أَلَّا يَسْجُدُوا۟ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِى يُخْرِجُ ٱلْخَبْءَ فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا تُخْفُونَ وَمَا تُعْلِنُونَ 25
Translations
[And] so they do not prostrate to Allāh, who brings forth what is hidden within the heavens and the earth and knows what you conceal and what you declare -
Transliteration
Alla yashjudu lillahi alladhi yukhriju al-khaba'a fi al-samawati wa-al-ardi wa-ya'lamu ma tukhfuna wa-ma tu'lanun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah rebukes those who refuse to prostrate to Allah, the One who brings forth hidden things in the heavens and earth and knows all that is concealed and revealed. Ibn Kathir notes this is directed at the disbelievers who deny Allah's omniscience and sovereignty despite the clear signs of His power and knowledge. The verse emphasizes that Allah's complete knowledge of the hidden and the manifest should compel submission and worship.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the narrative of Sulayman and the ant, where the disbelievers' refusal to acknowledge Allah's signs is being criticized. The broader Meccan context addresses polytheists who rejected monotheism despite witnessing Allah's creation and wisdom. The specific mention of hidden and revealed knowledge serves as evidence against those who claimed idols could intercede or that hidden knowledge was unknown to Allah.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Muslim records that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The most complete of believers in faith are those who have the best character.' This relates to the ayah's emphasis on submission to Allah's knowledge and authority. Additionally, Sahih Bukhari contains the hadith about Allah knowing all secrets, supporting the theme of divine omniscience mentioned in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that Allah's complete knowledge of our inner thoughts and outer actions should motivate sincere worship and submission. For modern readers, it emphasizes that accountability before Allah extends beyond public behavior to intentions and private thoughts, encouraging moral consciousness in all aspects of life.