The duʿā of Prophet Mūsā (Moses) عليه السلام before facing Pharaoh is one of the most profound prayers in the Qur’an — simple, short, yet full of lessons for courage, clarity, and composure.
The Duʿā in the Qur’an (Surah Ṭā Hā (20:25–28))
قَالَ رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِي
وَيَسِّرْ لِي أَمْرِي
وَاحْلُلْ عُقْدَةً مِّن لِّسَانِي
يَفْقَهُوا قَوْلِي
Translation
Prophet Moses - Mūsā عليه السلام supplicated:
“My Lord, expand for me my chest;
Ease my task for me;
Remove the knot from my tongue
So that they may understand my speech.”
— (Qur’an 20:25–28)
Context
Prophet Mūsā (A.S.) was chosen by Allah to confront Pharaoh, the most arrogant and tyrannical ruler of his time, who claimed to be god himself. Prophet Mūsā felt fear and inadequacy — he had fled Egypt earlier and had a speech impediment. Before going on this great mission, he turned to Allah with this heartfelt duʿā.
Meaning and Wisdom
Let’s break down this duʿā fro better understanding:
“Rabbishraḥ lī ṣadrī رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِي ” — Expand my chest. That is, fill my heart with the courage that may enable me to perform the obligations connected with the great mission of a Messenger, and give me the confidence for its fulfillment. Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) prayed for this because he realized the grave responsibilities of the great mission.
“Wa yassir lī amrī وَيَسِّرْ لِي أَمْرِي ” — Make my task easy for me. When asked Allah's help, every task, no matter how great, becomes manageable with Allah’s help.
“Waḥlul ‘uqdatam min lisānī وَاحْلُلْ عُقْدَةً مِّن لِّسَانِي ” — Remove the knot from my tongue. Seeking clarity of expression so the truth is communicated effectively.
“Yafqahū qawlī يَفْقَهُوا قَوْلِي ” — So they may understand my speech. Guidance is not just about speaking — but being understood and accepted by others.
Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) prayed to Allah for this because he was conscious that he was not a fluent speaker but was slow of speech. He also knew that as a Messenger he would have to be fluent in order to impress Pharaoh and his courtiers. This is confirmed by the Bible (Exodus 4: 10), The fact is, that at first he was not a fluent speaker and Pharaoh had also taunted him on this impediment. (Surah Az-Zukhruf, Ayat 52). Prophet Moses realized the same for he said: My brother Aaron is more fluent than me, so send him with me as a helper, so that he may support me (with his fluent speech). (Surah Al-Qasas, Ayat 34).
However, it does not stand to reason that Allah should appoint a lisper or a stutterer as His Messenger. That is why the Messengers have always been the best of mankind in regard to their appearance, personality and capabilities for they had to be most impressive both in their appearance and conduct, so that they could not be made the target of ridicule and contempt by the people because of such personal defects as stammering or stuttering.
Lessons and Benefits for Us Today
1. Seek Allah’s help before challenges - Before interviews, presentations, exams, or confrontations, reciting this duʿā brings peace and focus.
2. Confidence through humility - Prophet Mūsā didn’t rely on his ability, but on Allah — teaching us to depend on divine support, not ego.
3. Calm in anxiety - “Expand my chest” is a perfect phrase for those facing stress, fear, or social anxiety.
4. Communication with wisdom - We learn to speak kindly, truthfully, and clearly — vital for family, work, or daʿwah.
5. Faith over fear - Even when standing before power and injustice, a believer draws courage from trust in Allah.
Prophetic Example
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also used to recite similar words when facing hardship. He said: