Allah Almighty comforts and reassures the Prophet by saying, “indeed, with hardship [will be] ease”. Hardship is never absolute, for ease always accompanies it. When the Prophet’s burden became too heavy, Allah Almighty lifted up his heart and relieved him. This is strongly emphasized by a literal repetition of the statement: “Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.” For every challenge there is a way. A matter which afflicts Muhammad’s soul so much must be very serious indeed. The repetition also indicates while the challenge might be one there are several ways of addressing it. Secondly, the times of ease are more frequent than the times of difficulty. How often does one fall sick? How often does one lose all their money or face a loss? How often are we tested? Our problem is that when we are tested we only focus on all problem or the calamity and forget all the other blessings that we enjoy.

Allah Almighty is acknowledging that yes at this moment there is difficulty. You have only handful followers but there will be ease. Grounds are being prepared for future success. The lesson for us is that when we are tested we should be patient and acknowledge that if Allah has put me in this there must be some wisdom. Only then the person can survive his test.

Then follows a statement pointing out the aspects of comfort and the factors contributing to the lifting up of hearts and spirits, Allah Almighty says, “So when you have finished [your duties], then stand up [for worship]. And to your Lord direct [your] longing,” meaning seek relief and solace in Him.

The Prophet is being told that when you have finished whatever you may have to do, be it a matter relating to the delivery of your message or an affair of this life, then turn with all your heart to what deserves your toil and striving, namely devotion and dedication in worship. Seek Him alone and let nothing whatsoever distract you. Do not ever think of the people you call on to believe in Him. A traveler must have his food with him, and this is the real food for your journey. A fighter for a cause needs to have his equipment. And devotion to your Lord is the equipment necessary for you. This will provide you with ease in every difficulty you may encounter, and with comfort against every kind of affliction you may suffer.

The lesson here for us is that never sit idle. Stay busy in something productive. Whenever you have a few extra minutes instead of flipping channels or browsing mindlessly, read something. Read some part of the Qur’an. Offer nawafil. Memorize a Surah. It is said that a believer passes away between two actions: one that he just finished doing and the one that he was about to do. Be mindful of Allah. When a believer is conscious of Allah, he will find something to please Him and be busy with. When you are in a difficulty turn to Allah and ask Him for help. What do we do? We begin complaining to His creation instead of talking to Him. The Prophet is being, “And to your Lord, direct [your] longing.”