Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
And if you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) speak (the invocation) aloud, then verily, He knows the secret and that which is yet more hidden.
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
وَإِنwa-inAnd if
تَجْهَرْtajharyou speak aloud
بِٱلْقَوْلِbil-qawlithe word
فَإِنَّهُۥfa-innahuthen indeed, He
يَعْلَمُyaʿlamuknows
ٱلسِّرَّl-sirathe secret
وَأَخْفَىwa-akhfāand the more hidden
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim — Hafiz Abdus Salam Bin Muhammad Bhutvi
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
(Ayah 7){ وَاِنْتَجْهَرْبِالْقَوْلِ … :} That is, if you speak loudly, then He hears it all the more, because He knows the secret (hidden speech) and what is even more hidden. By "secret" is meant the word that is said quietly in solitude, and "what is even more hidden" is that which is still in the heart and has not yet come to the tongue.
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan — Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
7. 1. That is, there is no need to mention Allah or supplicate to Him in a loud voice. Because He knows even the most hidden of hidden things, or the meaning of اَخْفَیٰ is that Allah even knows those matters which He has written in destiny and has kept hidden from people until now. That is, He has knowledge of the events that will occur until the Day of Judgment.
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran — Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
7. And if you speak aloud, then surely He knows the secret and what is even more hidden [6].
[6] The Linguistic Difference Between "Khafi" and "Sir":
The word "akhfa" is more emphatic than "sirr." "Sirr" means something hidden or a secret matter, which you tell someone else and emphasize that they should not tell anyone else. "Akhfa" refers to a thought that comes to someone's heart but is not mentioned to anyone at all. In the previous verse, Allah's vastness of power, control, and authority was described. In this verse, the unlimited vastness of His knowledge is mentioned. That is, the Quraysh are being told that Allah is fully aware of all your schemes, mischiefs, and deeds.