There are two layers of emphasis in verse 10. First, by the use of إن , and second by the use of the letter Lām. This form of speech is used when addressing someone who denies what you are saying. There are angels soundly recording your actions, not neglecting a single thing, though you deny it.
Secondly, this whole sentence is to express wonder and amazement. You deny recompense while there are angels writing down your actions! This again goes back to what we mentioned earlier of Allah not doing anything in vain. There are angels stationed above you, watching you closely and recording your actions accurately
while not neglecting a single thing. Are they doing this in vain? Why would they be recording your actions if you are not going to be taken to account for them? Allah describes these angels first as Ḥāfiẓīn (guardians) which at its root was used for retaining something whether in memory or otherwise and not forgetting. These angels do not lose memory of your actions. Many times, we forget as we are writing something down. They do not, they accurately and precisely preserve your actions in writing because Allah has made them such that they do not forget. Then Allah describes them as Kirām which is the plural of karīm, the same quality with which He described Himself in verse 6, and with which He described the angel Gabriel in the last surah.
When applied to these angels, it means that these angels, firstly, are free and pure (the root meaning) of any ulterior motive. They are not biased in favor of the person whose actions they are recording nor against him. They simply record and protect the actions as they are. Secondly, they are free of any defect with regards to this role. Remember, when applied to Allah, Karīm negates all defects, but when applied to other beings, it negates defects in their domain only. The role of these angels is to record, preserve and write down the actions of people and they are perfect in this regard. They possess all the qualities to perfectly carry out their duty, and are free of any and all defects that would prevent them from doing so. Remember how they deny the attribute of justice to Allah? Here Allah is displaying an example of His justice to them. They record your actions as they are, with no ulterior motive. Kātibīn (writing) is a circumstantial clause. It is describing an action that is occurring at the moment, as these words were being revealed to the Prophet ﷺ and as these words are being read by you. They are even recording the very fact that you are reading these words. It is a continuous and ongoing action that does not cease. They know whatever you do - This is a quality that is already implied by the fact that these angels are set with and upon us, and also by the fact that they are Kirām since they possess all the necessary qualities for them to record everything accurately, of which knowledge is one. They need to possess knowledge of our actions to write them down in the first place. Mentioning it out separately, despite being implied, is to warn, and highlight its importance and gravity. Take the example of the child negligent of his studies mentioned above. After his father imposes restrictions on him, he also installs cameras to monitor him. The child already knows he is being watched 24/7 by his father, but the father comes to him, and especially says to him in a threatening tone, “I know every single thing you do.” The child already knows that he knows. The father mentioned it out separately just so the child gets his act straight. These angels know every single thing that you do. Repent and get your act together.
Lastly, the use of the word ( ما whatever) as opposed to الذي and the omission of the resumptive pronoun ( )ه at the end is for added generality. They know WHATEVER you do, with emphasis placed on “Whatever.”
While upon you are guardians
Commentary covering verses 10–12
There are two layers of emphasis in verse 10. First, by the use of إن , and second by the use of the letter Lām. This form of speech is used when addressing someone who denies what you are saying. There are angels soundly recording your actions, not neglecting a single thing, though you deny it.
Secondly, this whole sentence is to express wonder and amazement. You deny recompense while there are angels writing down your actions! This again goes back to what we mentioned earlier of Allah not doing anything in vain. There are angels stationed above you, watching you closely and recording your actions accurately
while not neglecting a single thing. Are they doing this in vain? Why would they be recording your actions if you are not going to be taken to account for them? Allah describes these angels first as Ḥāfiẓīn (guardians) which at its root was used for retaining something whether in memory or otherwise and not forgetting. These angels do not lose memory of your actions. Many times, we forget as we are writing something down. They do not, they accurately and precisely preserve your actions in writing because Allah has made them such that they do not forget. Then Allah describes them as Kirām which is the plural of karīm, the same quality with which He described Himself in verse 6, and with which He described the angel Gabriel in the last surah.
When applied to these angels, it means that these angels, firstly, are free and pure (the root meaning) of any ulterior motive. They are not biased in favor of the person whose actions they are recording nor against him. They simply record and protect the actions as they are. Secondly, they are free of any defect with regards to this role. Remember, when applied to Allah, Karīm negates all defects, but when applied to other beings, it negates defects in their domain only. The role of these angels is to record, preserve and write down the actions of people and they are perfect in this regard. They possess all the qualities to perfectly carry out their duty, and are free of any and all defects that would prevent them from doing so. Remember how they deny the attribute of justice to Allah? Here Allah is displaying an example of His justice to them. They record your actions as they are, with no ulterior motive. Kātibīn (writing) is a circumstantial clause. It is describing an action that is occurring at the moment, as these words were being revealed to the Prophet ﷺ and as these words are being read by you. They are even recording the very fact that you are reading these words. It is a continuous and ongoing action that does not cease. They know whatever you do - This is a quality that is already implied by the fact that these angels are set with and upon us, and also by the fact that they are Kirām since they possess all the necessary qualities for them to record everything accurately, of which knowledge is one. They need to possess knowledge of our actions to write them down in the first place. Mentioning it out separately, despite being implied, is to warn, and highlight its importance and gravity. Take the example of the child negligent of his studies mentioned above. After his father imposes restrictions on him, he also installs cameras to monitor him. The child already knows he is being watched 24/7 by his father, but the father comes to him, and especially says to him in a threatening tone, “I know every single thing you do.” The child already knows that he knows. The father mentioned it out separately just so the child gets his act straight. These angels know every single thing that you do. Repent and get your act together.
Lastly, the use of the word ( ما whatever) as opposed to الذي and the omission of the resumptive pronoun ( )ه at the end is for added generality. They know WHATEVER you do, with emphasis placed on “Whatever.”