18 Preface ما يَلفِظُ مِن قَولٍ إِلّا لَدَيهِ رَقيبٌ عَتيدٌYusuf AliNot a word does he1 utter but there is a sentinel by him, ready (to note it).Then each “word” spoken is taken down by a “sentinel” (raqih). This has been construed to mean that the sentinel only records words, not thoughts which are not uttered. Thoughts may be forgiven if not uttered, and still more if they do not issue in action. At the stage at which we clothe a thought in words, we have already done an action. The Recorders mentioned in the last verse make a complete Record, in order to supply motives and springs of action, which will affect the degrees or status in the spiritual Hereafter. The three together, individuals or kinds, make the honourable Recorders, Kiraman Katibin, (plural, not dual number) mentioned in 82:11.