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Kiramun Katibun

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Wikis > Dictionary of Islam > Kiramun Katibun
KIRAMUN KATIBUN كرام كاتبون
Lit. “Illustrious writers.” The two recording angels who are said to be with every man, one on the right hand to record his good deeds, and one on his left to record the evil deeds. They are mentioned in the Qur’an, Suratu ‘l-Infitar (lxxxii.) : “Yet truly there are guardians over you, illustrious recorders (kiraman katibin) cognizant of your actions.”
It is related that the Prophet enjoined his people not to spit in front, or on the right, but on the left, as on that side stands the recording angel of evil (Mishkat, book iv. ch. viii. pt. 1.)
As these angels are supposed to be changed every day, they are called the mu’aqqibat, or those who succeed each other.

Based on Hughes, Dictionary of Islam

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