وَإِنَّ رَبَّكَ لَيَعْلَمُ مَا تُكِنُّ صُدُورُهُمْ وَمَا يُعْلِنُونَ 74
Translations
And indeed, your Lord knows what their breasts conceal and what they declare.
Transliteration
Wa-inna rabbaka la-ya'lamu ma tukinnu suduruhum wa-ma yu'linun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that Allah's knowledge is absolute and encompasses both the hidden secrets concealed within hearts and the openly declared statements of people. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that this verse serves as a reminder of Allah's all-encompassing knowledge ('ilm), which extends beyond human perception and should inspire consciousness of God in both private and public conduct. The ayah appears in the context of the Quran's discussion of the Day of Judgment and Divine accountability, reinforcing that nothing escapes Allah's awareness.
Revelation Context
Surah An-Naml is a Meccan surah that addresses polytheists and emphasizes monotheism and the signs of Allah's power. This particular ayah fits within the broader Meccan theme of reminding people that Allah is fully aware of their deeds and intentions, serving as motivation for righteous behavior and warning against hypocrisy and hidden disbelief.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'Piety is here' and pointed to the chest three times, emphasizing that true righteousness is rooted in sincere hearts (Muslim). Additionally, the hadith in Sahih Bukhari about 'the seven whom Allah will shade' includes one who gives charity secretly, reflecting the theme of Allah knowing hidden intentions.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that since Allah knows all secrets and declarations, true piety cannot be merely outward performance but must stem from sincere intentions and a purified heart. This encourages authentic faith and moral behavior motivated not by social recognition but by genuine awareness of Allah's omniscience.
Related Ayahs
أَلَمْ يَرَوْا۟ أَنَّا جَعَلْنَا ٱلَّيْلَ لِيَسْكُنُوا۟ فِيهِ وَٱلنَّهَارَ مُبْصِرًا ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَـٰتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ
Do they not see that We made the night that they may rest therein and the day giving sight? Indeed in that are signs for a people who believe.
فَتِلْكَ بُيُوتُهُمْ خَاوِيَةًۢ بِمَا ظَلَمُوٓا۟ ۗ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يَعْلَمُونَ
So those are their houses, desolate because of the wrong they had done. Indeed in that is a sign for people who know.
وَيَوْمَ يُنفَخُ فِى ٱلصُّورِ فَفَزِعَ مَن فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَمَن فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ إِلَّا مَن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ ۚ وَكُلٌّ أَتَوْهُ دَٰخِرِينَ
And [warn of] the Day the Horn will be blown, and whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth will be terrified except whom Allāh wills. And all will come to Him humbled.
وَقَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ أَءِذَا كُنَّا تُرَٰبًا وَءَابَآؤُنَآ أَئِنَّا لَمُخْرَجُونَ
And those who disbelieve say, "When we have become dust as well as our forefathers, will we indeed be brought out [of the graves]?