سَوَآءٌ مِّنكُم مَّنْ أَسَرَّ ٱلْقَوْلَ وَمَن جَهَرَ بِهِۦ وَمَنْ هُوَ مُسْتَخْفٍۭ بِٱلَّيْلِ وَسَارِبٌۢ بِٱلنَّهَارِ 10
Translations
It is the same [to Him] concerning you whether one conceals [his] speech or publicizes it and whether one is hidden by night or conspicuous [among others] by day.
Transliteration
Sawaa-un minkum man asarra al-qawla wa-man jahara bihi wa-man huwa mustakhfin bi-al-layli wa-saaribun bi-al-nahari
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that Allah's knowledge is absolute and encompasses all states of human existence—whether one conceals speech or proclaims it openly, whether one hides in darkness or walks openly in daylight. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this verse emphasizes that nothing is hidden from Allah's all-encompassing knowledge ('ilm), establishing a fundamental principle of divine omniscience that precedes the accountability on the Day of Judgment mentioned in the following verses.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within Surah Ar-Ra'd, a Medinan chapter that addresses the signs of Allah's power and knowledge. It comes as part of a broader passage (13:9-14) discussing Allah's absolute knowledge and His response to prayers, serving to reassure believers of Allah's awareness regardless of their circumstances or attempts at concealment.
Related Hadiths
Hadith Qudsi: 'The Messenger of Allah said that Allah said: "I am as my servant thinks I am, and I am with him when he remembers Me."' (Sahih Bukhari 7405) — relating to Allah's complete knowledge of the heart's intentions. Also relevant: The hadith about the three who entered a cave, showing Allah's knowledge of hidden deeds (Sahih Bukhari 3464).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah should inspire believers to maintain consciousness of Allah (taqwa) in all circumstances, knowing that no action, thought, or word escapes Allah's awareness, thereby cultivating sincere devotion and ethical conduct whether in public or private.