Anxiety & hardship
Rabbi ishrah li sadri (My Lord, expand my chest)
This is the du'a Musa made when Allah sent him to face Pharaoh, one of the heaviest missions ever given to a human being. In four short requests he asks for inner calm, an easier path, and clear speech so his message lands. Say it before anything that frightens or overwhelms you: a hard conversation, an exam, a speech, a decision that feels too big. It comes from the Qur'an, surah Ta-Ha (20:25-28).
رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِي وَيَسِّرْ لِي أَمْرِي وَاحْلُلْ عُقْدَةً مِّن لِّسَانِي يَفْقَهُوا قَوْلِي
Rabbi ishrah li sadri, wa yassir li amri, wahlul 'uqdatan min lisani, yafqahu qawli
My Lord, expand for me my chest, and ease for me my affair, and untie the knot from my tongue, so that they may understand my speech.
Authenticity: Qur'an, surah Ta-Ha (20:25-28).
Download image to shareWhen to say it
Before any daunting task: a difficult conversation, public speaking, an exam, or a decision that feels overwhelming.
How often
There is no fixed count; say it sincerely whenever you face something hard.
Frequently asked
Who first made this du'a?
The Prophet Musa (Moses), recorded in the Qur'an, surah Ta-Ha (20:25-28), at the moment Allah commanded him to go to Pharaoh and deliver His message.
When is a good time to say it?
Before anything that intimidates you: a hard conversation, a public talk, an exam, an interview, or a heavy decision. It asks Allah to steady your heart, ease the path, and make your words clear.