يَعْلَمُ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا تُسِرُّونَ وَمَا تُعْلِنُونَ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌۢ بِذَاتِ ٱلصُّدُورِ 4
Translations
He knows what is within the heavens and earth and knows what you conceal and what you declare. And Allāh is Knowing of that within the breasts.
Transliteration
Ya'lamu ma fi as-samawati wa-al-ardi wa ya'lamu ma tusirrun wa ma tu'linun. Wa-Allahu 'alimun bi-dhat as-sudur.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms Allah's absolute and all-encompassing knowledge of everything in the heavens and earth, including both hidden secrets and openly declared matters, as well as the innermost thoughts and intentions of hearts. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this verse establishes Allah's attribute of 'Ilm (knowledge) as infinite and penetrating, leaving nothing beyond His awareness—whether manifest or concealed. The phrase 'aloim bi-dhat as-sudur' (knower of what lies in the breasts) specifically highlights His knowledge of intentions and hidden motivations, which underscores divine justice and accountability on the Day of Judgment.
Revelation Context
Surah At-Taghabun is a Medinan surah revealed during a period of societal discord and trials for the Muslim community. This ayah appears within the broader context of the surah's theme of testing and mutual loss (taghabun), reminding believers that despite worldly deceptions and hypocrisies, Allah's knowledge is absolute and inescapable.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Allah does not look at your bodies or wealth, but He looks at your hearts and your deeds' (Sahih Muslim 2564). Additionally, the Quran states in 22:75: 'Allah chooses messengers from the angels and from men. Indeed, Allah is Hearing and Seeing,' reinforcing the comprehensive nature of divine knowledge.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah should inspire believers to cultivate sincere intentions and integrity in both public and private conduct, knowing that Allah's knowledge encompasses all dimensions of our existence. It serves as a powerful reminder that true success lies not in deceiving others, but in aligning our hearts with divine will, as Allah alone judges the truth of our intentions.