لِّلَّهِ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ ۗ وَإِن تُبْدُوا۟ مَا فِىٓ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَوْ تُخْفُوهُ يُحَاسِبْكُم بِهِ ٱللَّهُ ۖ فَيَغْفِرُ لِمَن يَشَآءُ وَيُعَذِّبُ مَن يَشَآءُ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ 284
Translations
To Allāh belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth. Whether you show what is within yourselves or conceal it, Allāh will bring you to account for it. Then He will forgive whom He wills and punish whom He wills, and Allāh is over all things competent.
Transliteration
Lillahi ma fi as-samawati wa ma fi al-ardi wa-in tubdu ma fi anfusikum aw tukhfuhu yuhasibkum bihi Allah fayaghfiru liman yasha wa yu'aththibu man yasha wa-Allah ala kulli shay'in qadir
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah establishes Allah's absolute ownership of all creation in the heavens and earth, and emphasizes His perfect knowledge of all thoughts and intentions—whether concealed or revealed—for which He will hold humanity accountable. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note this ayah highlights Allah's attribute of complete knowledge ('Ilm) and justice, as He judges based on both actions and inner intentions. The ayah concludes with divine prerogative: Allah forgives whom He wills and punishes whom He wills, demonstrating both His mercy and justice.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Baqarah's section addressing the foundations of Islamic belief and practice. The broader context deals with obligations of the believers and Allah's authority. Some classical scholars note this was revealed to address concerns among the early Muslims about accountability for thoughts and whispers of the heart (waswas), reassuring them that Allah judges with perfect knowledge and wisdom.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim report that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'Allah has written down the good deeds and the bad deeds, and then He made it clear how to avoid bad deeds. Whoever intended to do a good deed and did not do it, Allah will write it down with Him as a complete good deed.' This hadith complements the ayah's theme of accountability for intentions.
Themes
Key Lesson
Muslims should cultivate consciousness of Allah's all-encompassing knowledge and judge their inner intentions as carefully as their outward actions, knowing that sincerity of heart is paramount in worship. This ayah also offers solace: while accountability is real, Allah's mercy extends to those who sincerely repent, reminding believers that perfection is not required, only genuine effort and reliance on Allah's forgiveness.