AL- `ALEEM - The All-Knowing

Both East and West belong to Allah, so wherever you turn, the Face of Allah is there. Allah is All-Encompassing, All-Knowing. (Surat al-Baqara, 2:115) After people begin to think, they start to learn and, over time, accumulate more and more knowledge. Some specialize in certain fields, such as physics, philosophy, or history. All of this knowledge relates to the verb "to know," as we understand it. However, this verb also has a dimension that is far beyond humanity's grasp: how Allah knows things. Allah, being the Creator, holds the knowledge of the heavens, Earth, and every being in between, as well as of all the laws regulating the universe and anything that happens, regardless of time or place. Moreover, His knowledge is boundless, for He knows the names of all new-born babies at any moment, every leaf falling from every tree, what will happen to each star in each galaxy, whatever happens in space at any moment, what is hidden in every living thing's DNA, and an infinite number of other things. We must always keep the following fact in mind: In addition to what has been mentioned above, Allah knows all of our thoughts and our most secret acts. We assume that we alone are aware of our feelings, thoughts, or distress. But this is a delusion, for Allah, Who holds complete control over every point of the universe, knows what is in each person's mind and everything else. Indeed, the Qur'an informs us about Allah's infinite knowledge: You will not attain true goodness until you give of what you love. Whatever you give away, Allah knows it. (Surah `Al Imran, 3:92) Do you not see that everyone in the heavens and Earth glorifies Allah, as do the birds with their outspread wings? Each one knows its prayer and glorification. Allah knows what they do. (Surat an-Nur, 24:41) And the sun runs to its resting place. That is the decree of the Almighty, the All-Knowing. (Surah Ya Sin, 36:38) See how they wrap themselves round, trying to conceal their feelings from Him! No, indeed! When they wrap their garments round themselves, He knows what they keep secret and what they make public. He knows what their hearts contain. (Surah Hud, 11:5) But they will never ever long for it, because of what they have done. Allah knows the wrongdoers. (Surat al-Baqara, 2:95) You did not kill them; it was Allah Who killed them. You did not throw when you threw; it was Allah Who threw: so He might test the believers with this excellent trial from Him. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (Surat al-Anfal, 8:17)