ثُمَّ إِنِّىٓ أَعْلَنتُ لَهُمْ وَأَسْرَرْتُ لَهُمْ إِسْرَارًا 9
Translations
Then I announced to them and [also] confided to them secretly
Transliteration
Thumma innee a'lantu lahum wa asrartu lahum isrāran
Tafsir (Explanation)
Prophet Noah is describing his method of calling people to Allah—he conveyed the message both openly and privately. Ibn Kathir explains that Noah used public preaching (i'lān) to address the masses and secret counsel (isrār) in private conversations to appeal to hearts individually. This dual approach demonstrates the comprehensive nature of his prophetic mission, as he spared no effort in delivering the message through all available means, whether in gatherings or in private meetings.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Nuh, which recounts Noah's account of his 950-year mission to his people. The context is Noah's testimony before Allah about his sincere efforts to guide his community. This statement comes as Noah reflects on the completeness of his da'wah (call to Allah) despite the people's overwhelming rejection.
Related Hadiths
The Qur'an itself emphasizes this dual approach in Surah As-Saffat (37:154) and Surah Al-Furqan (25:51). Thematically, Hadith Qudsi in Sahih Bukhari: 'My mercy precedes My wrath' reflects the mercy behind both public and private preaching methods.
Themes
Key Lesson
For modern believers, this ayah teaches that effective Islamic outreach requires both public and private engagement—speaking openly about faith while also having sincere, personal conversations with individuals. It reminds us that conveying truth demands comprehensive effort and multiple approaches, mirroring the prophetic model of reaching hearts and minds.