Hadith #965

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

كُلُّ سِرّ عندَ اللّهِ عَلانِيَةٌ۔

which translates to

Every secret is manifest for Allah.

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the all-encompassing knowledge and awareness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) regarding every hidden matter.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words. The word (sirr) "سِرّ" refers to a secret or hidden matter, something concealed from the knowledge of others. It implies a confidential matter that is known only to a select few. The word (alanīyah) "عَلانِيَةٌ" means manifest or apparent. It signifies that despite being hidden from the eyes of creation, every secret is fully exposed and known to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the profoundness of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-An'am (6:59),

And with Him are the keys of the unseen; none knows them except Him. And He knows what is on the land and in the sea. Not a leaf falls but that He knows it. And no grain is there within the darknesses of the earth and no moist or dry [thing] but that it is [written] in a clear record.

This verse emphasizes the comprehensive knowledge of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) regarding the unseen. He possesses the keys to the unseen, and no one can access this knowledge except Him. Allah's knowledge encompasses everything that happens on land and in the sea, including the tiniest details such as a falling leaf. Nothing escapes His awareness, as everything is meticulously recorded in a clear record.

Another verse that supports the meaning of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Mulk (67:14), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Should He not know what He created? And He is the Subtle, the Acquainted.

This verse reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is fully aware of His creation. He possesses intricate knowledge of everything He has brought into existence. His knowledge is profound, subtle, and all-encompassing. Nothing is hidden from Him, and He is intimately acquainted with every detail of His creation.

Now, reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that every secret, no matter how concealed it may be from others, is completely exposed and known to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This knowledge of Allah extends to the innermost thoughts, intentions, and hidden actions of every individual. Even the secrets we hold within ourselves are laid bare before Him.

This profound understanding has several implications for us as Muslims. Firstly, it reminds us of the importance of sincerity in our actions. We may deceive others with our outward behavior, but we can never deceive Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). He knows our true intentions and the reality of our deeds. Therefore, we should strive to purify our hearts and ensure that our actions are solely for His sake.

Secondly, this Hadith serves as a source of comfort and solace for believers. We may face trials and tribulations in life, and there may be times when we feel alone with our struggles. However, we should remember that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is fully aware of our situation, even if we do not openly express it. He knows our pain, our worries, and our secret prayers. This realization should strengthen our faith and encourage us to turn to Him in times of need.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that every secret is manifest before Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This understanding is supported by the Quranic verses that emphasize the all-encompassing knowledge of Allah regarding the unseen and His profound awareness of His creation. As Muslims, we should strive to be sincere in our actions and take solace in the fact that Allah is fully aware of our struggles and is always there for us. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to the path of righteousness and grant us His mercy and forgiveness.