(16–18) “Indeed, We created humankind and know what their souls whisper to them, and We are closer to them than their jugular vein. * When the two recording angels record, seated on the right and on the left, * no word does a person utter without a vigilant observer ready beside them.”

Allah Most High informs us that He alone creates (1) humankind, male and female; that He knows their circumstances, whatever they conceal, and whatever is whispered within their breasts (2); and that He is closer to them than their jugular vein—the vein (3) running along the hollow at the base of the throat—which is the closest thing to a person. This should prompt a person to remain mindful that his Creator is watching him, fully aware of his innermost thoughts and inward state and close to him (4) in every circumstance. He should therefore feel ashamed before Him lest He see him where He has forbidden him to be or find him absent where He has commanded him to be.

Likewise, a person should remain mindful of the noble recording angels assigned to him, honor and revere them, and beware of doing or saying anything that would be recorded against him and displease the Lord of all worlds. Hence He said: “When the two recording angels record”—that is, they record all the servant’s deeds: one “on the right” records good deeds, “and” the other “on the left” records evil deeds. Each is “seated” for that purpose, ready to perform the task for which he was appointed and remaining constantly with the servant (5).

“No word does a person utter,” whether good or evil, “without a vigilant observer ready beside them”—that is, watching them and present with them. As Allah Most High says: “Indeed, there are guardians over you, noble scribes, who know whatever you do.”