How Angels Record Our Deeds: A Reminder for Iman

How Angels Record Our Deeds: A Reminder for Iman

In Islam, belief in the unseen, including belief in the existence and roles of angels, is a fundamental aspect of faith (Iman). One of the key roles of angels is to record the deeds of each individual. This divine recording serves as a constant reminder for believers about the significance of their actions and the profound consequences they will face on the Day of Judgment.

The angels that record the deeds of humans are known as Kiraman Katibin, meaning the “Noble Recorders.” These angels are assigned to each person to document every action, word, and intention, both good and bad. Their presence underscores the importance of conscious living, reminding believers to strive for righteousness, avoid sin, and live a life aligned with Islamic principles.

This post will explore the profound role angels play in recording human deeds, the lessons this imparts for strengthening Iman, and the practical impact of this divine reality on the life of a Muslim.

 Who Are the Angels Responsible for Recording Deeds?

In the Quran and Hadith, Allah has mentioned the existence of angels who record human actions in great detail. These angels are known as Kiraman Katibin (noble scribes), and they are assigned to observe and document every individual’s actions, including their intentions, thoughts, and deeds. These angels are in constant attendance and do not leave a person until their appointed time of death.

“And indeed, over you are appointed keepers, noble and recording; they know whatever you do.”
Arabic:
“وَإِنَّ عَلَيْكُمْ لَحَافِظِينَ كِرَامًا كَاتِبِينَ يَعْلَمُونَ مَا تَفْعَلُونَ”
(Quran 82:10-12)

This verse emphasizes the omnipresence and vigilance of the angels. They are ever-present, and their task is to document every action of the individual. The Quran also highlights that the angels are noble and honorable, tasked with a job that no one else can do with such accuracy and fairness.

The Role of the Angels

The angels’ primary role is to record everything—whether it be good or bad—without error or oversight. Allah’s justice is absolute, and this thorough record ensures that no action, no matter how small, will be overlooked on the Day of Judgment.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) explained:

“There are two angels with every one of you who record his deeds: one on his right and one on his left. When he does a good deed, it is written down, and if he does an evil deed, it is not written down unless he commits it, and even then, it is written as one evil deed. But if he repents, it is erased.”
Arabic:
“إِنَّمَا الْمَلَائِكَةَ يَكْتُبُونَ مَا يَفْعَلُهُ الْإِنْسَانُ إِذَا أَمْسَكَتْ قَلَمُهَا حَتَّى إِذَا أَرَادَ أَنْ يَفْعَلَ قَبْلَ أَنْ يَفْعَلَ”
(Sahih Muslim)

This Hadith demonstrates the dynamic and fair approach of the angels. They are witnesses to every human action, but they are also merciful, waiting for repentance before committing a bad deed to record.

The Importance of Recording Deeds in Islam

The recording of deeds by angels plays a significant role in the accountability of humans on the Day of Judgment. Every person will be presented with the record of their deeds, which is the primary means of evaluation in the Hereafter. This system serves as a reminder for Muslims to live with awareness of their actions, striving to please Allah in every moment.

Accountability on the Day of Judgment

On the Day of Judgment, every individual will be presented with their book of deeds, and they will be judged based on what is recorded. Those who receive their record in their right hand will be blessed, while those who receive it in their left hand will face a difficult reckoning.

“And the record will be placed [before you], and you will see the criminals fearful of what is in it. And they will say, ‘Woe to us! What is this book that leaves nothing small or large except that it has enumerated it?’”
Arabic:
“وَوُضِعَ الْكِتَابُ فَتَرَىٰ الْمُجْرِمِينَ مُشْفِقِينَ مِمَّا فِيهِ وَيَقُولُونَ يَا وَيْلَتَنَا مَا لِهَذَا الْكِتَابِ لَا يُغَادِرُ صَغِيرَةً وَلَا كَبِيرَةً إِلَّا أَحْصَاهَا”
(Quran 18:49)

This verse underlines the meticulous nature of the record-keeping process. Nothing, whether minor or major, will be left out. This awareness encourages believers to perform good deeds, knowing that even the smallest act will be acknowledged by Allah.

A Means of Divine Justice

The role of the angels is not merely to record but also to ensure divine justice. Their recordings serve as proof of every person’s actions. Allah will not judge anyone unfairly, and the angels’ testimony will ensure that every individual receives justice for their deeds.

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

“Each of you has two angels with him, one of whom is assigned to record his good deeds, and the other is assigned to record his bad deeds. The angel assigned to record the bad deeds will not record them until the person has committed the deed and the angel assigned to record the good deeds will record a good deed when the person intends to do something good.”
Arabic:
“مَا مِنْكُمْ مِنْ أَحَدٍ إِلَّا وَلَهُ مَلَكٌ يَحْفَظُهُ حَتَّىٰ يَأْتِيَ أَجَلُهُ”
(Sahih Muslim)

This Hadith shows that even the intention to do good is recorded, and a good deed will be written in the record. Allah’s justice ensures that every good and bad action is acknowledged.

How the Awareness of Angels Impacts Iman

The knowledge that angels are constantly recording our deeds is a significant factor in strengthening one’s Iman. This belief creates a heightened sense of awareness, encouraging Muslims to be mindful of their actions, speech, and intentions. It serves as a reminder that everything a person does is observed, and they will be held accountable for it in the Hereafter.

A Constant Reminder of Accountability

The presence of angels and the recording of deeds offer a constant reminder of accountability. Muslims who are conscious of this fact are more likely to avoid sinful behavior and engage in acts of worship. Their awareness that their actions are being observed by Allah’s noble angels acts as a deterrent against bad behavior and encourages them to perform righteous deeds.

“Indeed, Allah is ever over you, watching.”
Arabic:
“إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ عَلَيْكُمْ رَقِيبًا”
(Quran 4:1)

This verse emphasizes the all-encompassing awareness of Allah, who is aware of everything that happens, even when no human is around. The angels, who observe and record, reinforce this reality.

Striving for Righteousness

When a Muslim is aware that every action is being recorded, it motivates them to live a life of integrity, striving for righteousness. It encourages individuals to perform good deeds, especially when they know that their acts of worship, charity, and kindness are noted by the angels. This reinforces the importance of sincerity in all actions, aiming to please Allah rather than seeking recognition from others.

“And We have already sent messengers before you, [O Muhammad], and made for them companions and helpers. And your Lord is capable of causing the disbelievers to perish.”
Arabic:
“وَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا رُسُلًا مِنْ قَبْلِكَ وَجَعَلْنَا لَهُمْ أَزْوَاجًا وَذُرِّيَّةً وَمَا كَانَ لِرَسُولٍ أَنْ يَأْتِيَ بِآيَةٍ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ”
(Quran 13:38)

This verse is a reminder that Allah has a record of everything, including the lives of the prophets, and similarly, the angels record the lives of all individuals.

The Role of Repentance in the Recording of Deeds

Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of repentance (Tawbah) in the process of recording deeds. When a person sincerely repents for their sins, Allah erases the recorded bad deeds and replaces them with good deeds. This act of mercy from Allah further emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clean record.

“And He it is who accepts repentance from His servants and pardons the evil deeds, and He knows what you do.”
Arabic:
“وَهُوَ الَّذِي يَقْبَلُ التَّوْبَةَ عَنْ عِبَادِهِ وَيَعْفُو عَنِ السَّيِّئَاتِ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا تَفْعَلُونَ”
(Quran 42:25)

This verse highlights Allah’s forgiveness and His willingness to erase the sins of His servants when they sincerely repent.

The Role of Angels in Witnessing Repentance

The angels not only record deeds but also witness the repentance of believers. Allah’s mercy allows the angels to erase the sins from the record when a person turns to Him in repentance. The angels play a role in affirming that the believer’s repentance is sincere, ensuring that the record is corrected accordingly.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“When a servant repents, Allah erases his sins and the angels do not record them anymore.”
Arabic:
“إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَقُولُ لِمَلَائِكَتِهِ: إِنَّا غَفَرْنَا لِعَبْدِهِ وَإِنَّهُ لَمْ يَسْتَحِقُّ عَذَابًا”
(Sahih Muslim)

Conclusion: The Recording of Deeds – A Reminder of Iman

The recording of deeds by angels serves as a constant reminder for believers to remain aware of their actions, speech, and intentions. The angels’ role emphasizes accountability, divine justice, and Allah’s mercy. By understanding the role of the angels and how they document every deed, Muslims are reminded of the significance of their actions and the weight of their choices.

The presence of the angels, observing and recording, calls Muslims to live righteous lives, seek repentance when necessary, and strive for Allah’s pleasure. Their awareness of this divine system deepens their Iman and encourages them to live with sincerity and mindfulness of Allah in all aspects of life.

Ultimately, the recording of deeds is not merely about judgment, but also about understanding the mercy and justice of Allah, and the opportunity for every believer to purify their record and earn the pleasure of their Creator.