أَلَمْ يَعْلَم بِأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَرَىٰ 14
Translations
Does he not know that Allāh sees?
Transliteration
Alam ya'lam bi-anna Allaha yara
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah poses a rhetorical question asking whether Abu Jahl (the context of revelation) does not know that Allah sees all his actions and hidden intentions. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this is a powerful reminder of Allah's omniscience and surveillance of all deeds, both seen and unseen. The ayah serves as a warning that no action escapes Allah's knowledge, implying that such disbelief and arrogance in the face of divine awareness is foolishness.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in the context of Abu Jahl's persecution and mockery of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Specifically, it addresses Abu Jahl's arrogant behavior and his attempt to prevent the Prophet from praying at the Ka'bah. The surah Al-'Alaq marks the beginning of revelation, and this later ayah serves as a rebuke to those who oppose the message despite Allah's evident signs.
Related Hadiths
The hadith of Ihsan narrated in Sahih Muslim (8) emphasizes worshipping Allah as if you see Him, for even if you don't see Him, He certainly sees you—directly illustrating the principle of this ayah. Additionally, Surah Al-Hadid (57:4) complements this with the theme of Allah's knowledge and sight over all creation.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that consciousness of Allah's ever-present knowledge should deter us from sin and encourage righteous behavior in private and public alike. It is a call to mindfulness of God (taqwa) and a reminder that our accountability to Allah transcends human observation.
Related Ayahs
قُلْ كُلٌّ يَعْمَلُ عَلَىٰ شَاكِلَتِهِۦ فَرَبُّكُمْ أَعْلَمُ بِمَنْ هُوَ أَهْدَىٰ سَبِيلًا
Say, "Each works according to his manner, but your Lord is most knowing of who is best guided in way."
أَلَآ إِنَّهُمْ يَثْنُونَ صُدُورَهُمْ لِيَسْتَخْفُوا۟ مِنْهُ ۚ أَلَا حِينَ يَسْتَغْشُونَ ثِيَابَهُمْ يَعْلَمُ مَا يُسِرُّونَ وَمَا يُعْلِنُونَ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ عَلِيمٌۢ بِذَاتِ ٱلصُّدُورِ
Unquestionably, they [i.e., the disbelievers] turn away their breasts to hide themselves from him. Unquestionably, [even] when they cover themselves in their clothing, He [i.e., Allāh] knows what they conceal and what they declare. Indeed, He is Knowing of that within the breasts.
وَإِنْ عَزَمُوا۟ ٱلطَّلَـٰقَ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ
And if they decide on divorce - then indeed, Allāh is Hearing and Knowing.
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عِندَهُۥ عِلْمُ ٱلسَّاعَةِ وَيُنَزِّلُ ٱلْغَيْثَ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا فِى ٱلْأَرْحَامِ ۖ وَمَا تَدْرِى نَفْسٌ مَّاذَا تَكْسِبُ غَدًا ۖ وَمَا تَدْرِى نَفْسٌۢ بِأَىِّ أَرْضٍ تَمُوتُ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌۢ
Indeed, Allāh [alone] has knowledge of the Hour and sends down the rain and knows what is in the wombs. And no soul perceives what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul perceives in what land it will die. Indeed, Allāh is Knowing and Aware.