وَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ ٱلْمُنَـٰفِقِينَ 11
Translations
And Allāh will surely make evident those who believe, and He will surely make evident the hypocrites.
Transliteration
Wa-layaʿlamanna Allahu alladhina amanu wa-layaʿlamanna al-munafiqin
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah emphasizes that Allah will certainly make manifest and distinguish between those who have true faith and those who are hypocrites through trials and tests. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the repetition of the oath (layaʿlamanna) with the emphatic particle -anna underscores the certainty of Allah's knowledge and His will to reveal the true state of hearts. The verse teaches that while hypocrisy may be hidden from people, Allah's knowledge encompasses all secrets, and He will expose the sincere believers and the hypocrites through their deeds and circumstances.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-'Ankabut was revealed during the Meccan period when Muslims faced intense persecution. This ayah appears in the context of trials and tribulations that test faith (fitna). The verse assures believers that their patience and steadfastness will be recognized by Allah, while the hypocrisy of those who claim faith outwardly but lack it inwardly will be exposed through these very trials.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best of people are those with the best character' (Tirmidhi). Also relevant is the hadith: 'Actions are judged by intentions, and each person will be rewarded according to their intention' (Sahih Bukhari), which relates to Allah's knowledge of the true state of hearts versus outward claims.
Themes
Key Lesson
In times of difficulty and trial, believers should trust that Allah sees their sincere faith and intention, even when others may not recognize it. Conversely, this ayah warns against hypocrisy and insincerity, reminding us that outward conformity without genuine belief will ultimately be exposed by Allah through the tests He sends.