أَوَلَا يَعْلَمُونَ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَعْلَمُ مَا يُسِرُّونَ وَمَا يُعْلِنُونَ 77
Translations
But do they not know that Allāh knows what they conceal and what they declare?
Transliteration
Awa laa ya'lamoon anna Allaha ya'lamu maa yusirroon wa maa yu'lanoon
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah rebukes those who conceal their disbelief and corrupt deeds, reminding them that Allah is fully aware of both their hidden secrets and public actions. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as a stern warning to the hypocrites and those who hide their rejection of faith, emphasizing that no deception can escape Allah's omniscience. The ayah serves as both a deterrent against hypocrisy and a reassurance to believers that Allah sees all righteousness, even when hidden.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within the broader context of Surah Al-Baqarah's discussion of the hypocrites (Munafiqun) in Medina who concealed their disbelief while outwardly professing Islam. The verse specifically addresses those who altered the Torah and engaged in deceptive practices, contributing to the Quranic theme of exposing hypocrisy and spiritual dishonesty.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of people are those in my generation, then those who will come after them, then those who will come after them.' (Sahih Bukhari 3456). Additionally, in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet emphasized that intentions determine deeds, underscoring that Allah judges hidden intentions as well as outward acts.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should cultivate sincerity in both public and private conduct, recognizing that no secret is hidden from Allah and that integrity of intention is as important as outward righteousness. This awareness should inspire genuine piety rather than performative religiosity.