What is the interpretation of feeling constricted and having one's breath ascend when reciting or listening to the Quran, and does the saying of Allah Almighty apply to those who feel this way: "So whoever Allah wills to guide - He expands his breast to Islam; and whoever He wills to leave astray - He makes his breast tight and constricted as though he were ascending into the sky. Thus does Allah place defilement upon those who do not believe"? (Al-An'am: 125)
Tightness in the chest when reciting the Quran may be due to the Jinn companion (Qareen) or other Jinn being affected by the Quran. This can be treated by increasing recitation and fortifying oneself with the prescribed legal (Sharia) supplications (dhikr). The verse mentioned in the question does not apply to this situation; rather, it refers to one whose chest is constricted from faith and guidance.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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