Tafsir of Al-Inshirah 94:4

Exegesis: (4) And We have exalted your mention (Wa rafa'nā laka dhikrak)

Know that this verse is comprehensive regarding all the points mentioned previously:

1. Prophethood: His mention is exalted in all aspects of prophethood.
2. Cosmic Fame: His fame is established in the heavens and the earth.
3. Divine Record: His name is written upon the Throne.
4. Testimony: He is mentioned alongside God in the Shahādah (testimony of faith) and the Tashahhud (sitting prayer).
5. Previous Scriptures: God mentioned him in the preceding scriptures.
6. Universal Reach: His mention has spread throughout the horizons.
7. Seal of Prophethood: Prophethood was sealed with him.
8. Public Recitation: His mention is present in sermons (khuṭab), the call to prayer (adhān), and the opening of letters.
9. Conjoined Mention: His mention is coupled with God's mention in the Quran (e.g., “God and His Messenger are more worthy that they should please you” [9:62], “Whoever obeys the Messenger has obeyed God” [4:80], “Obey God and obey the Messenger” [4:59]).
10. Unique Address: God calls him by his title (Messenger and Prophet), whereas He calls others by their personal names (O Moses, O Jesus).
11. Innate Love: God placed acceptance of his mention in people's hearts, which is the meaning of His saying: “The Most Merciful will set for them affection [in the hearts of men]” (19:96).

It is as if God is saying: I will fill the world with your followers, all of whom praise you, send blessings upon you, and preserve your Sunnah. Furthermore, there is no obligatory act of worship (farīḍah) in the Prayer except that it is accompanied by a Sunnah. Thus, in the obligatory act, they follow My command, and in the Sunnah, they follow your command. Your obedience is My obedience, and your pledge of allegiance is My pledge of allegiance (“Whoever obeys the Messenger has obeyed God” [4:80]; “Indeed, those who pledge allegiance to you, [O Muhammad]—they are indeed pledging allegiance to God” [48:10]).

Even rulers are not averse to your followers; rather, the most ignorant of kings dares not appoint a Caliph from outside your lineage. The reciters preserve the wording of your proclamation, the commentators explain the meanings of your Criterion (Quran), and the preachers convey your admonition. Indeed, scholars and sultans seek audience with you, salute you from behind the door, wipe their faces with the dust of your sanctuary, and hope for your intercession. Thus, your honor remains established until the Day of Resurrection.

God Almighty said: “For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.”