أَلَا يَعْلَمُ مَنْ خَلَقَ وَهُوَ ٱللَّطِيفُ ٱلْخَبِيرُ 14
Translations
Does He who created not know, while He is the Subtle, the Aware?
Transliteration
Alaa ya'lamu man khalaqa wa huwa al-lateef ul-khabeer
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah poses a rhetorical question asserting that Allah, who created all things, certainly knows everything—nothing is hidden from Him. The two divine attributes highlighted are Al-Lateef (The Subtle/Gentle) and Al-Khabeer (The All-Aware), emphasizing that Allah's knowledge penetrates even the most hidden and subtle matters. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note this ayah refutes the notion that Allah is unaware of hidden deeds or secret thoughts, as His knowledge encompasses all creation in ways both manifest and concealed.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-Mulk, a Meccan surah focused on Allah's sovereignty and dominion over creation. It contextually follows ayaat discussing how Allah has decreed the sustenance of all creatures and arranged the heavens in layers, emphasizing the perfection of His creation and the comprehensiveness of His knowledge.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Bukhari (3194) where the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Allah is more merciful to His servants than a mother to her child,' illustrates the attribute of Al-Lateef (gentleness). Additionally, the hadith in Tirmidhi (2486) about Allah knowing what is in hearts relates to Al-Khabeer (All-Awareness).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that no action, thought, or intention escapes Allah's knowledge, encouraging mindfulness in all deeds and sincere devotion. It also provides comfort that Allah's knowledge of our circumstances is accompanied by His gentleness and mercy, inspiring trust in His divine wisdom even during difficult times.
Related Ayahs
وَٱللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ بِأَعْدَآئِكُمْ ۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِٱللَّهِ وَلِيًّا وَكَفَىٰ بِٱللَّهِ نَصِيرًا
And Allāh is most knowing of your enemies; and sufficient is Allāh as an ally, and sufficient is Allāh as a helper.
وَرَبُّكَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَن فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ ۗ وَلَقَدْ فَضَّلْنَا بَعْضَ ٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ ۖ وَءَاتَيْنَا دَاوُۥدَ زَبُورًا
And your Lord is most knowing of whoever is in the heavens and the earth. And We have made some of the prophets exceed others [in various ways], and to David We gave the book [of Psalms].
۞ أَفَلَا يَعْلَمُ إِذَا بُعْثِرَ مَا فِى ٱلْقُبُورِ
But does he not know that when the contents of the graves are scattered
ٱلَّذِينَ تَتَوَفَّىٰهُمُ ٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ ظَالِمِىٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ ۖ فَأَلْقَوُا۟ ٱلسَّلَمَ مَا كُنَّا نَعْمَلُ مِن سُوٓءٍۭ ۚ بَلَىٰٓ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌۢ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ
The ones whom the angels take in death [while] wronging themselves, and [who] then offer submission, [saying], "We were not doing any evil." But, yes! Indeed, Allāh is Knowing of what you used to do.