Rabbi Ishrah Li Sadri — A Powerful Dua for Speech and Confidence

Confidence is a common struggle especially in public speaking, interviews, presentations, or tough conversations. Islam addresses this challenge with powerful duas that fortify both the heart and the tongue. One of the most profound is the dua of Prophet Musa (peace be upon him).

Rabbi Ishrah Li Sadri a dua of Musa (A.S) is a powerful prayer for inner strength, clarity, and confidence. This brief yet profound Qur’anic supplication was recited by Musa (A.S) when given the heavy task of confronting Pharaoh and delivering Allah’s message.

This dua continues to empower Muslims seeking courage and clear communication every day, highlighting reliance on Allah in moments of challenge.

The Dua in Arabic, Transliteration, and Meaning

The dua appears in Surah Taha (20:25–28):

رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِي

وَيَسِّرْ لِي أَمْرِي

وَاحْلُلْ عُقْدَةً مِّن لِّسَانِي

يَفْقَهُوا قَوْلِي

Transliteration:

Rabbi ishrah li sadri

Wa yassir li amri

Wahlul ‘uqdatan min lisani

Yafqahu qawli

Translation:

“My Lord, expand for me my chest,

And ease for me my task,

And untie the knot from my tongue,

So that they may understand my speech.”

These words show humility, dependence on Allah, and the realization of human limits—forming the very source of genuine confidence.

The Story Behind the Dua

When Allah chose Prophet Musa (A.S) to confront Pharaoh, he felt the weight of the mission. Pharaoh was a tyrant who claimed divinity and ruled with cruelty. Musa (A.S) was concerned about his speech, as he had speech difficulty since childhood.

Instead of relying on his own ability, he turned to Allah. He asked not for power or status, but for clarity, ease, and effective communication.

This shows that true confidence stems from trusting Allah, not from ego or self-reliance.

Breaking Down the Meaning: A Blueprint for Confidence

Each line of this dua builds confidence in a unique way.

1. “Rabbi ishrah li sadri” — Expand my chest

An expanded chest means strength and calm, as anxiety tightens it. This dua asks Allah for peace, courage, and stability.

True confidence begins in the heart.

2. “Wa yassir li amri” — Ease my task

Sometimes fear does not come from speaking itself but from worrying about the outcome. By asking Allah to make the task easy, we let go of control and trust His plan.

This line removes pressure and reminds us that success comes from Allah alone.

3. “Wahlul ‘uqdatan min lisani” — Untie the knot from my tongue

This is a direct request for clarity in speech. Many people struggle with:

• Stuttering
• Forgetting words
• Nervousness during presentations
• Difficulty expressing thoughts clearly

This part of the dua directly addresses those fears.

4. “Yafqahu qawli” — So they may understand my speech

The goal is understanding. Musa (A.S) asked to be understood, not impressed. Effective communication is not about displaying knowledge. It is about being clear and impactful, so the message is truly understood.

Why This Is the Ultimate Dua for Speech and Confidence

In modern times, many people struggle with:

• Public speaking anxiety
• Job interviews
• Exams and viva presentations
• Important meetings
• Difficult conversations

Rather than only seeking self-help or motivation, Muslims have a spiritual solution rooted in revelation.

This supplication is the top Dua for Speech and Confidence because it tackles both internal and external barriers:

• Internal: fear, anxiety, self-doubt
• External: clarity, articulation, delivery

It aligns the heart and the tongue together.

When Should You Recite This Dua?

You can recite it:

• Before an exam
• Before a presentation
• Before a job interview
• Before giving a khutbah or lecture
• Before having a serious conversation
• When feeling nervous or anxious

There’s no limit. Recite it anytime you need strength and clarity.

Teaching This Dua to Children

This dua is especially helpful for students. Teaching children to recite it before presentations or exams builds:

• Spiritual reliance on Allah
• Emotional calmness
• Confidence in speech

When children grow up reciting duas, they develop strength in their hearts.

The Spiritual Psychology of This Dua

Modern psychology offers techniques to calm nerves, but Islam offers a spiritual formula:

1. Ask Allah for ease.
2. Seek clarity in speech.
3. Focus on being understood, not admired.

This sequence reduces ego and increases sincerity.

And sincerity creates confidence.

Practical Tips Alongside the Dua

While reciting the dua, also:

• Prepare your material well.
• Practice speaking slowly
• Maintain eye contact
• Take deep breaths
• Trust Allah’s help

Faith and effort go hand in hand.

Final Thoughts

The dua of Musa (A.S) is more than words it is a mindset. True confidence comes from relying on Allah, not perfection.

Whenever you feel nervous or afraid to speak, turn to this dua. Let it calm your heart and untie your tongue.