يَشْهَدُهُ ٱلْمُقَرَّبُونَ 21
Translations
Which is witnessed by those brought near [to Allāh].
Transliteration
Yashhadu-hu al-muqarrabun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the Record of Deeds (Kitab 'Illiyyin) being witnessed by the angels closest to Allah (al-muqarrabun). According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this verse indicates that the righteous deeds of the believers are recorded in an elevated, honored register that is observed by the noble angels in Allah's presence, emphasizing the dignity and recognition of the righteous in the heavens.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the latter portion of Surah Al-Mutaffifin, which is a Meccan surah condemning fraud and dishonesty in commerce and transactions. The context here describes the contrasting fate of the righteous versus the wicked—the deeds of the righteous are recorded in an honored place witnessed by the closest angels, as opposed to the deeds of the wicked recorded in Sijjil (a lowly register).
Related Hadiths
The concept is reflected in the hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned the categories of souls and their records, and in various traditions about the angels recording deeds found in Sunan Ibn Majah regarding the recording angels.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that their righteous actions are not only seen by Allah but are honored and witnessed by the highest ranks of creation, providing encouragement to maintain integrity and righteousness even when unseen by people, knowing their deeds hold dignity in the celestial realm.