(148–149) “Allah does not like evil words to be voiced publicly, except by one who has been wronged. Allah is ever All-Hearing, All-Knowing * Whether you disclose a good deed or conceal it, or pardon an evil, Allah is ever Pardoning, All-Powerful.”
Allah Most High informs us that He does not like evil words to be voiced publicly—that is, He hates and detests this and punishes it. This includes all offensive and hurtful speech, such as insults, slanderous accusations, abuse, and the like. All such speech is prohibited and hated by Allah. The verse also implies that He loves good speech, such as His remembrance and words that are wholesome and gentle.
His words, “except by one who has been wronged,” mean that the wronged person may supplicate against the one who wronged him, complain (1) about him, and respond openly with evil words to the person who spoke openly against him—provided that he does not lie about him, go beyond the wrong inflicted upon him, or direct his abuse at anyone other than his wrongdoer. Even so, it is better for him to pardon and refrain from responding in kind, as Allah Most High says: “Whoever pardons and seeks reconciliation, his reward is with Allah.”
“Allah is ever All-Hearing, All-Knowing.” Since the verse encompasses evil, good, and permissible speech, Allah Most High informs us that He is “All-Hearing”: He hears your words, so beware of saying anything that angers your Lord, lest He punish you for it. This also encourages good speech. He is “All-Knowing” of your intentions and of the source from which your words proceed.
Allah Most High then says: “Whether you disclose a good deed or conceal it.” This includes every form of good, whether spoken or performed, outward or inward, obligatory or recommended.
“Or pardon an evil”—that is, pardon those who have harmed you physically or caused harm to your wealth or honor. Forgive them, for recompense corresponds to the nature of the deed. Whoever pardons for Allah’s sake, Allah will pardon him; and whoever does good, Allah will do good to him. He therefore says: “Allah is ever Pardoning, All-Powerful.” That is, He pardons His servants’ lapses and grave sins, drawing His veil over them and then treating them with the perfect pardon that proceeds from His power.
This verse instructs us to acquire a deep understanding of the meanings of Allah’s names and attributes. Creation and command proceed from them and are entailed by them. For this reason, rulings are explained by reference to the Most Beautiful Names, as they are in this verse.
After mentioning the performance of good deeds and pardoning the offender, He directs us to knowledge of His names; that knowledge suffices in place of mentioning the specific reward for those deeds.