The Majestic Quran

94. Al-Inshirah The Expansion This Makkan chapter builds on the previous chapter’s consolation of the Messenger r in a tone that displays friendship and love. The opening, or expansion, of the chest of the Prophet r occurred twice: once in his childhood, and again at the start of the Night Journey, his Ascension. The Angel Gabriel carried out a remarkable procedure in which the heart of the Prophet r was taken out, purified, filled with wisdom, and put back in his noble chest. This miracle prepared it to be the container of Divine Revelation. The chapter expresses the incredibly elevated position of the Messenger r , but despite this honour he is told to strive enthusiastically in God’s worship. In the name of God, the Kind, the Caring. G 1 Didn’t We expand your chest, 2 and lift your burden, 3 which was breaking your back. 4 We raised high your honour. 5 Indeed, every hardship is followed by ease, 6 indeed, every hardship is followed by ease . 1 7 Once you finish your daily chores, 8 seek your Lord passionately in worship.