إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَـٰلِمُ غَيْبِ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ عَلِيمٌۢ بِذَاتِ ٱلصُّدُورِ 38
Translations
Indeed, Allāh is Knower of the unseen [aspects] of the heavens and earth. Indeed, He is Knowing of that within the breasts.
Transliteration
Inna Allaha AAalim ghayb al-samawati wa-al-ardi innahoo AAalimun bi-dhat al-sudoor
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that Allah possesses complete knowledge of all unseen matters in the heavens and earth, and most importantly, He knows the secrets and inner thoughts hidden within human hearts. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this ayah serves as a powerful reminder that no thought, intention, or hidden deed escapes Allah's awareness, establishing His attribute of all-encompassing knowledge ('ilm) as both a source of comfort for the righteous and a warning for those who conceal evil intentions.
Revelation Context
Surah Fatir, revealed in Mecca during the early period of Islam, addresses the disbelievers' denial of Allah's knowledge and power. This particular ayah appears near the end of the surah as part of a concluding affirmation of Allah's divine attributes, serving to counter the pagan Arabs' materialistic worldview by emphasizing that Allah's knowledge extends beyond the physical realm to the unseen and the innermost secrets of hearts.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of you are those with the best character (akhlaq),' and in another hadith he emphasized that 'Allah does not look at your bodies or wealth, but He looks at your hearts and your deeds' (Sahih Muslim 2564). These hadiths reinforce the principle established in this ayah regarding Allah's knowledge of what lies within the hearts.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah should inspire believers to purify their intentions and inner states, knowing that Allah is fully aware of our thoughts and motivations even when hidden from others. It serves as both an encouragement for those striving sincerely and a stern reminder that accountability before Allah is based on the true condition of our hearts, not merely our outward actions.