كِرَامٍۭ بَرَرَةٍ 16
Translations
Noble and dutiful.
Transliteration
Kirāmin Barrah
Tafsir (Explanation)
These words describe the noble and righteous angels who record the deeds of humans. 'Kirām' (كِرَامٍ) means 'noble' or 'honorable,' while 'Barrah' (بَرَرَةٍ) means 'righteous' or 'pious.' Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that Allah has appointed these elevated angels to faithfully record every action of the servants, emphasizing both the honor of the angels and their perfect adherence to divine duty.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah 'Abasa, which rebukes the Prophet (ﷺ) for turning away from a blind companion (Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum) while conversing with Quraysh leaders. The surah then shifts to describing the creation and the recording angels, establishing that Allah is aware of all human actions regardless of social status. This ayah specifically refers to the two recording angels (kiraman katibin) mentioned in Surah Al-'Alaq (96:17-18).
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'There are two angels with each of you, constantly recording your deeds. The angel on the right records good deeds, and the angel on the left records evil deeds' (Tirmidhi). Also relevant: Surah Al-'Alaq 96:17-18 mentions 'noble scribes' (kiraman katibin) who know what we do.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that our actions are continuously recorded by noble and truthful angels, instilling consciousness of Allah (taqwa) and encouraging us to maintain righteousness in both public and private life, knowing that nothing escapes divine awareness.