Surah Ash-Sharh (The Relief)

About Surah Ash-Sharh

Ash-Sharh, “The Relief”, also known as Al-Inshirah, continues the comforting tone of the surah before it. Addressing the Prophet, it reminds him that his chest was opened, his heavy burden lifted and his name raised high. Then, twice, it gives a promise that has become a source of hope for countless people: with hardship comes ease.

Verse by verse

• Three gifts (94:1–4): an expanded heart, the removal of a burden that weighed on his back, and an exalted reputation. Commentators point out that the Prophet’s name is mentioned alongside God’s in the call to prayer and the declaration of faith.
• The double promise (94:5–6): with hardship there is ease, repeated for emphasis.
• What to do next (94:7–8): when one task is finished, stand up for the next in devotion, and direct your longing to your Lord.

One hardship, two eases

Scholars of Arabic note that “hardship” carries the definite article in both verses, while “ease” is indefinite. Many commentators therefore explained that the same hardship is mentioned twice but two different eases are promised, and a saying attributed to early Muslims states that one hardship will never overcome two eases. The surah also says the ease is with the hardship, not only after it.

A companion to Ad-Duhaa

Ash-Sharh follows Surah Ad-Duhaa (93) in tone and theme, and the two are often memorised and recited together. A small number of early scholars even treated them as a single surah, but the accepted view, reflected in every mushaf, counts them separately.

Frequently asked questions

Where is 'with hardship comes ease' in the Quran?

Surah Ash-Sharh, verses 5 and 6.

Is Ash-Sharh the same as Al-Inshirah?

Yes. Both names refer to Surah 94, after the opening of the heart mentioned in its first verse.

How many verses are in Surah Ash-Sharh?

8.

How many ayahs are in Surah Ash-Sharh?

Surah Ash-Sharh has 8 ayahs. It is surah number 94 in the Quran and is Meccan.

Can I read Surah Ash-Sharh in English or save it as a PDF?

Yes. This page shows the Arabic text of every ayah with the Saheeh International English meaning under it. Use “Print / Save as PDF” for a clean printable copy that you can save as a PDF file from your browser.

Is Surah Ash-Sharh the same as Surah Sharh?

Yes. Sharh, Inshirah, Alam Nashrah and Ash-Sharh are different English spellings of the same surah name, الشرح.

Summaries describe the surah’s content and commonly cited reports for general readers; they are not a tafsir or a religious ruling.