Surah Al-Qasas — Verse 69

Word Meanings:

• تُكِنُّ (tukinnu): to conceal, hide, or keep secret within oneself.
• صُدُورُهُمْ (sudūruhum): their chests or hearts — the seat of inner thoughts and intentions.
• يُعْلِنُونَ (yuʿlinūn): to make public, reveal, or declare openly.

Tafsir (Explanation):

Your Lord, O Prophet, knows perfectly everything that the hearts of these people conceal — every hidden intention, every buried secret, every silent thought — and He equally knows everything they reveal and express openly in words and actions. Nothing whatsoever escapes His knowledge, whether it is hidden deep within the recesses of the soul or displayed before the eyes of the world. This verse comes as a profound reassurance and a stern warning: the Almighty is fully aware of the inner realities of every person, and He will hold them accountable for both their concealed intentions and their overt deeds. No secret remains hidden from Him, and no outward display can mask the truth of what lies within. He will reward or punish accordingly, with perfect justice and complete wisdom.

A Call to Reflection:

This divine statement invites every soul to pause and reflect: if the Creator knows what is hidden in the depths of your heart, then how careful should you be about what you nurture within? The One who sees the unseen and hears the unspoken is ever watchful over you. Let this knowledge fill you with hope — for your sincere intentions, even those unknown to anyone else, are cherished by Him. And let it also awaken your conscience — for no sin committed in secret can ever truly be hidden from His sight. Turn to Him with a pure heart, for He knows your struggles, your silent prayers, and your honest efforts, and He will never let them go unrewarded. This is the beauty of Islam: a living relationship with a Lord who knows you completely, loves you, and guides you toward what is best — if only you open your heart to Him.