Tousif Raza
We must be familiar with the fact that our Quran stands as the greatest scripture, serving as worship, prayer, guiding principles, and spiritual training. There isn’t even a single problem in the world without a solution as prayer, or guidance, either directly or indirectly, within its verses. Today, the Quranic aspect we’ll discuss is prayer. Islamic supplications are more than simple prayers; they carry profound spiritual, psychological, and practical significance. Among the most meaningful is the dua recited by Prophet Musa (AS) as recorded in Surah Ta-Ha (20:25-28). Known as the dua of ‘Rabbi ashrah li sadri’, it was made at a pivotal moment when Prophet Musa was commanded to confront Pharaoh, one of the most tyrannical rulers of his time. This short but powerful invocation is deeply instructive, reflecting the multiple dimensions of human experience and the dependence on divine support for success. Its relevance extends beyond Prophet Musa’s immediate context, applying to a wide range of personal, professional, and spiritual endeavors. Through a study of classical tafaseers, this article explores the significance of this dua in various aspects of life, from leadership and communication to mental health and personal development.
Dua
Rabbish_rah li sadri
Wa yassir li amri
Wahlul ‘uqdatan min lisani
Yafqahu qawli
Translation:
“My Lord, expand for me my chest [with assurance]; and ease for me my task; and untie the knot from my tongue that they may understand my speech.”
Spiritual Expansion: ‘Expand for me my chest’
The first request made by Prophet Musa (AS) is for the expansion of his chest (Rabbi ashrah li sadri), asking Allah for spiritual and emotional strength. Tafseer scholars provide valuable insights into the meaning of this supplication: Tafseer Ibn Kaseer explains that Musa (AS) sought inner peace and courage to face the monumental task ahead of him—delivering the divine message to Pharaoh. The expansion of the chest here signifies the ability to remain calm and composed under pressure.
Tafseer Al-Jalalayn interprets this as a prayer for Allah to fill Musa’s heart with tranquility and confidence, enabling him to confront the challenge fearlessly. Tafseer As-Sa’di views the expansion of the chest as a request for the mental and spiritual strength to endure the hardships of the mission, highlighting the importance of emotional resilience in the face of challenges. This dimension of the dua speaks to our own need for mental calmness and spiritual fortitude when we face difficult tasks in life.
Task Facilitation: ‘Ease for me my task’
The second part of the dua (Wa Yassir li Amri) is a request for Allah to make the tasks at hand easier. Given the magnitude of his mission, Prophet Musa (AS) acknowledged his reliance on divine assistance to fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to him. Tafseer Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that this request for ease reflects Musa’s awareness of the complexity and gravity of his mission. By asking for Allah’s help, he recognizes that no task is too difficult with divine support.
Tafseer Al-Tabari elaborates that Musa was not just asking for help in the big picture but also in the smaller details of his mission, ensuring smooth and effective execution. This part of the dua reminds us of the importance of divine intervention in simplifying both the complex and the mundane aspects of our tasks.
Clarity of Communication: ‘Untie the knot from my tongue’
Prophet Musa (AS) had a speech impediment and feared that it might hinder his ability to deliver Allah’s message effectively. He asked Allah to untie the knot from his tongue (Wahlul ‘uqdatan min lisani), a request for clear and articulate speech. Tafseer Ibn Kasir explains that Musa’s stammer made him anxious about his ability to communicate, and this dua reflects his desire for clarity and eloquence.
Tafseer Al-Baghawi views this request as a metaphor for the broader need for effective communication, highlighting the significance of conveying messages with clarity and precision. Clear communication is vital in both personal and professional life, and this part of the dua teaches us the value of seeking divine help to articulate our thoughts effectively.
The Purpose of Understanding
The ultimate goal of the dua (Yafqahu qawli) is that the message is understood. Prophet Musa (AS) recognized that the clarity of his speech was not enough; he needed Allah’s help to ensure that his audience comprehended and accepted his words. Tafseer Ruh al-Ma’ani discusses the importance of not only speaking clearly but also ensuring that the audience’s hearts and minds are receptive to the message. Tafseer Fi Zilal al-Quran by Sayyid Qutb underscores that true communication involves conveying the message in a way that resonates with the listener, leading to understanding and change.
Application in Different Dimensions
In leadership, having a “broad chest” symbolizes the capacity to bear burdens and handle stress without being overwhelmed. Leaders often need to maintain composure in challenging situations, making this part of the dua essential for those who must inspire and guide others. From a psychological perspective, the expansion of the chest corresponds to relieving anxiety and managing stress. It reminds us that turning to Allah for emotional peace is an integral part of managing life’s pressures, making this dua especially relevant in promoting mental well-being.
This portion of the dua speaks directly to those involved in managing projects or leading teams. It highlights the importance of relying on Allah to smooth out challenges and simplify the workload, ensuring success in achieving set goals. For students and educators, this dua serves as a reminder that even the most difficult academic pursuits can be made easier with divine help. Whether it is understanding difficult concepts or meeting deadlines, the plea for ease is relevant to anyone seeking knowledge. For anyone involved in public speaking, delivering presentations, or engaging in dialogue, this part of the dua is invaluable. It serves as a means to calm nerves, improve eloquence, and ensure that the message is conveyed effectively. In conflict resolution or negotiation, clear and effective communication is crucial. This dua serves as a reminder to ask Allah to help us speak in a way that avoids misunderstandings and facilitates solutions.
For teachers, counselors, and mentors, ensuring that the message is understood is critical. This part of the dua highlights the importance of making complex ideas accessible to those we are guiding. In spreading the message of Islam, the effectiveness of the delivery depends not only on the speaker but also on the listener’s ability to grasp the message. This part of the dua emphasizes the need to ask Allah to open the hearts of the audience so that the truth can resonate within them.
The Comprehensive Significance of ‘Rabbish_rah Li Sadri’
The dua of Prophet Musa (AS) is a profound supplication that addresses multiple dimensions of life—spiritual, psychological, and practical. By asking for emotional fortitude, ease in tasks, clarity of speech, and comprehension by the audience, Prophet Musa teaches us how to approach life’s challenges holistically. Whether in leadership, education, mental health, or communication, this dua serves as a timeless guide for seeking divine support in all aspects of life. It is a reminder that success in any endeavor depends not only on personal effort but also on the grace and help of Allah.
Sufi Understanding of this prayer
Let me conclude with this statement that the principles and guidelines of the Quran are unique compared to all other books. It is the only book that can serve as a source of guidance exclusively for those who can grasp the wisdom and mysteries within its verses. While one may understand the Quran’s apparent knowledge through its literal words, true guidance is only attained by those who seek a deeper understanding. As Rumi says,
“Ma zi Qur’an maghz ra bardashtem,
Ustukhwan pesh-e-sage andakhtem.”
Rumi
Translation
“We took the essence from the Quran, the true meaning,
and threw the bones (the mere outer words) to the dogs.”
This couplet of Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi encourages a deeper connection to the true spirit and meaning of religion. Rumi explains that they have grasped the real essence of the Quran rather than focusing only on its outer, ritualistic aspects. Here, “maghz” (essence) refers to the wisdom and core message of the Quran, while “ustukhwan” (bone) symbolizes its outer or superficial layer. Rumi points out the importance of understanding the spiritual teachings rather than merely following rituals without insight. This couplet invites us to seek the true meaning of faith and embrace Allah’s message in our lives, beyond just outward observance.
However, this doesn’t imply that outward practices are unimportant; instead, it highlights the distinction between a true believer and a hypocrite. In the Prophet’s time, many saw the Quran as mere poetry, failing to grasp its divine essence. The Quran, being Allah’s word, offers guidance for those who look beyond superficial understanding and delve into its spiritual depths. Ultimately, the Quran serves as a source of social, political, cultural, intellectual, and spiritual development for humanity. It calls us to explore each of its aspects and make it a guiding principle in our lives, allowing every word within it to become a prayer for our growth and success.
(The author is an English book literature student and hails from Tangmarg and can be reached at tousifeqbal555@gmail.com)
