Surah Al-Mulk 67:13
سُورَةُ المُلۡكِ · Meccan · Verse 13 of 30
وَأَسِرُّوا۟ قَوْلَكُمْ أَوِ ٱجْهَرُوا۟ بِهِۦٓ ۖ إِنَّهُۥ عَلِيمٌۢ بِذَاتِ ٱلصُّدُورِ
Translation
Whether you keep your words secret or state them openly, He knows the contents of every heart.
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
'Whether you keep your words secret or speak them aloud, He knows what is in the hearts.' Ibn Ashur records the setting: some were plotting against the Prophet in whispers, imagining distance made them safe. The verse levels secret and open, both are equally exposed. al-Biqa'i notes that since fear-of-Allah (the previous verse) is a hidden state anyone can claim, this verse follows to say: the One you claim to fear already sees the truth of your inside. Ask yourself: I curate what I say out loud and assume my inner commentary, the resentment, the contempt, the real motive, stays private. This verse closes that gap. If my chest is fully known, is the 'me' inside it someone I would be at peace showing Him?
Grounded in classical tafsir: Ibn Ashur, al-Biqa'i, al-Saadi.
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-Mulk 67:13 is discussed in 6 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Al-Mulk 67:13 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.