The following is stated in verse 21 of the chapter of Qaf: "And there will come forth every soul: with each will be an (angel) to drive, and an (angel) to bear witness." What does the word "driver" mean here?

The Details of the Question

The following is stated in verse 21 of the chapter of Qaf: "And there will come forth every soul: with each will be an (angel) to drive, and an (angel) to bear witness." As far as I know, a driver is a person who drives a vehicle. Who is the driver mentioned here?

The Answer

Dear Brother / Sister,

"And there will come forth every soul: with each will be an (angel) to drive, and an (angel) to bear witness." (Qaf, 50/21)

That is, it is the day when the threat will be realized and punishments will be given. Every soul will come with a driver and a witness.

Two kinds of angels come; one of them is in charge taking this soul to the Gathering Place and the other is a witness of his deeds. The form of driving and witnessing of each person will be different based on their deeds but everybody will be taken there accompanied by two angels. The one that will witness might be one of the hafaza (guardian) angels. Some scholars say the angel that writes the sins is the driver and the one that writes the good deeds is the witness. There are also some other views.

A person, whether he is good or bad, will come with two angels. One of the angels will take him to the Gathering Place and the other will witness about his deeds. Ibn Abbas states the following: Angels will take a person to the Gathering Place and his own hands and feet will be witnesses:

"On the Day, their tongues, their hands, and their feet will bear witness against them as to their actions."

Mujahid states the following:

"The one that drives and witnesses are two angels. One of them is the angel that drives him and the other is the one that witnesses about him."

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