إِن كُلُّ نَفْسٍ لَّمَّا عَلَيْهَا حَافِظٌ 4
Translations
There is no soul but that it has over it a protector.
Transliteration
In kulla nafsin lamma alayha hafiz
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that every soul has a guardian angel (hafiz) appointed over it who records its deeds and protects it. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi explain that these angels document all actions, whether good or evil, which will be presented on the Day of Judgment. The verse emphasizes divine oversight and the certainty of accountability, as nothing escapes Allah's knowledge through His appointed guardians.
Revelation Context
Surah At-Tariq is Meccan and addresses fundamental beliefs about divine sovereignty and the afterlife. This ayah appears within the surah's broader theme of swearing oaths about human nature and resurrection, emphasizing that Allah's knowledge and control extend over every individual soul through appointed guardians.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Each of you is a guardian and each of you will be asked about those under your guardianship' (Sahih Bukhari). Additionally, the Quran mentions in Surah Al-Infitar (82:10-12) that each soul has noble recording angels who know all our actions.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah should inspire believers to be conscious of their actions and intentions, knowing that Allah is always aware of what we do through His appointed guardians. It serves as both a comfort—that we are under divine protection—and a reminder of our responsibility to account for our deeds.