قُلْ إِن تُخْفُوا۟ مَا فِى صُدُورِكُمْ أَوْ تُبْدُوهُ يَعْلَمْهُ ٱللَّهُ ۗ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ 29
Translations
Say, "Whether you conceal what is in your breasts or reveal it, Allāh knows it. And He knows that which is in the heavens and that which is on the earth. And Allāh is over all things competent.
Transliteration
Qul in tukhfu ma fi sudoorikum aw tubdoohu ya'lamhu Allah. Wa ya'lamu ma fi as-samawati wa ma fi al-ard. Wa Allahu ala kulli shay'in qadeer.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms Allah's absolute knowledge of all hidden and manifest things, whether kept secret in the hearts or revealed openly. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir emphasize that this ayah serves as a reminder that Allah's knowledge encompasses the innermost thoughts and intentions (niyyah) of all beings, which is why sincerity in faith and deeds is paramount in Islamic practice. The ayah concludes by reaffirming Allah's complete power (qudrah) over all creation, making concealment of one's thoughts irrelevant before His omniscience.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the broader Medinan context of Surah Ali 'Imran, which addresses disputes between Muslims and People of the Book regarding faith and monotheism. The ayah serves as a timely reminder to the Muslim community that their sincere intentions matter to Allah regardless of what they display externally, and that Allah is fully aware of the hidden doubts or true convictions in people's hearts during theological debates.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Indeed, Allah does not look at your bodies or wealth, but He looks at your hearts and your deeds' (Sahih Muslim 2564). Additionally, the hadith on the seven whom Allah will shade on the Day of Judgment includes 'a man whose heart is attached to the mosque,' emphasizing the divine knowledge of hidden intentions (Sahih Bukhari 629).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that sincere intention and purity of heart are essential in all our actions, as Allah knows what we truly intend even if we deceive others or ourselves. It should inspire us to maintain integrity between our public actions and private thoughts, recognizing that all accountability ultimately rests with the All-Knowing Creator.