Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
This Our Record speaks about you with truth. Verily, We were recording what you used to do (i.e. Our angels used to record your deeds).
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
هَـٰذَاhādhāThis
كِتَـٰبُنَاkitābunāOur Record
يَنطِقُyanṭiquspeaks
عَلَيْكُمʿalaykumabout you
بِٱلْحَقِّ ۚbil-ḥaqiin truth
إِنَّاinnāIndeed, We
كُنَّاkunnā[We] used to
نَسْتَنسِخُnastansikhutranscribe
مَاmāwhat
كُنتُمْkuntumyou used to
تَعْمَلُونَtaʿmalūnado
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim — Hafiz Abdus Salam Bin Muhammad Bhutvi
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
(Ayah 29) ➊ { هٰذَاكِتٰبُنَايَنْطِقُعَلَيْكُمْبِالْحَقِّ:} In this, the word {’’ يَنْطِقُ ‘‘} is noteworthy, because a book is usually read, but that book will speak and tell everything exactly as it is. Generally, commentators have written that this is a metaphor, but now it is being proven that this is not a metaphor but a reality, and that book will actually speak. The majesty of Allah Almighty is very exalted and the matter of the Day of Judgment is very different from the world, but now man, with the intellect granted by Allah Almighty, has invented such things that can show and make heard everything that a person does or says. However, they cannot bring anyone's intention to light, but that book prepared by Allah Almighty will bring forth people's actions, words, conditions, and intentions—all of it. ➋ {اِنَّاكُنَّانَسْتَنْسِخُمَاكُنْتُمْتَعْمَلُوْنَ:} This is the answer to the question of how that book will speak and tell after such a long time on that day? They had performed those deeds in the world, which ended with the world itself. It is said that this is because whatever you used to do, We used to have it written down by the angels, so that it would remain as evidence and on the Day of Judgment, proof could be established against you; otherwise, We already have knowledge of everything.
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan — Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
29. 1. That is, besides Our knowledge, the angels also, by Our command, used to note and preserve everything of yours.
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran — Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
29. This is Our record (that was written) which speaks about you in truth. Indeed, We used to have (everything) written down [42].
[42] Individual and Collective Records of Deeds, The Reality of the Records of Deeds:
For writing and having something written, it is not necessary that something be inscribed on paper with pen and ink. Man himself has invented such means by which a person's deeds, movements, speech, and tone—all can be presented before others, and others can see and hear them. And only Allah knows what more man will invent in the future. And this record written by Allah will not only present movements and statements, but will also bring forth the thoughts and whispers that arose in the hearts. Then, this record will exist individually for each person, as well as collectively for people of the same kind and for their collective efforts. And these records of deeds will be handed over individually to each person, and collectively as well. In the same way, the groups of different sects will be called to see their respective records of deeds.