Al Sharh

1 In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Have We not caused thy bosom to dilate,

1 Did We not expand for you, [O Muhammad], your breast?

1 In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Have We not opened your breast for you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم)?

2 And eased thee of the burden

2 And We removed from you your burden

2 And removed from you your burden.

3 Which weighed down thy back;

3 Which had weighed upon your back

3 Which weighed down your back?

4 And exalted thy fame ?

4 And raised high for you your repute.

4 And have We not raised high your fame?

5 But lo! with hardship goeth ease,

5 For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.

5 Verily, along with every hardship is relief,

6 Lo! with hardship goeth ease;

6 Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.

6 Verily, along with every hardship is relief (i.e. there is one hardship with two reliefs, so one hardship cannot overcome two reliefs).

7 So when thou art relieved, still toil

7 So when you have finished [your duties], then stand up [for worship].

7 So when you have finished (your occupation), devote yourself for Allah's worship.

8 And strive to please thy Lord.

8 And to your Lord direct [your] longing.

8 And to your Lord (Alone) turn (all your) intentions and hopes.