Responsibility

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[51:55] And remind, for the reminder benefits the believers.

[4:84] You shall fight for the cause of GOD; you are responsible only for your own soul, and exhort the believers to do the same. ....

So, along those lines, we are to exhort one another for good. Parents particularly have a responsibility for children (which is not too different from the expectations in this life where parents take responsibility for helping their children and pride in their accomplishments). We cannot force our children, but we can enjoin them. And reflect on how are we doing it. Are we trying to force them? Or are we sincerely doing it to please God?

[20:132] You shall enjoin your family to observe the contact prayers (Salat), and steadfastly persevere in doing so. We do not ask you for any provisions; we are the ones who provide for you. The ultimate triumph belongs to the righteous.

[14:31] Exhort My servants who believed to observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and to give (to charity) from our provisions to them, secretly and publicly, before a day comes where there is neither trade, nor nepotism.
We are also responsible for our thoughts.

[2:284] To GOD belongs everything in the heavens and the earth. Whether you declare your innermost thoughts, or keep them hidden, GOD holds you responsible for them. He forgives whomever He wills, and punishes whomever He wills. GOD is Omnipotent.

[3:29] Say, “Whether you conceal your innermost thought, or declare it, GOD is fully aware thereof.” He is fully aware of everything in the heavens and the earth. GOD is Omnipotent.

[11:5] Indeed, they hide their innermost thoughts, as if to keep Him from knowing them. In fact, as they cover themselves with their clothes, He knows all their secrets and declarations. He knows the innermost thoughts.  

[39:7] If you disbelieve, GOD does not need anyone. But He dislikes to see His servants make the wrong decision. If you decide to be appreciative, He is pleased for you. No soul bears the sins of any other soul. Ultimately, to your Lord is your return, then He will inform you of everything you had done. He is fully aware of the innermost thoughts.

The Quran says that greater miracles and blessings mean greater responsibility.

[5:114] Said Jesus, the son of Mary, “Our god, our Lord, send down to us a feast from the sky. Let it bring plenty for each and every one of us, and a sign from You. Provide for us; You are the best Provider.” [5:115] GOD said, “I am sending it down. Anyone among you who disbelieves after this, I will punish him as I never punished anyone else.”*

*5:114-115 The Quran’s overwhelming miracle (Appendix 1) is described in 74:35 as “One of the greatest miracles,” and brings with it an uncommonly great responsibility.

[2:211] Ask the Children of Israel how many profound miracles have we shown them! For those who disregard the blessings bestowed upon them by GOD, GOD is most strict in retribution.

*2:211 The Quran’s mathematical miracle is a great blessing, and brings with it an awesome responsibility (please see 5:115).

Special Responsibility For Being Close

[33:28] O prophet, say to your wives, “If you are seeking this life and its vanities, then let me compensate you and allow you to go amicably. [33:29] “But if you are seeking GOD and His messenger, and the abode of the Hereafter, then GOD has prepared for the righteous among you a great recompense.”

Special Responsibility

[33:30] O wives of the prophet, if any of you commits a gross sin, the retribution will be doubled for her. This is easy for GOD to do. [33:31] Any one of you who obeys GOD and His messenger, and leads a righteous life, we will grant her double the recompense, and we have prepared for her a generous provision.

So also in terms of worldly blessings.  It seems reasonable that we’re responsible for what God gives us. And the more we have, the more we are responsible for.

[24:22] Those among you who are blessed with resources and wealth shall be charitable towards their relatives, the poor, and those who have immigrated for the sake of GOD. They shall treat them with kindness and tolerance; do you not love to attain GOD’s forgiveness? GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

To conclude: we chose free will (33:72). So, we are responsible for what we think and do. May God help us choose the right path so that when we stand before Him, we are ready to present our account.

The Believers

[69:19-20] As for the one who receives his record with his right hand, he will say, “Come read my record. I did believe that I was going to be held accountable.”

[90:11] He should choose the difficult path. [90:12] Which one is the difficult path? [90:13] The freeing of slaves. [90:14] Feeding, during the time of hardship. [90:15] Orphans who are related. [90:16] Or the poor who is in need. [90:17] And being one of those who believe, and exhorting one another to be steadfast, and exhorting one another to be kind. [90:18] These have deserved happiness.

Faiz