مَّا يَلْفِظُ مِن قَوْلٍ إِلَّا لَدَيْهِ رَقِيبٌ عَتِيدٌ 18
Translations
He [i.e., man] utters no word except that with him is an observer prepared [to record].
Transliteration
Maa yalfiẓu min qawlin illaa ladayhi raqībun 'atīd
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah emphasizes that every word a person utters is recorded by appointed angels—specifically the 'Raqib' (the guardian angel) who is always present and attentive. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi explain that this serves as a powerful reminder of divine accountability, encouraging believers to guard their speech carefully, knowing that nothing escapes Allah's knowledge and that their words are being documented for the Day of Judgment. The term 'Atīd (ready/prepared) suggests these angels are perpetually vigilant and ready to record every utterance.
Revelation Context
Surah Qaf is a Meccan chapter that addresses core Islamic beliefs including resurrection, divine power, and accountability. This ayah fits within the broader theme of the surah, which repeatedly reminds the Quraysh of their inevitable return to Allah and the recording of their deeds. The ayah serves to warn against heedlessness and negligence regarding one's speech and conduct.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'The son of Adam will not depart (from this world) until he is questioned about five matters: about his life and how he spent it, about his youth and how he grew old, about his wealth and how he earned it and spent it, and what he did with what he knew.' (Tirmidhi) Additionally, the Prophet emphasized: 'Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent.' (Sahih Bukhari)
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah should inspire believers to be mindful and intentional with their speech, recognizing that every word carries weight and consequence in the sight of Allah. It is a call to cultivate taqwa (God-consciousness) in our daily conversations and to refrain from idle, false, or harmful speech, knowing we will account for it before our Lord.