ٱلَّذِينَ تَتَوَفَّىٰهُمُ ٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ ظَالِمِىٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ ۖ فَأَلْقَوُا۟ ٱلسَّلَمَ مَا كُنَّا نَعْمَلُ مِن سُوٓءٍۭ ۚ بَلَىٰٓ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌۢ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ 28
Translations
The ones whom the angels take in death [while] wronging themselves, and [who] then offer submission, [saying], "We were not doing any evil." But, yes! Indeed, Allāh is Knowing of what you used to do.
Transliteration
Alladhīna tatawaffāhum al-malā'ikatu žālimī anfusihim fa-alfaqū al-salāma mā kunnā na'malu min sū'in ballā inna Allāha 'alīmun bimā kuntum ta'malūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the moment when angels come to take the souls of those who wronged themselves (by rejecting faith and committing sins), and these people suddenly submit in surrender, claiming they did no evil—a denial that rings hollow before Allah's perfect knowledge. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this represents the despair and regret of disbelievers at the moment of death, when they realize their deception and excuses are futile before Allah, Who is All-Knowing of all their deeds. The ayah emphasizes that no plea or excuse will avail them, as Allah's knowledge is absolute and encompasses everything they concealed or openly committed.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah An-Nahl (a Meccan chapter) within a passage describing the fate of disbelievers and those who reject divine signs. The broader context discusses various categories of people and their spiritual states, warning the Meccan pagans about the consequences of their rejection of monotheism and the inevitability of the Day of Judgment.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The soul of the believer is taken gently by angels who say welcome to the soul that comes from a good body,' while for the disbeliever the experience is tormented. (Tirmidhi and others). Also relevant: 'When the soul of the believer leaves, the angels say 'O good soul, come out to forgiveness from Allah and His pleasure.' (Ibn Majah)
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that no excuse or hidden action escapes Allah's awareness, and that honesty with oneself about one's deeds in this life is essential—the time for deception ends at death, making sincere repentance and righteous conduct in this world our only protection before the Divine Judge.