Tafsir of Luqman 31:16

Tafsir of Surah Luqman (Verse 16)

When Allah said, {Then We will inform you of what you used to do} (Luqman 31:15), it occurred to his son that what he does in secret might be hidden.

So, Luqman said: {O my son, indeed, if it should be a good deed or a bad deed, even if it is like the weight of a mustard seed, even if it is hidden} (Luqman 31:16).

This means: even if the deed is as small as a mustard seed, and despite its smallness, it is in a secure place, like a rock, it will not be hidden from Allah.

There are several issues regarding this verse:

The use of the conjunction fa (فـ) indicates conjunction and immediate consequence. It means: even if the deed is small, and despite its smallness, it is hidden in a secure place like a rock, it will not be hidden from Allah, because the fa implies immediate connection and consequence (i.e., the smallness and the secure location do not prevent Allah's knowledge).

If someone argues: A rock must be either in the heavens or on the earth. What is the benefit of mentioning it specifically? Furthermore, if someone says, "This deed is with a man, or a woman, or the son of so-and-so," this statement is flawed because the "son of so-and-so" is included in the other two categories. How can this be understood?

The answer is approached in several ways:

1. Interpretation by some commentators: The "rock" refers to a rock upon which a bull stands, which is neither on Earth nor in the heavens (a metaphorical or specific interpretation).
2. Al-Zamakhshari's view: There is an implied phrase: "even if it is in a rock, or in another place in the heavens or on the earth."
3. Grammatical Justification: In such divisions, presenting the specific case followed by the general case is permissible, but presenting the general case followed by the specific case is not permissible.
   • The latter (general then specific) is flawed, as if one said: "This is in Zayd's house, or elsewhere, or in 'Amr's house." This is incorrect because 'Amr's house is included in "elsewhere."
   • The former (specific then general) is sound, as if one said: "This is in Zayd's house, or in 'Amr's house, or elsewhere." This is correct. Similarly here, the specific case (rock) is mentioned before the general context (heavens/earth).

Alternatively, the concealment of a thing occurs through several means: extreme smallness, great distance, darkness, or being behind a barrier. If all these means of concealment are absent (i.e., the deed is large, near, in light, and without a barrier), it is not hidden from knowledge.

Allah affirms His sight and knowledge even when the conditions for concealment are negated.

• {Indeed, if it should be the weight of a mustard seed} (إن تك مثقال حبة): This points to extreme smallness.
• {then let it be in a rock} (فتكن فى صخرة): This points to a barrier (حجاب).
• {or in the heavens} (أو فى السماوات): This points to distance, as the heavens are the farthest dimension.
• {or on the earth} (أو فى الارض): This points to darkness, as the interior of the earth is the darkest place.

{Allah will bring it forth} (يأت بها الله): This is more emphatic than saying "Allah knows it." This is because one who reveals something to himself but cannot reveal it to others has a lesser degree of knowledge than one who reveals it to himself and reveals it to others. Thus, {Allah will bring it forth} means Allah will manifest it for testimony.

{Indeed, Allah is Subtle} (إن الله لطيف): Meaning, His power penetrates everything. {All-Aware} (خبير): Meaning, He knows the innermost realities of matters.

{O my son, establish prayer, enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong, and be patient over what befalls you. Indeed, that is from the determination of [all] matters.}