[a] Have we not opened thy breast;] By disposing and enlarging it to receive the truth, and wisdom, and prophecy; or, by freeing thee from uneasiness and ignorance? This passage is thought to intimate the opening of Mohammed’s heart, in his infancy, or when he took his journey to heaven, by the angel Gabriel ; who having wrung out the black drop, or seed of original sin, washed and cleansed the same, and filled it with wisdom and faith ^[1] : but some think it relates to the occasion of the preceding chapter ^[2] .

[1] Al Beidawi, Yahya. V. Abulf, vit. Moh. p. 9 & 33. Prid. Life of Moh. p. 105, &c.

[2] Al Beidawi.

[b] And eased thee of thy burthen;] i.e. Of thy sins committed before thy mission; or of thy ignorance, or trouble of mind.

[c] When thou shalt have ended thy preaching; labour to serve God, &c.] Or When thou shalt have finished thy prayer, labour in preaching the faith. ^[3]

[3] Idem.