Angels Recording Every Word and Deed Done by Believers

Question

If Allah is closer to us than our jugular vein, why are angels appointed to record our deeds? Do angels really record everything we say and do?

Bottom Line

Yes. Angels write it all down, every word, every action, just like a livestream.

Quick Answer

The recording angels, known as Kiraman Katibeen, write down everything we say and do. This ensures perfect justice on the Day of Judgement. Even if someone argues, their own limbs will testify against them. Scholars discussed whether angels physically stay with us in all places, but all agree: nothing escapes the record.

Key Points

• Two angels are with every person: the right for good deeds, the left for sins
• Everything is written small or great
• Some scholars said the angels step back in the toilet or during intimacy, but the hadith are weak.
• The stronger view: they record all deeds regardless of place; the exact mechanism is part of the unseen.
• On the Day of Judgement, people will see their records, and even their own bodies will testify.

Detailed Answer

The Qur’an and Sunnah affirm that every deed is preserved, while scholars discussed how the angels carry out this task. Below is a breakdown of the main evidence and scholarly views.

1. Everything is Recorded

“And the Book will be placed, and you will see the criminals fearful of what is recorded therein. They will say: ‘Woe to us! What sort of Book is this that leaves neither a small thing nor a big thing but has recorded it all?’ And they will find what they did present before them. And your Lord does not wrong anyone.”
Qur’an 18:49

2. Angels Never Miss a Word

“Not a word does he utter, but with him is an observer ready (to record it).”
Qur’an 50:18

3. Scholarly Opinions

• View 1 – They never leave: Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (رحمه الله) explained that the verse is general and covers all cases unless a sound hadith proves otherwise.

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  View 2 – They leave temporarily: Some, like Ibn Hajar al-Haytami and al-Hasan al-Basri, said the angels step back during intimacy, in the toilet, or while doing ghusl. Evidence cited: “Beware of nakedness, for there are with you those who never leave you except when you defecate or when a man is intimate with his wife.”  al-Tirmidhi 2800 

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  View 3 – The balanced approach: The Qur’an and sound Sunnah affirm that two angels record every deed, but how they do so is unseen. Imam al-Suyuti said, “If they are instructed to enter, they enter. If Allah honours them by sparing them, He enables them to know.” Al-Haba’ik fi Akhbar al-Mala’ik, p. 90

The third view is strongest: affirm the texts, avoid speculation. What matters is that nothing escapes Allah’s justice.

What This Means for You

Every action, word, and intention is being recorded. Be mindful of your speech, increase good deeds, and repent often. Allah’s justice is perfect; nothing is hidden.

And Allah knows best

References

Primary Sources

• Qur’an 50:16–18: Angels appointed to record every word.
• Qur’an 18:49: The Record leaves nothing small or great.
• Qur’an 41:19–24: Limbs testify against people.
• Qur’an 45:29: Allah’s Record speaks the truth.
• Sahih Muslim 2969: Angels recording deeds.
• Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi 2800: Hadith about nakedness (graded da‘if).

Secondary Sources

• Tafsir Ibn Kathir on Surah Qaf (50:17): Explanation of angels Kiraman Katibeen recording deeds.
• Ibn Hajar al-Haytami – al-Fataawa al-Hadeethiyyah, p. 47: Clarifies hadith on angels and recording deeds.
• As-Safaareeni – Lawaami‘ al-Anwaar al-Bahiyyah, 1/448: Discusses the role of angels in human accountability.
• Badr ad-Deen al-‘Ayni – Sharh Sunan Abi Dawood, 2/397: Commentary on a hadith regarding angels’ duties.
• Ibn Taymiyyah – Sharh al-‘Umdah, 1/401: Explanation of testimony and accountability on the Day of Judgment.
• As-Suyuti – Al-Haba’ik fi Akhbar al-Mala’ik, p. 90: Collection of narrations on angels and their responsibilities.