وَٱللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا يُوعُونَ 23
Translations
And Allāh is most knowing of what they keep within themselves.
Transliteration
Wa-Allahu a'lamu bima yū'ūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that Allah possesses complete knowledge of all that people conceal, promise, and intend in their hearts. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi note that this verse emphasizes Allah's all-encompassing knowledge as a response to those who hide their disbelief or make false promises, assuring believers that nothing is hidden from Him. The verse serves as both a warning to the deceitful and a comfort to the truthful, reinforcing the theme of divine omniscience that runs throughout Surah Al-Inshiqaq.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the final verses of Surah Al-Inshiqaq, which is a Meccan chapter addressing the realities of the Day of Judgment and divine knowledge. The broader context of the surah deals with the cosmic upheaval on the Day of Resurrection and emphasizes that every soul will know what it has sent forward and kept back, with this final ayah concluding that Allah's knowledge encompasses all hidden secrets and intentions.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'Verily, Allah knows what is in the heavens and what is on the earth, and Allah is All-Knowing of all things' (Quran 64:11). Additionally, the hadith in Sahih Bukhari states that the Prophet said: 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family,' emphasizing that true character is known to Allah regardless of outward appearance.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should cultivate sincerity in their intentions and actions, knowing that Allah's knowledge is absolute and penetrates all hidden thoughts and promises. This awareness should inspire genuine piety rather than mere outward conformity, as ultimately only Allah's judgment matters.
Related Ayahs
قَالَ رَبِّى يَعْلَمُ ٱلْقَوْلَ فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ ۖ وَهُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْعَلِيمُ
He [the Prophet (ﷺ)] said, "My Lord knows whatever is said throughout the heaven and earth, and He is the Hearing, the Knowing."
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."
ذَٰلِكَ عَـٰلِمُ ٱلْغَيْبِ وَٱلشَّهَـٰدَةِ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ
That is the Knower of the unseen and the witnessed, the Exalted in Might, the Merciful,
۞ يَوْمَ يَجْمَعُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلرُّسُلَ فَيَقُولُ مَاذَآ أُجِبْتُمْ ۖ قَالُوا۟ لَا عِلْمَ لَنَآ ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ عَلَّـٰمُ ٱلْغُيُوبِ
[Be warned of] the Day when Allāh will assemble the messengers and say, "What was the response you received?" They will say, "We have no knowledge. Indeed, it is You who is Knower of the unseen" -