إِذْ يَتَلَقَّى ٱلْمُتَلَقِّيَانِ عَنِ ٱلْيَمِينِ وَعَنِ ٱلشِّمَالِ قَعِيدٌ 17
Translations
When the two receivers [i.e., recording angels] receive, seated on the right and on the left.
Transliteration
Idh yatalaqqa al-mutallaqiyani ani al-yamini wa ani al-shimali qa'idun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the two recording angels (kiraman katibin) who sit on the right and left shoulders of every human being, documenting their deeds. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi explain that these angels record all actions and utterances—the angel on the right records good deeds while the one on the left records evil deeds. The ayah emphasizes divine oversight and accountability, reminding believers that their actions are continuously monitored and will be presented on the Day of Judgment.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Qaf, which is a Meccan surah focused on themes of resurrection, divine power, and the afterlife. The broader context of verses 16-18 discusses the creation of humans and the recording of their deeds, serving to reinforce the certainty of divine judgment and the consequences of one's actions in this life.
Related Hadiths
The hadith from Jami' at-Tirmidhi reports that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'There are appointed over you guardians from among the angels who know your deeds.' Additionally, Surah al-Infitar (82:10-12) complements this theme, stating that noble recording angels know all our actions.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah should cultivate taqwa (God-consciousness) in believers by reminding them that their actions are never hidden from Allah, encouraging ethical conduct and mindfulness in all circumstances. It serves as a spiritual incentive to perform righteous deeds and refrain from wrongdoing, knowing that complete accountability awaits.