Who are the two recording angels in Islam?

In Islam, the two recording angels are known as the 'Kiraman Katibin' (Noble Scribes). Appointed to every person, one angel records good deeds while the other records bad deeds, as mentioned in the Quran (50:17-18). Their meticulous records serve as a testament for the Day of Judgment.

Are Raqib and Atid the actual names of the recording angels?

According to classical scholars like Ibn Kathir, 'Raqib' (a watcher) and 'Atid' (prepared/present) are descriptions of the angels' functions, not their personal names. The terms, found in Surah Qaf (50:18), describe their constant vigilance and readiness to record every word and deed.

Which angel records good deeds and which one records bad deeds?

Islamic tradition, based on scholarly interpretations of the Quran and Hadith, holds that the angel on a person's right side records their good deeds, while the angel on the left side records their bad deeds. The angel on the right is also described as being the commander over the one on the left.

Do the recording angels write down thoughts in Islam?

No, according to authentic Hadith, the Kiraman Katibin only record actions and spoken words, not thoughts or intentions. A sacred Hadith (Hadith Qudsi) clarifies that if a person intends a good deed, it is written as one good deed, but an evil intention is not recorded unless it is acted upon.

Two Recording Angels in Islam: Kiraman Katibin & Divine Accountability

two recording angels

Explore Verses Related to two recording angels

🕋Qaf50:16 🕋Qaf50:17 🕋Qaf50:18

At a Glance

According to search-discovered classical Islamic scholarship, the 'Two Recording Angels,' known as the Kirāman Kātibīn (Noble Scribes), are celestial beings appointed by Allah to meticulously record every person's deeds, words, and actions. The Quran, particularly in Surah Qaf (50:17-18), establishes their constant presence: one on the right to record good deeds and one on the left to record bad deeds. Tafsir by authorities like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi clarifies that their purpose is to compile a perfect and just record for the Day of Judgment, embodying divine accountability. This concept serves as a constant reminder to believers of God's omniscience and the ultimate reckoning, motivating righteousness and repentance. Hadith literature further illustrates Allah's mercy, explaining that the recording of a sin is delayed to allow for repentance, while a good deed is recorded immediately and multiplied.

📖 Quranic Context

Central to the Islamic doctrine of divine accountability, judgment, and the unseen (al-ghayb).

They are divine agents who operate by Allah's command, demonstrating His meticulous justice and omniscience.

References: The concept is primarily detailed in Surah Qaf (50:17-18) and Surah Al-Infitar (82:10-12).

💭 Theological Perspective

Their constant presence serves as a reminder to humans of their accountability for every action and word, encouraging mindfulness (muraqabah).

The belief fosters a sense of responsibility and consciousness of God's oversight, influencing behavior and moral choices.

Their existence underscores the gravity of human actions and the importance of adhering to divine guidance before the final reckoning.

Awareness of the recording angels motivates believers towards good deeds and repentance from sin.

📜 Hadith Perspective

Hadith literature expands on their function, particularly regarding Allah's mercy, such as delaying the recording of a sin to allow time for repentance.

The angel of the right records good deeds, and the angel of the left records bad deeds.
A good deed is recorded tenfold, while a sin is recorded as one.
A sin may be held for several hours before being recorded, allowing a window for repentance.

There is a universal consensus among Islamic scholars on the existence and function of these angels as described in the Quran and authentic Hadith.

💎 Deeper Insights

The system of the Two Recording Angels is a manifestation of both Allah's perfect justice and His overwhelming mercy. While every deed is recorded for accountability (justice), Hadith specifies that the angel of the left waits up to six hours before recording a sin, giving the believer an extended opportunity for repentance to completely erase the act from their record (mercy). This demonstrates that the system is designed to favor forgiveness.

— Ibn Kathir, Al-Tabarani

Contrary to popular belief, 'Raqib' and 'Atid' are not personal names but functional titles. Search-grounding in classical tafsir of Quran 50:18 reveals that 'Raqib' means 'one who watches' and 'Atid' means 'one who is prepared.' This emphasizes their constant state of readiness and vigilance, making their role an active, continuous process rather than a static identity. This insight transforms the understanding from two named individuals to a perpetual divine function.

— Ibn Kathir, Al-Qurtubi