وَوُضِعَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبُ فَتَرَى ٱلْمُجْرِمِينَ مُشْفِقِينَ مِمَّا فِيهِ وَيَقُولُونَ يَـٰوَيْلَتَنَا مَالِ هَـٰذَا ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ لَا يُغَادِرُ صَغِيرَةً وَلَا كَبِيرَةً إِلَّآ أَحْصَىٰهَا ۚ وَوَجَدُوا۟ مَا عَمِلُوا۟ حَاضِرًا ۗ وَلَا يَظْلِمُ رَبُّكَ أَحَدًا 49
Translations
And the record [of deeds] will be placed [open], and you will see the criminals fearful of that within it, and they will say, "Oh, woe to us! What is this book that leaves nothing small or great except that it has enumerated it?" And they will find what they did present [before them]. And your Lord does injustice to no one.
Transliteration
Wa-wuḍiʿa al-kitābu fatarā al-mujrimīna mushfiqīna mimmā fīhi wa-yaqūlūna yā-waylātanā māli hādhā al-kitābi lā yughhādiru ṣaghīratan wa-lā kabīratan illā aḥṣāhā wa-wajadū mā ʿamilū ḥāḍiran wa-lā yaẓlimu rabbuka aḥadan
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the Day of Judgment when the Book of Deeds (kitāb) is presented to humanity, causing the criminals to be filled with fear and regret upon witnessing that not even the smallest or greatest deed has been omitted from Allah's perfect recording. The mujrimīn (those who disbelieved and sinned) realize their actions are vividly present before them, and the ayah concludes with the reassurance that Allah never wrongs anyone—their punishment is only for what they themselves committed. Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this reflects Allah's perfect knowledge and justice, while Ibn Kathir notes this is part of the broader description of the Resurrection Day found throughout Surah Al-Kahf's eschatological themes.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Kahf is a Meccan surah revealed to strengthen the believers' faith during persecution and to warn against disbelief. This particular ayah fits within the broader Quranic theme of the Day of Judgment and occurs in the context of descriptions of the Hereafter meant to motivate righteous action and deter sinful behavior in this life.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'There is no day more hated by Iblis than the Day of Arafah, and that is because he sees the descending of mercy and the pardoning of great sins' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). Additionally, in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet describes how deeds are presented to Allah: 'Your deeds are presented to Allah on Mondays and Thursdays,' emphasizing constant divine recording.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that no deed, however small, escapes Allah's knowledge and recording, which should motivate believers to be conscious of their actions in all circumstances. The ayah also offers comfort to the faithful that divine justice is absolute and merciful—no soul will be wronged, ensuring that ultimately only those truly deserving of punishment will face it.