كَلَّآ إِنَّ كِتَـٰبَ ٱلْأَبْرَارِ لَفِى عِلِّيِّينَ 18
Translations
No! Indeed, the record of the righteous is in ʿilliyyūn.
Transliteration
Kalla inna kitaab al-abraar lafee 'illiyyeen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that the records (deeds) of the righteous (al-abraar) are indeed preserved in 'Illiyyun, the highest place in the heavens. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi explain that 'Illiyyun represents the exalted station where the deeds of the pious are recorded and honored, contrasting with the fate of the wicked whose records are in Sijjil (the lowest depths). This verse serves as consolation to believers that their righteous actions are not forgotten but preserved in the highest celestial register.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the latter part of Surah Al-Mutaffifin, which was revealed in Mecca and condemns those who cheat in measures and weights. The surah contrasts the ultimate fate of the righteous versus the wicked on the Day of Judgment. Verse 18 specifically addresses the destiny of the pious, serving as a reassurance within the broader context of moral accountability and divine justice.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said regarding the recording angels: 'There are angels who take turns with you, by day and by night, and they all assemble at the time of Fajr and Asr prayers. Those who have spent the night with you ascend to heaven, and their Lord asks them—though He knows better—'How did you leave My servants?' They reply, 'We left them while they were praying, and we came to them while they were praying.' (Sahih Bukhari 3222). Additionally, the hadith of Abu Huraira regarding the two angels recording deeds (Sahih Muslim 2647) relates to how righteous deeds are preserved.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should find reassurance that their righteous deeds, no matter how small they may seem, are meticulously recorded by Allah in the highest station of honor (Illiyyun), and nothing done sincerely for His sake is ever wasted or forgotten. This recognition should motivate consistent righteous behavior and strengthen one's conviction that ultimate justice and recognition come from Allah alone.