ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنقَضَ ظَهْرَكَ 3
Translations
Which had weighed upon your back
Transliteration
Al-ladhī anqada zahrak
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to Allah removing the heavy burden from the Prophet Muhammad's back—understood by classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari as both the literal physical hardship he endured and the metaphorical spiritual weight of trials and persecution in Mecca. The verb 'anqada' (relieved/removed) emphasizes Allah's active mercy in alleviating the Prophet's suffering, establishing the theme that divine relief follows difficulty.
Revelation Context
This surah was revealed in Mecca during the period of intense persecution of the Prophet and early Muslims, when they faced mockery, physical abuse, and social ostracism. The ayah is part of a series of divine assurances reminding the Prophet that his sufferings were temporary and that Allah had lightened his burdens—providing psychological comfort during these difficult early Meccan years.
Related Hadiths
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Prophet's burden was so heavy that he would lean against walls, and that Surah Ash-Sharh was revealed to console him (related in various hadith collections). Additionally, the Prophet said, 'The greatest trials are from the family,' reminding us that relief comes after hardship (Tirmidhi).
Themes
Key Lesson
Just as Allah relieved the Prophet Muhammad of his burdens, He grants ease after every difficulty for those who endure with faith—reminding believers that suffering is never permanent and that divine compassion sustains us through our greatest trials.