وَمَا هُمْ عَنْهَا بِغَآئِبِينَ 16
Translations
And never therefrom will they be absent.
Transliteration
Wa mā hum 'anhā bi-ghā'ibīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that the angels appointed as guardians over humans are never absent from their charges—they continuously observe and record the deeds of people. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this verse emphasizes Allah's perfect knowledge and supervision through His appointed angels (kirāman kātibīn), refuting any notion that humans act without divine oversight. The phrase serves as a powerful reminder of accountability, as our actions are witnessed and recorded by the angels who never leave our side.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Infitar is a Meccan chapter addressing the polytheists and those who deny the Day of Judgment. This ayah appears in the context of verses 10-12 describing the angels who guard over each person, emphasizing that divine surveillance and accountability are constants in human life, whether people acknowledge them or not.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Each of you is a shepherd and each is responsible for his flock.' (Sahih Bukhari 893). Additionally, 'There are angels who take turns with you at night and by day, and they gather together at the time of Fajr and Asr prayers.' (Sahih Bukhari 3223)
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should cultivate consciousness (taqwā) that they are never truly alone—divine witnesses record their actions, fostering moral responsibility and encouraging righteous conduct in both public and private. This awareness should inspire mindfulness of Allah and deter from transgression.