أَلَمْ يَعْلَم بِأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَرَىٰ 14
Translations
Does he not know that Allāh sees?
Transliteration
Alam ya'lam bi-anna Allaha yara
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah poses a rhetorical question asking whether Abu Jahl (the context of revelation) does not know that Allah sees all his actions and hidden intentions. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this is a powerful reminder of Allah's omniscience and surveillance of all deeds, both seen and unseen. The ayah serves as a warning that no action escapes Allah's knowledge, implying that such disbelief and arrogance in the face of divine awareness is foolishness.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in the context of Abu Jahl's persecution and mockery of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Specifically, it addresses Abu Jahl's arrogant behavior and his attempt to prevent the Prophet from praying at the Ka'bah. The surah Al-'Alaq marks the beginning of revelation, and this later ayah serves as a rebuke to those who oppose the message despite Allah's evident signs.
Related Hadiths
The hadith of Ihsan narrated in Sahih Muslim (8) emphasizes worshipping Allah as if you see Him, for even if you don't see Him, He certainly sees you—directly illustrating the principle of this ayah. Additionally, Surah Al-Hadid (57:4) complements this with the theme of Allah's knowledge and sight over all creation.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that consciousness of Allah's ever-present knowledge should deter us from sin and encourage righteous behavior in private and public alike. It is a call to mindfulness of God (taqwa) and a reminder that our accountability to Allah transcends human observation.
Related Ayahs
أَلَآ إِنَّهُمْ يَثْنُونَ صُدُورَهُمْ لِيَسْتَخْفُوا۟ مِنْهُ ۚ أَلَا حِينَ يَسْتَغْشُونَ ثِيَابَهُمْ يَعْلَمُ مَا يُسِرُّونَ وَمَا يُعْلِنُونَ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ عَلِيمٌۢ بِذَاتِ ٱلصُّدُورِ
Unquestionably, they [i.e., the disbelievers] turn away their breasts to hide themselves from him. Unquestionably, [even] when they cover themselves in their clothing, He [i.e., Allāh] knows what they conceal and what they declare. Indeed, He is Knowing of that within the breasts.
بَلَىٰٓ إِنَّ رَبَّهُۥ كَانَ بِهِۦ بَصِيرًا
But yes! Indeed, his Lord was ever, of him, Seeing.
وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا فَوْقَكُمْ سَبْعَ طَرَآئِقَ وَمَا كُنَّا عَنِ ٱلْخَلْقِ غَـٰفِلِينَ
And We have created above you seven layered heavens, and never have We been of [Our] creation unaware.
وَيَقُولُونَ لَوْلَآ أُنزِلَ عَلَيْهِ ءَايَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّهِۦ ۖ فَقُلْ إِنَّمَا ٱلْغَيْبُ لِلَّهِ فَٱنتَظِرُوٓا۟ إِنِّى مَعَكُم مِّنَ ٱلْمُنتَظِرِينَ
And they say, "Why is a sign not sent down to him from his Lord?" So say, "The unseen is only for Allāh [to administer], so wait; indeed, I am with you among those who wait."