(6–12) “O man, what has deceived you concerning your Generous Lord, * Who created you, fashioned you, and proportioned you, * assembling you in whatever form He willed? * No indeed! Rather, you deny the Recompense. * Yet there are surely guardians watching over you, * noble scribes, * who know all that you do.”

Allah says, reproaching the human being who falls short in fulfilling his duty to his Lord and boldly does what incurs His wrath (1): “O man, what has deceived you concerning your Generous Lord?” Is it disregard on your part for His rights? Or contempt for His punishment? Or failure to believe in His recompense?

Is He not the One “Who created you and fashioned you” in the finest form? He “proportioned you,” constructing you soundly and evenly, in the best of forms and the most beautiful appearance. Is it then befitting for you to show ingratitude for the Bestower’s blessing or deny the Benefactor’s kindness?

This can only stem from your ignorance, wrongdoing, obstinacy, and oppressive conduct. So thank Allah that He did not give you the form of a dog, a donkey, or some similar animal. Hence Allah says: “assembling you in whatever form He willed.”

[As for His words:] “No indeed! Rather, you deny the Recompense,” this means that despite this admonition and reminder, you still persist in denying the recompense.

You will inevitably be called to account for what you have done. Allah has appointed over you noble angels who record your words and deeds and know your actions. This includes both the deeds of the heart and the actions of the limbs. It therefore befits you to honor them, hold them in esteem, and show them respect.