Surah Ash-Sharh (سُورَةُ الشَّرۡحِ) — Translation, Meaning & Tafsir

Overview

Ash-Sharh (سُورَةُ الشَّرۡحِ) — "The Consolation" is the 94th chapter of the Holy Quran. It contains 8 verses and is a Meccan (Makki) surah.

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Selected Verses

Verse 1

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ أَلَمْ نَشْرَحْ لَكَ صَدْرَكَ

HAVE WE NOT opened up thy heart,

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Verse 2

وَوَضَعْنَا عَنكَ وِزْرَكَ

and lifted from thee the burden

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Verse 3

ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنقَضَ ظَهْرَكَ

that had weighed so heavily on thy back?

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Verse 4

وَرَفَعْنَا لَكَ ذِكْرَكَ

And [have We not] raised thee high in dignity?

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Verse 5

فَإِنَّ مَعَ ٱلْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا

And, behold, with every hardship comes ease:

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Verse 6

إِنَّ مَعَ ٱلْعُسْرِ يُسْرًۭا

verily, with every hardship comes ease!

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Verse 7

فَإِذَا فَرَغْتَ فَٱنصَبْ

Hence, when thou art freed [from distress], remain steadfast,

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Verse 8

وَإِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ فَٱرْغَب

and unto thy Sustainer turn with love.

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Key Themes

The surah of Ash-Sharh (The Consolation) covers important Islamic themes including faith, guidance, and the relationship between humanity and Allah. As a Meccan (Makki) surah, it reflects the spiritual and theological context of that period of revelation.

Virtues of Reading This Surah

Regular recitation of the Quran is highly encouraged. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

"The best of you is the one who learns the Quran and teaches it." — Sahih Al-Bukhari

Reading any portion of the Quran brings immense rewards. Make a habit of reciting Surah Ash-Sharh as part of your daily Quran reading.

How to Recite

1. Make wudu (ritual purification) before touching the Mushaf
2. Begin with "A'udhu billahi minash-shaytanir-rajim" (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed devil)
3. Begin with Bismillah (except in Surah At-Tawbah)
4. Recite with tarteel (measured, deliberate pace)
5. Reflect on the meaning as you recite

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When was Surah Ash-Sharh revealed? It was revealed during the Meccan (Makki) period of the Prophet's ﷺ mission.

Q: How many verses does Surah Ash-Sharh have? It contains 8 ayaat (verses).

Q: What does "The Consolation" mean? The name "Ash-Sharh" translates to "The Consolation" in English.