Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
Or do they think that We hear not their secrets and their private counsel? (Yes We do) and Our messengers (appointed angels in charge of mankind) are by them, to record.
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
أَمْamOr
يَحْسَبُونَyaḥsabūna(do) they think
أَنَّاannāthat We
لَاlā(can) not
نَسْمَعُnasmaʿuhear
سِرَّهُمْsirrahumtheir secret(s)
وَنَجْوَىٰهُم ۚwanajwāhumand their private counsel(s)
بَلَىٰbalāNay
وَرُسُلُنَاwarusulunāand Our Messengers
لَدَيْهِمْladayhimwith them
يَكْتُبُونَyaktubūnaare recording
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 80) ➊ { اَمْيَحْسَبُوْنَاَنَّالَانَسْمَعُسِرَّهُمْوَنَجْوٰىهُمْ:} Here, {’’ سِرَّهُمْ ‘‘} refers to those things which they secretly whisper to each other in a low voice, because if {’’سِرٌّ‘‘} referred to what is in the heart, then that is not heard, rather it is known, and {’’ نَجْوٰىهُمْ ‘‘} refers to the matters of their consultation gatherings. ➋ {بَلٰىوَرُسُلُنَالَدَيْهِمْيَكْتُبُوْنَ:} That is, not only do We hear, but Our angels also write them down as proof. (See Qaf: 17, 18) That is, We are listening to their secret schemes, so how can they expect success from them?
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.
80. 1. That is, the hidden things which they conceal within themselves or speak softly in seclusion or whisper among themselves, do they think that We do not hear them?
80. 2. That is, surely We do hear them. Moreover, Our sent angels separately record all their words.
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.
Or do they think that We do not hear their secrets and their private counsels? Yes indeed, and Our angels [75] are with them, recording everything.
[75] The real reason for the failure of their secret schemes was that what they considered to be secret was not hidden at all. We are always seeing and hearing all their secret consultations, mutual conversations, and conspiracies. Then Our angels also record all of this, which We will present before them on the Day of Resurrection.