إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْعَلِيمُ 220
Translations
Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Knowing.
Transliteration
Innahu huwa as-samee'u al-'aleem
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that Allah alone is As-Samee' (The All-Hearing) and Al-'Aleem (The All-Knowing), emphasizing His perfect awareness of all things—both what is heard and what is known. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain this as a reassurance to the Prophet (peace be upon him) that Allah hears the mockery and disbelief of the Quraysh and knows their hidden intentions, thereby providing comfort in the face of persecution. This attribute of Allah serves as both a warning to the disbelievers and encouragement to the believers that nothing escapes Allah's cognizance.
Revelation Context
This ayah concludes Surah Ash-Shu'ara, which was revealed in Mecca during a period of intense opposition to the Prophet Muhammad and his message. The surah addresses the mockery of the Quraysh who called the Prophet a poet rather than a messenger, and this final ayah serves as a divine reassurance that Allah is fully aware of all the rejection and ridicule being directed at His Prophet and His revelation.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Indeed, Allah is with the patient.' (Sunan At-Tirmidhi). Additionally, the concept is reinforced in Hadith Qudsi: 'I am with My servant as long as he remembers Me and his lips are moving in remembrance of Me.' (Sunan Ibn Majah)
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that no action, word, or intention remains hidden from Allah's knowledge and hearing, which should inspire mindfulness in our conduct and reliance on Allah during times of difficulty. It provides solace that injustice and mockery are witnessed by the All-Knowing, and that Allah's awareness and wisdom ensure ultimate justice.