وَإِن تَجْهَرْ بِٱلْقَوْلِ فَإِنَّهُۥ يَعْلَمُ ٱلسِّرَّ وَأَخْفَى 7
Translations
And if you speak aloud - then indeed, He knows the secret and what is [even] more hidden.
Transliteration
Wa-in tajhar bil-qawl fa-innahu ya'lamu as-sirra wa-akhfa
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms Allah's complete knowledge of all speech—both audible and secret—emphasizing that nothing is hidden from Him, whether spoken aloud or concealed in the heart. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret this as a reminder of Allah's omniscience and a warning against deception, as even the most hidden thoughts and intentions are known to the Divine. The phrase 'and what is more hidden still' (wa-akhfa) refers to thoughts and intentions that precede speech, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of Allah's knowledge.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the opening section of Surah Taha, which addresses the Prophet Muhammad during the Meccan period. The surah emphasizes Allah's attributes of knowledge and wisdom in the context of responding to disbelievers' doubts. This particular ayah serves to comfort the Prophet and remind believers that Allah is aware of all circumstances, even when external conditions seem uncertain.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Bukhari (3:50:891) narrates Abdullah ibn Mas'ud saying that the Prophet taught 'Indeed, every part of the human body is connected to the heart, and if the heart is good, the entire body will be good,' reflecting the ayah's theme of hidden intentions. Additionally, the hadith 'Allah does not look at your appearance or wealth, but He looks at your hearts and deeds' (Sahih Muslim) relates to this ayah's emphasis on Allah's knowledge of the innermost state.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers to cultivate sincere intentions and consciousness of Allah in all matters, knowing that external appearances mean nothing when one's heart and hidden thoughts are exposed to Divine knowledge. It serves as a powerful reminder that authentic piety lies not in outward displays but in genuine faith and righteous intentions aligned with Allah's will.