What is the interpretation of Allah Almighty’s saying: "He does not utter any word except that with him is an observer, ready [to record]"?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Al-Shawkani says in his interpretation of the verse, "He does not utter any word except that with him is an observer, ready [to record]," that the angel observes and records everything a person says, whether good or evil. Ibn Kathir clarified that the recording includes both words and deeds, and that there are noble guardian-scribes who know what we do. Scholars differed on whether the angel records everything or only what entails reward and punishment. Ibn Kathir mentioned that the apparent meaning of the verse indicates generality.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Original fatwa ID
- 55264
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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