لَا جَرَمَ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَعْلَمُ مَا يُسِرُّونَ وَمَا يُعْلِنُونَ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُسْتَكْبِرِينَ 23
Translations
Assuredly, Allāh knows what they conceal and what they declare. Indeed, He does not like the arrogant.
Transliteration
La jarama anna Allaha ya'lamu ma yusirruna wa ma yu'linun. Innahu la yuhibbu al-mustakbirin.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah asserts that Allah Most High is fully aware of all that people conceal in their hearts and all that they reveal openly, whether good or evil. The classical scholars, particularly Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, explain that this knowledge is comprehensive and absolute, and the ayah concludes with a warning that Allah does not love the arrogant and proud (al-mustakbirin)—those who reject truth and disdain submission to Allah's will. The verse serves as both a reassurance to the believers and a stern warning to those who harbor arrogance and disbelief.
Revelation Context
Surah An-Nahl is a Meccan surah revealed during the early to middle Meccan period. This ayah appears in a passage addressing the polytheists and those who denied the message of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), reminding them that their secret deliberations and public declarations are all known to Allah. The broader context emphasizes Allah's knowledge, power, and the consequences of arrogance and disbelief.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The most hated of people to Allah is the proud arrogant one' (Sunan Ibn Majah). Additionally, 'Whoever has in his heart the weight of a mustard seed of arrogance will not enter Paradise' (Sahih Muslim 91), which directly relates to the rejection of arrogance mentioned in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that nothing is hidden from Allah's sight, whether our inner thoughts or outer actions, encouraging sincerity and humility in all matters. It simultaneously serves as a powerful deterrent against arrogance, reminding us that pride and haughtiness are among the most despicable traits in the eyes of the Almighty, and that true success comes through submission and humility before Him.