عَنِ ٱلْيَمِينِ وَعَنِ ٱلشِّمَالِ عِزِينَ 37
Translations
[To sit] on [your] right and [your] left in separate groups?
Transliteration
Ani al-yamīni wa ani al-shimāli 'izīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the angels positioned on the right and left of each person, recording their deeds—a reference to the two noble recording angels (kirāman kātibīn) mentioned in Surah Al-Infitār (82:10-12). According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, these angels stand ready to document both righteous and sinful actions, emphasizing divine omniscience and accountability. The positioning 'right and left' symbolizes comprehensive observation, as nothing escapes Allah's knowledge through His appointed guardians.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Ma'arij's discussion of the Day of Judgment and the human condition. It comes after verses describing how people question the reality of the afterlife, serving as a reminder that Allah is constantly aware of human behavior through the recording angels, making the Day of Judgment inevitable and just.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Muslim 2654: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'There is no one among you but has appointed over him a guardian from the jinn and a guardian from the angels.' The companions asked, 'Even you, O Messenger of Allah?' and he replied, 'Even me, but Allah has helped me against him, so he has submitted to me, and he only commands me to do good.'
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah should inspire believers to maintain consciousness of Allah (taqwā) in all circumstances, knowing that their actions are continuously recorded by trustworthy angels for the Final Judgment. It serves as a powerful deterrent against sin and motivation for righteous behavior, as nothing done in secret escapes the divine record.