Surah Al-Isra (The Night Journey ) 17 : 15

Explanatory Note

Again the same accurate universal law is linked to the rules governing action and reward:

“Whoever chooses to follow guidance does so for his own good, and whoever goes astray does so to his own loss. No soul shall be made to bear the burden of another.” (Verse 15)

It is all individual responsibility. When one follows guidance, one reaps the fruits, and when one chooses error, one bears the consequences. None will bear or lighten the burden of another. Everyone will be questioned about their own actions and will have the reward for what they have done in this life. Close friends will be of no help to each other.

Yet as a sign of God’s grace, He does not leave man’s guidance dependent only on the signs that are available in the universe. Nor does He leave him to the covenant God has made with human nature before a person is born. He has sent messengers to warn and remind: “We would never inflict punishment [on anyone] until We have sent a messenger [to give warning].” (Verse 15) This is certainly an aspect of God’s grace which gives everyone ample opportunity to follow His guidance. Only when they have been properly warned and still persist in error does He punish them, if He so wills.