وَلَلْـَٔاخِرَةُ خَيْرٌۭ لَّكَ مِنَ ٱلْأُولَىٰ 
'And the next life is certainly far better for you than this one.' (93:4)

This verse was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in Makkah by Allah and can be found in the 30th Juz, Surah Duha, Aayat 4 in the Quran. It is one of the first surahs to be revealed to him. It was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) at a time when he had not received any revelation for 6 months. For this reason, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was disturbed and depressed, believing that Allah was displeased with him and had forgotten him, and he began to lose hope. The disbelievers started mocking him and the believers started having doubts. This is why Allah revealed this Surah that speaks directly to the Prophet (SAW) to comfort him.

While preaching and teaching Allah's message, the Prophet (SAW) became unwell as many people in Makkah began to deny the religion and accused the Prophet (SAW) and the believers often. Because he was already ill, Allah allowed a few months to pass before delivering additional revelations.

During the period when the Prophet (SAW) was recovering, a woman (the wife of Abu Lahab) came to him and said: "I see that 'your Shaytan' that has possessed you has left you." She then started mocking and taunting the Prophet (SAW) in his way. Of course, he didn't pay any attention to her, but he developed such a longing for receiving the divine revelation. At that particular time, Allah the Almighty sent down Surah Ad - Duha.

Duha means 'morning brightness' and seeing the morning makes us feel happy and refreshed. The sun of the new day and the bright light that shines show us that there is always a new beginning. It gives us the motivation to keep going and never lose hope and belief in our faith. This verse shows us that the hereafter is much better than the life we live in now. So, if you ever feel depressed and think that you are over with this life, remember that it is only a test that you must pass to go to heaven. The life we live in now is temporary and it is normal to face hardships and loss, that it the nature of life. But remember, the afterlife is filled with everything that you could ever dream of. That's why Allah reminded the Prophet (SAW) that this life is temporary and that the hereafter is much better. 

This verse talks directly to the Prophet (SAW) to comfort him and erase his worries. Allah tells him that he was there for him, when he lost his parents, protecting him. We should all learn from this verse that Allah is always there for us when we need him, protecting us and helping us, even if we don't feel it, there are many situations in which we lose hope and think that it is impossible to overcome, but Allah makes the impossible possible for us, helping us out of the situation of hardships. 

When the Prophet (SAW) was given the choice at the end of his life between remaining in this life forever and then going to Paradise or moving on to the company of Allah, he chose to meet Allah over this lowly world.

Imam Ahmad recorded that Abdullah bin Mas'ud said, "The Messenger of Allah (SAW) was lying down on a straw mat and it left marks on his side. So, I said, "O Messenger of Allah! Will you allow us to spread something soft over this straw mat?" 

He replied, "I have nothing to do with this world, this world is like a rider who rests in the shade of a tree, then he passes on and leaves it."

Among the many surahs, Surah Duha's benefits are that it heals the heart, gives hope to its reader and peace of mind. Whenever you feel depressed, sad, helpless or anxious, recite this surah with are and ponder over its meaning. Insha Allah you will see how everything changes and the feeling of hope and comfort that creeps into your life once again. Ameen.