I do not associate anything as partner with Him."

Abu Dawud said: The narrator Hilal is a client of 'Umar b. 'Abd al-Aziz. The name of Ja'far, a narrator, is 'Abd Allah b. Ja'far.

حَدَّثَنَا مُسَدَّدٌ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ دَاوُدَ، عَنْ عَبْدِ الْعَزِيزِ بْنِ عُمَرَ، عَنْ هِلاَلٍ، عَنْ عُمَرَ بْنِ عَبْدِ الْعَزِيزِ، عَنِ ابْنِ جَعْفَرٍ، عَنْ أَسْمَاءَ بِنْتِ عُمَيْسٍ، قَالَتْ قَالَ لِي رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏"‏ أَلاَ أُعَلِّمُكِ كَلِمَاتٍ تَقُولِينَهُنَّ عِنْدَ الْكَرْبِ أَوْ فِي الْكَرْبِ اللَّهُ اللَّهُ رَبِّي لاَ أُشْرِكُ بِهِ شَيْئًا ‏" ‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو دَاوُدَ هَذَا هِلاَلٌ مَوْلَى عُمَرَ بْنِ عَبْدِ الْعَزِيزِ وَابْنُ جَعْفَرٍ هُوَ عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ جَعْفَرٍ ‏.‏

Grade: Sahih (Al-Albani)

This hadith is one of the Prophet's ﷺ shortest yet most profound teachings on Tawḥīd (the oneness of Allah), reliance upon Him (tawakkul), and emotional resilience in times of distress.

Explanation

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Shall I not teach you words that you should say when you are in distress? اللَّهُ اللَّهُ رَبِّي لَا أُشْرِكُ بِهِ شَيْئًا - 'Allah, Allah is my Lord. I associate nothing with Him.'"

1. Why did the Prophet ﷺ teach this? Notice something remarkable.

The Prophet ﷺ did not begin by teaching: a technique, a breathing exercise, or a strategy. Instead he began by strengthening belief. Do you know Why?

Because many forms of distress arise when we feel powerless, alone, overwhelmed, uncertain, and even afraid. The Prophet ﷺ redirects the heart to the One who controls every affair.

Phrase-by-phrase meaning of the Hadith

• "Allah, Allah..."
• Repeating Allah's Name is not mere repetition - It is an expression of urgency, love, dependence, and complete attention.
• It is as though the heart is saying: "O Allah! You alone..."
• That is when anxiety scatters our thoughts, this remembrance gathers them back toward Allah.
• This reflects Allah's command: "Remember Me; I will remember you."  (You may like to read one of earlier posts based on verse 152 of Surah Al Baqarah, the second chapter of Al Qur'an which is based on the phrase so highlighted. The link: " So remember Me and I shall remember you."
• "My Lord"
• The Arabic word Rabb means far more than "Lord."
• It means The Creator, Owner, Sustainer, Nurturer, Protector, and One who develops us stage by stage.
• When we acknowledge "Allah is my Rabb," we are actually acknowledging:
• He created me.
• He knows me.
• He controls this situation.
• He has not abandoned me.
• He can change my circumstances at any moment.
• The same echoes in the verse of Al Qur'an: "Is Allah not sufficient for His servant?" . 
• This verse is from Surah Az-Zumar (39), Verse 36 - You may like to read its detail from one of earlier posts: Is Allah not sufficient for His servants? - One of the Qur'an's greatest verses about trust (tawakkul) in Allah 
• "I associate nothing with Him  لاَ أُشْرِكُ بِهِ شَيْئًا"
• This is the heart of the supplication.
• The believer declares: "I will not place ultimate dependence upon anyone besides Allah."
• This is Tawḥīd in practice. It means:

• I do not believe anyone else independently controls my destiny.
• I do not believe wealth saves me.
• I do not believe power saves me.
• I do not believe status saves me.

Only Allah possesses absolute power.

A deep reflection of the Hadith brings us to the point:  "If Allah should touch you with harm, none can remove it except Him; and if He intends good for you, none can repel His bounty." — Qur'an

1.    Should this mean we cannot seek help from people? 

• The answer is a big NO.
• The Qur'an clearly distinguishes between:
• Seeking lawful human assistance within human ability, and
• Seeking the kind of help that belongs only to Allah.
• This distinction is essential.

2. The Qur'an allows seeking human help

Seeking lawful human assistance within human ability, and Seeking the kind of help that belongs only to Allah.

• This distinction is essential for the Qur'an allows seeking human help.
• Allah says: "Help one another in righteousness and piety." 
• This command assumes believers will help one another.

Another example: When Prophet Musa entered the city, "...the man from his own people called upon him for help against his enemy..." — Qur'an

• Musa responded and helped him.
• The Qur'an does not criticize the man simply for asking another human being for assistance.

3. When does seeking help become problematic?

The issue is not asking people. Rather it is believing that they possess independent, unlimited power that belongs only to Allah.

For example: It is perfectly acceptable to ask:

• a doctor to treat you,
• a teacher to teach you,
• a friend to help you,
• a lawyer to defend you,
• a parent to support you.

These are all means (asbāb) that Allah has created. However, our hearts should recognize: The doctor treats—but Allah grants healing. This is exactly what Prophet Ibrahim said: "...and when I am ill, it is He who heals me." (Surah Ash-Shu'ara, Verse: 26:80). Notice that Ibrahim took means, yet he attributed the cure to Allah.

The Qur'anic balance

• Islam does not teach: "Ignore people and only pray."
• Nor does it teach: "Depend only on people."

Instead it teaches to use the means. but trust Allah for a way out of hard times or ailment.

This is beautifully illustrated by the Prophet ﷺ during the Hijrah. He planned carefully, chose a guide, hid in the cave, and took practical precautions. Yet he said to Abu Bakr: "Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us." — Qur'an. Thus he combined practical effort with complete trust in Allah.

The psychological wisdom of this supplication

In distress, our minds often exaggerate the power of problems. This duʿā reverses that perspective.

• Instead of focusing on: "My problem is enormous."
• It reminds us: "My Lord is greater."

Though the problem may remain - But your perspective changes. That is why remembrance of Allah brings tranquility.

Allah says: "Surely, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find tranquility." — Qur'an

How do we live this hadith today?

1. When faced with illness, (1) See the doctor. (2) Take the medicine and (3) Make this duʿā.

2. When facing financial difficulty, Look for work, Seek advice - and Make this duʿā.

3. When facing anxiety: Speak to trusted family, friends, or a qualified mental health professional if needed, continue your worship - and Make this duʿā.

Islam does not separate spiritual reliance from responsible action.

Connection with the Qur'an

This hadith beautifully summarizes several Qur'anic themes:

• Allah is sufficient.  The phrase "Allah is sufficient" appears in several places in the Quran. The most commonly quoted verses include:
• Surah At-Talaq 65:3 "...And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him." (Arabic: وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ) - Read details of this verse from Link
• Surah Al-Anfal 8:64 "O Prophet, Allah is sufficient for you and for the believers who follow you."
• Surah Az-Zumar 39:36 "Is Allah not sufficient for His servant?" (Arabic: أَلَيْسَ ٱللَّهُ بِكَافٍ عَبْدَهُ) - Read details of this verse from Link
• The standalone expression "Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best Disposer of affairs" (Hasbunallahu wa ni'mal wakeel), it is found in: Surah Aal Imran 3:173 "Sufficient for us is Allah, and He is the best Disposer of affairs." Read details of this verse from Link
• Remember Me and I will remember you - Verse 152 of Surah Al Baqarah ( read its detail from one of earlier posts: Is Allah not sufficient for His servants? - One of the Qur'an's greatest verses about trust (tawakkul) in Allah )
• Indeed, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find tranquility. - Surah Ar Ra'ad (The Thunder) Verse 28 (Read explanation of this verse: A small verse that is Spinal Cord of Al Qur’an)
• You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help - Surah Al-Fatihah, Verse: 1:5 (Read explanation of this verse at link)
• Whoever puts their trust in Allah, He is sufficient for them - Surah At-Talaq, Verse: 65:3

These verses are not asking us to reject human assistance. They teach that ultimate reliance (tawakkul), ultimate hope, and ultimate refuge belong to Allah alone, while human beings are honored means through which Allah often answers our prayers.

The essence of the hadith

The Prophet ﷺ is teaching us that the first response to distress should be to re-anchor the heart in Tawḥīd. Before trying to control every circumstance, remind yourself who truly controls them. Then take every lawful step available, seek help from people where appropriate, and entrust the outcome to Allah. This balance—using the means while relying on the Creator of the means—is the Qur'anic path of faith.

Besides faith, this supplication teaches never to resort to Shirk for worldly gains. One may seek help from others or go to doctor for treatment, but remember it is Allah alone Who will decide the outcome.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may refer to our reference: page: Supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more prophetic supplications

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo: Pixabay | Source of Hadith | Help taken from ChatGPT for expanding meaning of the Hadith

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing. one may also consult local Muslim Imaan of the masjid for more clarification.

Disclaimer: This post is not intended to "force" preach, convert, or criticize any belief system. The views shared are meant to inspire dialogue, understanding, and reflection. Viewer discretion is advised, especially for those navigating sensitive religious experiences. Always seek knowledge with an open heart and mind.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

Al Qur'an: Overview / Selected Verses Surah 87. Al-Aʿlā الأعلى - The Most High

Surah Al-Aʿlā الأعلى, the 87th Surah / Chapter 87) is one of the earliest Meccan surahs of Al Qur'an, revealed to the Prophet ﷺ. Although it contains only 19 verses, it presents a complete worldview: Who Allah is, who we are, why we are here, how revelation transforms us, and where we are ultimately going. It is so central that the Prophet ﷺ frequently recited it in Jumu'ah, ʿEid, and Witr prayers, showing that its message was meant to be revisited again and again.

We have already published the Tafseer / Exegesis of the Sürah, which can be accessed from by clicking on the highlighted link: Surah Al Ala -The Most High: Exegesis 87th Chapter of Quran

Herein under we will only present an overview of the entire Sūrah and some of the selected verses for selective reading / references. The following overview includes the context, major themes and subjects and lessons that we can learn from this Sūrah, followed by references to  some of the selected verses already published.

Historical Context

Surah Al-Aʿlā was revealed during the early Makkan period, when the Prophet ﷺ was beginning to receive revelation and the Muslims were few, thus highly vulnerable. The polytheists Quraysh mocked the message and the belief in resurrection was widely rejected.

In the ensuing difficult times and persecution at the hands of the idolaters, t+he early believers needed reassurance about three things:

• Who is Allah?
• Can this revelation be trusted?
• Will this mission succeed despite opposition?

Surah Al-Aʿlā was revealed to answers all three questions.

The Main Theme

The central message of the surah can be summarized in one sentence:

Glorify your Lord, trust His perfect wisdom, receive His guidance, purify yourself, and prepare for the Hereafter rather than becoming absorbed in the temporary attractions of this world.

Everything in the surah revolves around this journey. It moves through five stages:

• Knowing Allah.
• Trusting revelation.
• Responding to guidance.
• Purifying the soul.
• Choosing the Hereafter over worldly obsession.

The Structure of the Surah

1. Know your Lord (Verses 1–5)

• The surah begins: "Glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most High." (87:1) - This beginner makes it one of the Surahs of Al Qur'an known as Al-Musabbihat. Read our earlier post to know which surahs are classified as Al-Musabbihat and why from the link: Surahs of the Holy Quran Known as Al-Musabbihat "The Praisers"
• Allah then describes Himself as the One who created, perfected, determined everything with wisdom, guided every creature, and brings life from the earth and causes it to wither.
• These verses teach that nothing in creation is random. The same Lord who governs the universe governs our lives.
• Lesson: Faith begins by recognizing Allah's greatness before focusing on ourselves.

2. Trust revelation (Verses 6–8)

• Allah tells the Prophet ﷺ: "We shall make you recite, and you will not forget." (87:6)
• Then: "And We will facilitate for you the Way of Ease." (87:8)

These verses reassure the Prophet ﷺ that Allah will preserve the Qur'an in his heart and enable him to fulfill his mission.

For us, they teach that Allah does not burden His servants without providing guidance and assistance.

3. Reminder benefits receptive hearts (Verses 9–13)

• Allah commands: "So remind, if the reminder benefits." (87:9)
• This mentioned because some people accept reminders, while others reject them.
• The Prophet's responsibility was to convey the truth—not to force belief.
• This remains a principle for parents, teachers, scholars, and anyone calling others to goodness.

4. Success belongs to those who purify themselves (Verses 14–15)

One of the most beautiful declarations in the Qur'an: "Successful indeed is the one who purifies himself, remembers the Name of his Lord, and prays."

Notice the sequence: purification, remembrance, and prayer.

The surah teaches that outward worship flourishes when the heart is cleansed of arrogance, hypocrisy, envy, and attachment to sin.

5. The greatest disease (Verses 16–17)

This is perhaps the central warning of the surah: "But you prefer the worldly life, while the Hereafter is better and more lasting."

This diagnosis applies to every age. People often know what is right but choose immediate comfort over lasting reward. The verse does not condemn enjoying worldly blessings. It warns against preferring them when they conflict with obedience to Allah.

6. This message is timeless (Verses 18–19)

The surah concludes by acknowledging the earlier two scriptures being Divine: "Indeed, this is in the former scriptures—the scriptures of Ibrahim and Musa."

This tells us that the essential message of Islam has always been the same:

• Worship Allah alone,
• Purify the soul,
• Live righteously,
• Prepare for the Hereafter.

Foundational verses for our lives today (and links to their explanation through earlier posts)

1. "Glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most High." (87:1)

This verse changes perspective.

• While modern life often revolves around self, that is my success, my goals, and my image.
• The Qur'an begins instead with Allah.

This reminds us: When Allah is at the center, everything else finds its proper place.

2. "We shall make you recite, and you will not forget." (87:6)

This teaches that Allah preserves what He entrusts to His servants. It also reminds us that beneficial knowledge is ultimately a gift from Allah.

3. "We will facilitate for you the Way of Ease." (87:8)

This is one of the Qur'an's great promises.

Allah may not remove every hardship, but He can make obedience, patience, and steadfastness easier for those who sincerely seek Him. The greatest ease is not an easy life—it is a heart that finds obedience to Allah increasingly natural.

Please read detailed explanation of this verse from our already published post: Allah Does not remove every obstacle - He gives inner strength to overcome them (Al Qur'an)

4. "So remind, for reminding benefits." (87:9)

We often become discouraged when people ignore good advice. This verse reminds us that our responsibility is to convey truth with wisdom and sincerity. Ultimate Guidance belongs to Allah.

5. "Successful is the one who purifies himself." (87:14)

The Qur'an defines success differently from the world. The world often measures success by:

• Wealth,
• Fame,
• Influence,
• Achievements.

But Allah measures it by the condition of the soul.

Please read detailed explanation of this verse from our already published posts: 

• Who has been promised Prosperity as mentioned in Qur'an
• He who purified himself shall prosper
• He who purified himself shall prosper

6. "You prefer the worldly life." (87:16)

This verse asks every generation:

• What do you truly value most?
• When faith and comfort come into conflict, which one wins?

This question is as relevant today as it was in Makkah.

7. "The Hereafter is better and more lasting." (87:17)

This is not a call to abandon the world. It is a call to keep priorities straight. Use the world - Do not let the world use you.

Why did the Prophet ﷺ recite this surah so often?

Authentic hadith show that the Prophet ﷺ frequently recited Surah Al-Aʿlā in congregational worship. 

Scholars have noted that this makes sense because it continually renews a believer's perspective:

• Allah is Most High.
• Creation has purpose.
• Revelation is trustworthy.
• The soul must be purified.
• The Hereafter is eternal.

These are truths we need to hear repeatedly, not just once.

The surah's message in one sentence

If Surah Al-Aʿlā could speak directly to us today, it would say:

"Lift your eyes above the distractions of this world. Know your Lord, trust His guidance, purify your heart, keep reminding yourself and others of the truth, and never forget that your real success lies in the everlasting Hereafter."

A practical way to live Surah Al-Aʿlā

The surah can become a daily framework for life:

• Begin with Allah — glorify Him and remember that He is Al-Aʿlā (the Most High), above every fear and every worldly concern.
• Trust His guidance — believe that the One who created and perfected everything also knows what is best for your life.
• Ask for His facilitation — before any task, pray that Allah makes obedience, patience, and wisdom easy for you.
• Keep your heart clean — repent often, forgive others, and guard against pride, envy, and resentment.
• Choose the eternal over the temporary — enjoy Allah's lawful blessings with gratitude, but let every major decision be guided by what will benefit you in the Hereafter.

In this way, Surah Al-Aʿlā becomes more than a chapter we recite; it becomes a lens through which we view our purpose, our priorities, and our relationship with Allah.

In time we will add more selected ayat / verses from this surah.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may also refer to our exclusive reference pages: 

• Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.
• Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects
• Selected Verses from the Qur'an. 

You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Reference: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

Allah Does not remove every obstacle - He gives inner strength to overcome them (Al Qur'an)

There have been billions of people living on this earth for whom extra ordinary means of exitance and sustenance have been Divinely provided - irrespective of the fact they believe in their Creator or not. However, there have been special people whom Allah loves and bestows upon them His countless blessings, both physically and spiritually. These are the blessed ones who have always kept the worship and love of their Creator above every other worldly delights and provisions.

These blessed ones are mentioned at various places in Al Qur'an. For examples some are Divinely gifted with spiritual receptivity "Sharḥ al-Ṣadr" - that is they may not be physically better than others in means of wealth, status and power - but they are the ones whose hearts have been opened for spiritual receptivity. 

Today, we share another verse which is one of the most hopeful and spiritually profound verses in the Qur'an. At first glance, it appears to be a promise made specifically to the Prophet ﷺ, but its principles illuminate the path of every believer. The is the 8th verse of Surah 87 Aʿlā (The Most High). Although the verse contains only three words, its meaning is remarkably deep.

The Verse

Arabic: وَنُيَسِّرُكَ لِلْيُسْرَىٰ

Translation: "And We will facilitate for you the Way of Ease."

(Other translations: "We shall make easy for you the easiest way," or "We shall ease you toward ease.")

The Context

The opening verses of Surah Al-Aʿlā reassure the Prophet ﷺ as revelation was being sent down:

• Glorify your Lord (87:1)
• Allah created and perfected everything (87:2–5)
• We shall make you recite so you will not forget (87:6–7)

Then comes the promise: "And We will facilitate for you the Way of Ease." (87:8)

The Prophet ﷺ was about to shoulder the greatest responsibility ever entrusted to a human being—conveying Allah's final revelation to humanity. Allah promised not only to preserve the Qur'an in his heart but also to make him fit for that mission.

This verse is furthermore a statement of the nature of Islam, its role in human life and in the universe. This verse, which is rendered in Arabic in no more than two words, states one of the most fundamental principles of faith and existence. It provides a link between the nature of the Prophet and the nature of Islam on the one hand and the nature of the whole universe on the other. It is a universe created by God with ease; it follows its appointed way with ease and draws nearer its final objective with ease. Thus it is an inspiration lighting limitless horizons.

If God smooths a certain person’s path, he finds ease in everything in his life. For he will move along his way to God with the universe, which is characterized by its harmony of construction, movement and direction. Hence he does not clash with those who digress, for these are of no importance, compared with the vast universe. Ease will pervade his whole life. It will be evident in his hand, tongue, movement, work, concepts, way of thinking and in the way he conducts all affairs and tackles all matters. Ease will be the  main feature of how he carries himself and how he deals with others as well.

Let us focus on the key word of this verse and see how it should be applied to our lives. 

What is "al-yusrā" (اليُسْرَى)?

The key word is al-yusrā, from the root y-s-r, meaning:

• Ease,
• Facility,
• Smoothness,
• What is right and manageable.

Classical exegetes such as Al-Tabari, Ibn Kathir, and Al-Qurtubi explain that al-yusrā includes:

• The easy and upright path of Islam,
• Righteous deeds,
• Wise and gentle calling to Allah,
• Success in fulfilling one's mission,
• Ultimately, the path that leads to Paradise.

Ibn Khatir explains the promise of Allah: `We will make good deeds and statements easy for you, and We will legislate such Law for you that is easy, tolerant, straight and just, with no crookedness, difficulty or hardship in it.'

So Allah is not merely saying: "Life will become easy." Rather, He is saying: "I will make you able to walk the path that leads to My pleasure."

That is a much deeper promise. Ease does not mean a life without hardship. This is crucial.

The Prophet ﷺ still endured persecution, boycott, hunger, the loss of loved ones, battles, and even physical injury.

So the question arises what became "easy"? For apparently he enduring miserable mistreatment at the hands of the polytheists and idol worshippers of Makkah.

The plain answer is His heart was made peaceful. It provided him the clarity of purpose, steadfastness and his ability to obey Allah despite difficulties. Although Allah did not remove every obstacle. He gave His Messenger ﷺ the inner strength to overcome them.

The deeper meaning

The verse teaches a profound spiritual principle: 

• When Allah chooses someone for a righteous purpose, He also equips them to fulfill it.
• Allah does not merely command—He enables.
• He does not only guide externally—He transforms internally.
• He opens the heart, strengthens resolve, and makes obedience increasingly natural.

This is closely connected to Sharḥ al-Ṣadr (expansion of the heart) discussed in Qur'an. We have explained this exclusive blessing in one of our earlier posts: Who are the blessed ones Divinely gifted with spiritual receptivity "Sharḥ al-Ṣadr."

How does Allah "facilitate" someone?

Allah's facilitation (taysīr) often happens in subtle ways:

1. He opens the heart to truth Acts of worship that once felt burdensome become beloved.

2. He places love of righteousness in the heart A believer begins to enjoy prayer, charity, Qur'an, and service to others.

3. He gives wisdom Decisions become clearer because one's priorities are shaped by revelation.

4. He provides opportunities Allah brings into a person's life:

• Beneficial teachers,
• Righteous companions,
• Moments of guidance,
• Doors of goodness.

5. He grants perseverance Difficulties remain, but despair does not dominate the heart.

Does this promise apply to us?

Although this verse is a specific promise was to the Prophet ﷺ. However, the principle applies to every believer. The Qur'an repeatedly teaches that Allah facilitates goodness for those who sincerely seek Him.

For example: "As for the one who gives, is mindful of Allah, and believes in the best reward, We will ease him toward ease." — Qur'an

Notice the pattern: You take the first step - Allah makes the path easier.

Similarly, the Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever follows a path seeking knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise." Ease here is not the absence of effort; it is Allah's assistance in reaching a noble goal.

How do we adopt the essence of this verse?

This verse invites us to seek not an easy life, but Allah's facilitation.

1. Ask Allah for taysīr before every important task The Prophet ﷺ regularly made supplications asking Allah for ease. A beautiful example is: "O Allah, nothing is easy except what You make easy, and You can make hardship easy if You will." That is Recognize that true ease comes from Him.

2. Pursue what pleases Allah Allah promises facilitation for righteousness, not for every desire. If our goal is to please Him, we can hope for His help.

3. Begin with small acts of obedience Often, people wait until worship feels easy before they start. The Qur'an teaches the opposite: start sincerely, and Allah gradually opens the way.

4. Don't confuse ease with comfort A path may involve sacrifice yet still be "easy" in the Qur'anic sense because Allah grants peace, conviction, and endurance. Many righteous people have endured great hardship while experiencing remarkable serenity.

5. Pray for an open heart This verse pairs beautifully with the supplication of Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him): "My Lord, expand for me my breast, make my task easy for me..." — Qur'an

Notice the sequence:

An expanded heart, then ease in fulfilling the mission - A beautiful connection

This verse also complements: "Indeed, with hardship comes ease." — Qur'an

Together, these passages teach that Allah's promise of ease is not the removal of every trial. Rather, it is His gift of guidance, resilience, and inner peace so that hardship does not prevent a believer from fulfilling their purpose.

Reflection

The deepest message of Surah Al-Aʿlā 87:8 is this: Do not ask Allah merely for an easy life; ask Him to make you the kind of person for whom obedience, sincerity, patience, and righteousness become easy.

That is the "Way of Ease"—a heart so aligned with Allah that even when the road is difficult, walking toward Him becomes the most natural and peaceful direction. This is the ease that sustained the Prophet ﷺ throughout every trial, and it is an ease every believer should seek through faith, repentance, remembrance of Allah, and steadfast commitment to His guidance.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Photo | Resource references: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

For more Q&A about Understanding Islam, please refer to our reference page: Understanding Islam - Frequently asked Q&A. You may also refer to our refference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on important issue related to Islam to know more about Islam.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on Social Media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

Is Allah not sufficient for His servants? - One of the Qur'an's greatest verses about trust (tawakkul) in Allah

The Qur'an frequently uses rhetorical questions the answer of which is obvious because these are not primarily meant to convey information—they are meant to awaken the heart, engage the mind, and move the conscience. Instead of merely telling us a fact, Allah invites us to discover and affirm it ourselves. There are many such rhetorical questions throughout Al Qur'an and of these one of the Qur'an's greatest verses about trust in Allah (tawakkul) and freedom from fear of people. It reassures every believer that Allah alone is sufficient as a protector and helper for those who place their trust in Him. This is the 36th verse from Surah 39. Az Zumar

The Verse

أَلَيْسَ اللَّهُ بِكَافٍ عَبْدَهُ ۖ وَيُخَوِّفُونَكَ بِالَّذِينَ مِن دُونِهِ ۚ وَمَن يُضْلِلِ اللَّهُ فَمَا لَهُ مِنْ هَادٍ

"Is Allah not sufficient for His servant? Yet they threaten you with those besides Him. And whoever Allah leaves astray—for him there is no guide." Translation (Sahih International)

The Context

Surah Az-Zumar was revealed in Makkah during a period when the Prophet ﷺ and the early Muslims faced intense opposition. The Quraysh ridiculed him, threatened him, and tried to frighten him into abandoning his mission. They warned him that if he continued criticizing their idols, those idols would harm him. They also threatened him with social pressure, persecution, and violence.

In response, Allah revealed this comforting question: "Is Allah not sufficient for His servant?"

It is a rhetorical question whose answer is emphatically: Yes. Allah is completely sufficient. The verse reassured the Prophet ﷺ that the threats of people and idols could not harm him unless Allah willed it.

What does "Allah is sufficient" mean?

Ibn Kathir notes that this verse addresses the polytheists of Makkah who threatened and tried to scare the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ by claiming that their idols would inflict harm or curses on him for preaching against them. Allah directly refutes this by asking: "Is not Allah sufficient for His servant?"

The key word is: كَافٍ (kāfin). It comes from the root k-f-y, meaning:

• to suffice,
• to be enough,
• to fulfill a need,
• to protect,
• to support,
• to provide.

So when Allah says: "Is Allah not sufficient for His servant?" He is saying:

• Is Allah not enough as your Protector?
• Is Allah not enough as your Provider?
• Is Allah not enough as your Defender?
• Is Allah not enough to accomplish His promise?

The implied answer is always yes.

Why does Allah ask it as a question?

The Qur'an often uses rhetorical questions to awaken reflection. Instead of merely stating, "Allah is sufficient." Allah asks: "Is Allah not sufficient...?"

This invites every believer to examine their own heart:

• What am I really relying on?
• Whom do I fear most?
• Where do I seek security?
• "They frighten you with those besides Him"

The Quraysh tried to frighten the Prophet ﷺ by saying:

• our idols will curse you,
• our gods will destroy you,
• our tribe will defeat you.

Ibn Kathir explains "The Powerlessness of False gods" by saying: The phrase "Yet they threaten you with those besides Him!" points to the ignorance of the idolaters. He points out an inherent contradiction in their beliefs: while the polytheists tried to scare the Prophet with their idols, they themselves openly admitted (as stated in other Quranic verses) that Allah is the Sole Creator of the heavens and the earth, because their idols are completely incapable of creation.

But as the world and the polytheists of Makkah witnessed that neither could deter the Prophet ﷺ nor Islam from permeating into the hearts of those who realised the truth in words of Allah.

Today, the "things besides Allah" may be different:

• fear of losing a job,
• fear of public opinion,
• fear of criticism,
• fear of financial loss,
• fear of powerful people,
• fear of failure.

The verse thus reminds us that nothing has independent power apart from Allah.

Does this mean we ignore worldly means?

Well not at all. Islam does not teach passive dependence.

The Prophet ﷺ:

• planned carefully,
• sought advice,
• migrated to Madinah with a strategy,
• wore armor in battle,
• took practical precautions.

Yet his heart relied upon Allah, not upon those means. This is true tawakkul: Take the means, but trust the One who controls the outcome.

What does this verse teach us today?

All verses are relevant even today after a lapse of almost 1450 years of revelation of Al Qur'an. Let us reflect on the verse to see its relevance today:

1. Allah is enough People often seek security in:

• wealth,
• status,
• influence,
• relationships,
• institutions.

These can be blessings, but they are not ultimate sources of security. The believer's deepest confidence rests in Allah.

2. Do not be controlled by fear Fear is one of Satan's strongest tools. Fear can prevent us from:

• speaking the truth,
• wearing Islamic identity,
• praying openly,
• giving charity,
• standing for justice.

This verse reminds us that the greatest protection comes from Allah.

3. Strength comes from reliance on Allah A believer who truly trusts Allah becomes inwardly resilient. They may still feel natural fear, but they are not ruled by it.

4. Allah's sufficiency does not eliminate hardship

While Allah is sufficient for His believers, this does not mean that His servants will not endure hardships. Even Prophet ﷺ still experienced:

• persecution,
• hunger,
• grief,
• exile,
• injury.

Allah's sufficiency did not mean a life without trials. It meant that through every trial, Allah was enough to sustain, guide, and support him.

The connection with "Hasbunallāh - حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيلُ"

This verse beautifully connects with the famous Qur'anic statement: 

"Hasbunallāhu wa niʿma al-wakīl" which means "Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best Disposer of affairs." — Qur'an

The Prophet Ibrahim is reported to have said these words when he was thrown into the fire, and the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions said them when they were threatened by their enemies. They express the same truth found in Surah Az-Zumar 39:36: ultimate reliance belongs to Allah alone.

How can we live this verse?

Ask yourself:

• When faced with a difficult decision, do I trust Allah while taking lawful means?
• Do I compromise my principles because I fear people more than Allah?
• When anxious about the future, do I remember that Allah's wisdom and care encompass what I cannot control?

Living this verse does not mean expecting life to be easy. It means cultivating a heart that says: "I will do what Allah asks of me, take the lawful means available, and entrust the outcome to Him."

Final Reflection

Surah Az-Zumar 39:36 teaches a timeless truth: real security does not come from wealth, influence, or the approval of others—it comes from Allah. Those supports may disappear, but Allah never does. When a believer truly understands that Allah is sufficient, fear begins to lose its grip, courage grows, and obedience becomes easier. This verse calls every Muslim to move from relying primarily on created things to relying first and foremost on the Creator, while responsibly using the means He has placed at our disposal.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Photo | Resource References: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

You may refer to more Selected Verses from Sürah 39. Az-Zumar (The Throngs) already published. For more Q&A about Understanding Islam, please refer to our reference page: Understanding Islam - Frequently asked Q&A. You may also refer to our refference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on important issue related to Islam to know more about Islam.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on Social Media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

Who are the blessed ones Divinely gifted with spiritual receptivity "Sharḥ al-Ṣadr"

There have been numerous prophets and messengers Divinely chosen and sent to their people to show them the straight path - Sirat al-Mustaqeem (الصراط المستقيم) - the perfect, unwavering way of life that leads directly to the pleasure of Almighty Allah , the One True God, and eternal salvation, free from deviations or extremes. Yet while many rejected them, there were others who felt a fresh wave of cool breeze refreshing their hearts and bringing them closer to their Creator and away from the evil machination of the Satan.

In order to explain our viewpoint, today we share one of the Qur'an's most profound verses about spiritual receptivity—the difference between a heart that is open to Allah's guidance and one that has become hardened. This is the 22nd verse of Surah Az umar, the 39th Surah / Chapter of Al Qur'an.

The Verse

أَفَمَن شَرَحَ ٱللَّهُ صَدْرَهُۥ لِلْإِسْلَٰمِ فَهُوَ عَلَىٰ نُورٍ مِّن رَّبِّهِۦ ۚ فَوَيْلٌ لِّلْقَٰسِيَةِ قُلُوبُهُم مِّن ذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ ۚ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ فِى ضَلَٰلٍ مُّبِينٍ

"So is one whose breast Allah has expanded to Islam, so that he is upon a light from his Lord, like one whose heart is hardened? Then woe to those whose hearts are hardened against the remembrance of Allah. They are in clear error."

Renowned 14th century scholar Kathir explains that this verse sets a parallel between spiritual receptivity and absolute spiritual blindness, warning of the severe consequences of rejecting faith.

The Context

Surah Az-Zumar is a Meccan surah whose central theme is sincere devotion (ikhlāṣ) to Allah alone. It repeatedly contrasts:

• Faith and disbelief,
• Guidance and misguidance,
• Soft hearts and hard hearts,
• Those who remember Allah and those who neglect Him.

Verse 22 asks a rhetorical question: Can a person whose heart Allah has opened to Islam be compared to someone whose heart is hardened? The obvious answer is no.

Ibn Kathir explains that the phrase “he whose breast Allah has opened to Islam” means Allah expands and illuminates the believer's heart, making it receptive to the truth, peace, and clarity of the religion. "Upon a Light from His Lord" represents true faith and insight. The believer acts with knowledge, divine wisdom, and spiritual awareness, making them distinct from those wandering in darkness.

What is "Sharḥ al-Ṣadr" (شرح الصدر)?

The verse is based on the phrase: شَرَحَ اللَّهُ صَدْرَهُ لِلْإِسْلَامِ "Allah has expanded (opened) his chest for Islam."

The Arabic expression Sharḥ al-Ṣadr literally means:

• expansion of the chest,
• opening of the breast,
• Broadening of the heart.

In Arabic, the ṣadr (chest/breast) often symbolizes the inner self—the heart, mind, and emotions.

So Sharḥ al-Ṣadr means that Allah grants a person an inner state in which they willingly receive and embrace the truth.

What does Sharḥ al-Ṣadr look like?

A person whose chest has been opened by Allah typically:

• Loves hearing the Qur'an,
• Accepts truth even when it is difficult,
• Feels peace in worship,
• Repents when they sin,
• Trusts Allah during hardship,
• Is humble rather than arrogant,
• Desires to obey Allah,
• Is eager to learn and grow in faith.

That is a man who is gifted with spiritual receptivity has already been intrinsically been gifted to pursue what is the truth. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ before being awarded the prophethood, would as a routine go out to nearby mountain called Hirah and scale up to its peak to a cave where hw would just worship someone unseen but for sure he knew that someone is his Creator and everything belongs to Him. He would stay up there for days, away from his family worshipping. This continued for a long time until his heart was spiritually receptive to differentiate between true faith against the idolism being practiced by people of Makkah. This spiritual receptiveness is in fact Sharḥ al-Ṣadr - that is opening of the heart to worship one true God.

And it is the same openness of heart that made people to follow what the revered prophet was preaching and calling them to. The presence of words of God made their hearts soften up and had the true faith reside within forever. This cycle continues today and more and more non Muslims are reverting to Islam for when excerpts from Al Qur'an are read to them, their hardened hearts melt, paving way of Islam to enter into their hearts.

Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi explains:

"Whose breast... Islam": Whom Allah helps to learn a lesson from these realities and to be satisfied with Islam as based on the Truth. Opening of a man's breast for something is, in fact, a state in which there remains no anxiety or ambiguity or suspicion and doubt in his mind about the thing, nor has he the feeling of any danger and loss in accepting and adopting it, but he decides with full satisfaction of the heart that it is the Truth; therefore, he must follow it whatever be the consequences. Having made such a decision when a person adopts the way of Islam, he obeys whatever Command he receives from Allah and His Messenger willingly and with pleasure, without any hesitation. He accepts whatever beliefs and ideas, rules and regulations, he comes across in the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Prophet as if they were the voice of his own heart. He does not feel any compunction on giving up an unlawful gain, because he believes that it was no gain for him at all; it was rather a loss from which Allah saved him by His grace. Likewise, even if he incurs a loss while following the way of righteousness, he does not feel sad about this but bears it with patience and regards it as an ordinary loss as compared to the loss of turning away from the Way of Allah. The same is his behavior on confronting dangers. He believes that there is no other way for him, which he may follow in order to avoid the danger. The Straight Way of Allah is only one, which he has to follow in any case: if there is a danger in following it, let it be. 

Who are the people with the hardened hearts

Having spoken about the men with Sharḥ al-Ṣadr, another category of people is talked about in the verse quoted above - which is tangent to the category spoken above.

"Those whose hearts are hardened against the remembrance of Allah."

Such people may hear the same reminders but remain unmoved or resistant. The attachment to the faith of their forefathers and boasting of it as something superior to everything is sheer arrogance and stubbornness. When someone closes his heart to the truth and becomes hellbent no to let truth permeate into his heart, his heart becomes hardened and spiritually non receptive. It for such people Allah has said in the above quoted verse: They are in clear error. Then their doom starts and their fate to hell fires is written down.

Ibn Kathir explains that hardening of the heart describes a heart that is completely sealed off. It does not soften, absorb, or benefit from the recitation of the Quran, reminders, or the remembrance of Allah.

Is Sharḥ al-Ṣadr only for prophets?

Here a question may arise that is it only prophets who are blessed with the gift of Sharḥ al-Ṣadr? The answer is a plain NO. Every believer can be granted Sharḥ al-Ṣadr. However, the prophets received it in the highest and most complete sense.

For example:

• Allah says to the Prophet ﷺ: "Did We not expand for you your breast?"
• Similarly, when Musa was commissioned to confront Pharaoh, he prayed: "My Lord, expand for me my breast." He knew that carrying Allah's message required inner calm, courage, and clarity to face demagogue like Pharoah.

Does everyone have Sharḥ al-Ṣadr?

Well the answer is No too. Every person has the capacity for it, but not everyone experiences it. The Qur'an teaches that Allah opens the hearts of those who sincerely seek Him and respond to His guidance.

Allah says: "Whomever Allah wills to guide, He opens his breast to Islam; and whomever He wills to let go astray, He makes his breast tight and constricted, as though he were climbing into the sky."

This verse should be understood alongside many others that emphasize human responsibility. Allah does not wrong anyone; rather, those who sincerely seek truth find that He guides them, while persistent rejection and arrogance can lead to spiritual hardening.

How does a person know if Allah has opened their heart?

There is no single test, but the Qur'an and Sunnah point to signs such as:

1. Love for the Qur'an The Qur'an is no longer just a book to recite—it becomes guidance to live by.

2. Willingness to accept correction Instead of defending mistakes, the person welcomes the truth.

3. Peace in worship Prayer, remembrance of Allah, and supplication become sources of tranquility rather than burdens.

4. Sensitivity to sin When they slip, they feel remorse and hasten to repent, rather than becoming comfortable with wrongdoing.

5. Humility They recognize their dependence on Allah and avoid arrogance.

Can Sharḥ al-Ṣadr increase?

Certainly yes. Like faith (īmān), it can grow. The more a believer:

• Recites and reflects on the Qur'an,
• Remembers Allah,
• Prays sincerely,
• Seeks beneficial knowledge,
• Keeps righteous company,
• Repents regularly,

The more their heart becomes receptive to Allah's guidance. Conversely, persistent sin, arrogance, and neglect of Allah's remembrance can harden the heart.

Why is this verse so important today?

Many people today have access to immense information but little inner peace. They may understand facts yet struggle to accept truth that challenges their desires.

Surah Az-Zumar 39:22 reminds us that guidance is not merely an intellectual achievement—it is a gift from Allah that transforms the heart. Two people may hear the same Qur'anic message: one finds it illuminating and life-changing, while the other remains unmoved. The difference lies not in the message but in the condition of the heart.

This verse also teaches believers to seek not only knowledge but an open heart—one that is humble, receptive, and illuminated by Allah's guidance.

A beautiful supplication

Summing up our explanation of the verse quoted above, let us share a prayer of Prophet Musa which is one of the best duʿāʾs for seeking Sharḥ al-Ṣadr:

"My Lord, expand for me my breast, make my task easy for me, and untie the knot from my tongue so that they may understand my speech."

This teaches us that an expanded heart is not merely about feeling peaceful; it is about becoming more capable of worshipping Allah, carrying responsibilities with patience, accepting His guidance wholeheartedly, and conveying the truth with wisdom and clarity.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Photo | references: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

You may refer to more Selected Verses from Sürah 39. Az-Zumar (The Throngs) already published

For more Q&A about Understanding Islam, please refer to our reference page: Understanding Islam - Frequently asked Q&A. You may also refer to our refference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on important issue related to Islam to know more about Islam.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

• Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on Social Media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More