يَسْتَخْفُونَ مِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ وَلَا يَسْتَخْفُونَ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ وَهُوَ مَعَهُمْ إِذْ يُبَيِّتُونَ مَا لَا يَرْضَىٰ مِنَ ٱلْقَوْلِ ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ بِمَا يَعْمَلُونَ مُحِيطًا 108
Translations
They conceal [their evil intentions and deeds] from the people, but they cannot conceal [them] from Allāh, and He is with them [in His knowledge] when they spend the night in such as He does not accept of speech. And ever is Allāh, of what they do, encompassing.
Transliteration
Yastakhfūna min an-nāsi wa lā yastakhfūna min Allāh wa huwa ma'ahum idh yubayytūn mā lā yardā min al-qawl. Wa kāna Allāhu bimā ya'malūn muhītā.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah rebukes those who hide their evil speech and deeds from people but fail to realize that Allah is fully aware of their actions. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir emphasize that this addresses hypocrites who fear human judgment while being heedless of Allah's omniscience. The verse concludes with reassurance that Allah's knowledge encompasses all their deeds, and justice will ultimately be served.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah An-Nisa's broader discourse on the hypocrites (munāfiqūn) of Medina during the Prophet's time. It addresses those who concealed their disbelief and plotted against the Muslim community while maintaining outward appearances of faith, particularly referencing discussions held in secrecy that contradicted Islamic teachings.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Allah does not look at your appearance or wealth, but rather He looks at your hearts and deeds' (Sahih Muslim 2564). Additionally, 'There is no secret that Allah does not know' reflects the theme of divine omniscience central to this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
Muslims must cultivate consciousness of Allah's presence (taqwa) in both public and private moments, recognizing that no deed escapes divine knowledge. This ayah calls believers to align their inner intentions with outward actions, choosing to please Allah rather than seeking approval from people.