وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ وَنَعْلَمُ مَا تُوَسْوِسُ بِهِۦ نَفْسُهُۥ ۖ وَنَحْنُ أَقْرَبُ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ حَبْلِ ٱلْوَرِيدِ 16
Translations
And We have already created man and know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein.
Transliteration
Wa-laqad khalaqna al-insana wa-na'lamu ma tuwaswiqu bihi nafsuh wa-nahnu aqrabu ilayhi min habli al-warīd
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that Allah created humanity and possesses complete knowledge of every whisper and temptation that arises within the human soul, whether of good or evil. The phrase 'closer to him than his jugular vein' (habla al-warīd) emphasizes Allah's intimate proximity and all-encompassing knowledge—He is nearer to us than our own life force itself. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret this as demonstrating Allah's absolute knowledge of hidden thoughts and intentions, serving as both a warning against concealing sins and a comfort that Allah knows our struggles.
Revelation Context
Surah Qaf is a Meccan surah revealed during the early period of Islam to strengthen the faith of believers facing persecution. This particular ayah appears in the context of reminding the Quraysh of Allah's creative power and omniscience, countering their denial of the resurrection and divine judgment. The surah's broader theme addresses those who mock the Message and deny accountability.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Modesty and faith are two matters joined together; if one is lost, the other is lost' (Sunan Ibn Majah). This relates to consciousness of Allah's nearness. Additionally, the hadith 'Ihsan is to worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you cannot see Him, then truly He sees you' (Sahih Bukhari) directly echoes this ayah's theme of Allah's proximity and knowledge.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that no thought, intention, or whisper of the soul remains hidden from Allah, encouraging constant consciousness of Him (taqwa) and sincere intentions in all actions. For modern readers, it offers reassurance that Allah's knowledge encompasses our struggles and weaknesses, inviting reliance on Him while discouraging deception and hypocrisy.