Yunus (Jonas)

61. “And you are not (engaged) in any affair, nor do you recite any part from the Qur’an, and nor any deed you (mankind) may be doing, but We are Witnesses over you when you enter into it. Nor is there hidden from your Lord (so much as) the weight of an atom on the earth or in the heaven, not anything lesser than that or greater but are (recorded) in a Clear Book.”

The “Clear Book” is the ‘Preserved Tablet’ or Allah’s Comprehensive Knowledge which covers the entire cosmos including not only the actions of human beings but also the smallest details of everything in the heavens and the earth.

With the utmost subtlety and eloquence, this verse announces that Allah is not only fully aware of the minutest facts in the heavens and the earth but He is also fully aware of the minutest details of the actions of his subjects.

Whatever the mood or state of meditation or an important affair you might be in, whatever part of the Qur’an you might be engaged in reciting, and whatever action you begin, you can do nothing which cannot be seen or noticed by Allah when you start it.

The verse says:

“And you are not (engaged) in any affair, nor do you recite any part from the Qur’an, and nor any deed you (mankind) may be doing, but We are Witnesses over you when you enter into it...”

Then more emphatically, it continues by saying that not slightest thing in the heavens and on earth, even that of an insignificant particle or greater than it can be hidden from Allah. All of these are recorded and registered in the Preserved Tablet and in the Open Book of Allah.

It continues saying:

“…Nor is there hidden from your Lord (so much as) the weight of an atom on the earth or in the heaven, not anything lesser than that or greater but are (recorded) in a Clear Book.”

All Muslims are taught a great lesson by this verse, which can place them on the right track, leading them toward the Truth and preventing them from going astray.

It calls our attention to the fact that not only does the Almighty comprehend our every thought, word and deed, but His angels are also carefully watching every step we take, every word we utter, every thought we entertain in our heads, wherever we cast our eyes, and in whatever state we are in.

It is not without proper grounds that Imam Sadiq (a.s) said:

“The Prophet of Islam (S) whenever reading this verse, used to weep greatly”.

If the Prophet of Islam (S), with all his sincerity and gratitude, with all the services he had rendered human beings, and with all his unparalleled worship of the Creator could be so concerned about his imperfections before Allah, how then, can we determine our state?