layers of darkness:

1. The first darkness is that of the mud in which it is submerged;
2. the second is the darkness of the sea-water;
3. the third is the darkness of the night;
4. the fourth is the darkness of the piling clouds;
5. the fifth is the darkness of the falling rain.

Five darknesses lie above that tiny grain—yet Allah knows it perfectly.

Concerning His words, “nor a grain in the darknesses of the earth, nor anything fresh or dry, but it is (all) in a clear record” (al-Anʿām 6:59), everything is inscribed, set forth plainly, manifest, evident, and known to the Lord of all worlds.

If this is the vast scope of His knowledge, the believer must keep vigilant watch over Allah, fearing Him in private just as he fears Him in public. Fear of Allah in secret is a stronger proof of sincerity, for no one else is present; whereas in public one’s heart may slip into showing off or seeking people’s praise.

So take care—O Muslim brother—to remain mindful of Allah, to obey Him by carrying out His commands and avoiding His prohibitions. We ask Allah for help in this, for without His aid we would be forsaken, as He says: “You alone we worship and You alone we ask for help” (al-Fātiḥah 1:5). When a servant is granted success to unite guidance with seeking assistance within the bounds of the Sharia, such a person is truly among those whom Allah has favored.