“Glad Tidings of Mercy and Peace: Surah Al-Sharh”
Honorable Muslims!
It was the early years of the prophethood of the Messenger of Allah (saw). The oppression and cruelty of the polytheists against the Muslims in Mecca had increased, and life had become unbearable for the believers. At a time of such distress, Allah the Almighty (swt) revealed Surah al-Sharh, which contains many glad tidings and much wisdom for us. Our Prophet (saw) found great relief and joy in the revelation of this surah, and conveyed the glad tidings that our Lord (swt) would surely grant ease and peace after every hardship.1
Dear Believers!
Today, I would like to address all our brothers and sisters who are suffering from oppression and persecution all over the world, especially in Palestine, with the messages of Surah al-Sharh, which comforts the hearts and instills hope in the believers: “Have We not uplifted your heart for you, o Prophet, relieved you of the burden which weighed so heavily on your back, and elevated your renown for you?”2
We believe that it is Allah (swt), Who has power over everything. It is Allah (swt), Who encompasses us with His mercy and compassion. It is also He (swt), Who will remove the distress in our souls and grant relief to our hearts. Allah the Almighty (swt) will lift the heavy burdens from our shoulders and will certainly save us from all kinds of difficulties and troubles.
Dear Believers!
Another truth that the Surah al-Sharh reminds us of is the following one: “So, surely with hardship comes ease. Surely with that hardship comes more ease.”3
We believe that a joy will surely come after every sadness and a relief will surely come after every distress. For Allah the Almighty (swt) has never abandoned the prophets and the believers. He (swt) has never left them alone in the hands of oppressors and enemies. He (swt) saved the Prophet Nuh from the destruction of the flood, the Prophet Ibrahim from the fire of Nimrod, the Prophet Musa from the oppression of Fir’awn, and the Prophet Yusuf from the darkness of the dungeon.
And finally, He (swt) brought our Prophet (saw) out of all sorts of persecution and torment of the disbelievers to prosperity, and paved many ways of victory for him.
Dear Muslims!
Surah al-Sharh also teaches us the following truth: “So once you have fulfilled your duty, strive in devotion, turning to your Lord alone with hope.”4
As stated in the verses, laziness and negligence do not befit us. The believer cannot be irresponsible, negligent, or complacent. They strive to live by, uphold and spread right and truth, and justice and mercy until the good prevails on earth. They do everything by observing Allah’s (swt) pleasure. They do not lose hope in the face of difficulties thanks to the strength that their faith gives them. They do their utmost in the defence of their independence and future.
[1] Muwatta, Jihad, 6; Suyuti, Jami’ al-Saghir, 7374.
[2] Sharh, 94/1-4.
[3] Sharh, 94/5-6.
[4] Sharh, 94/7, 8.
Friday Khutba of Tokyo Camii “Glad Tidings of Mercy and Peace: Surah Al-Sharh” (PDF)