The Qur'an Surah 94: Relief

The following is from a work-in-progress called The Qur'an: a Book Report, in which I read each surah of the Qur'an and write about what I learn.

This short Meccan surah is a continuation of the re-assurances given to the prophet in surah 93.  In the midst of hardship, Muhammad is told to remember how God provided for him in his difficult early years.  The main point of the surah is this couplet:

"So, truly where there is hardship there is also ease;
truly where there is hardship there is also ease."

Being a prophet is a hard, burdensome vocation.  Pretty much all the prophets in the Bible and the Qur'an suffered, and relied on the mercy of God for their survival.  Muhammad is no different. 

To be a prophet is to suffer.