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The Merriam Webster dictionary defines responsible as: liable to be called on to answer; liable to be called to account as the primary cause, motive, or agent; responsible for the job. Synonyms: Accountable, answerable, liable.
So, if we look at the Quran, our responsibility as humans started when we chose freedom of choice. Which makes sense. If we want to make the choice, we should be held responsible.
Freedom of Choice
[33:72] We have offered the responsibility (freedom of choice) to the heavens and the earth, and the mountains, but they refused to bear it, and were afraid of it. But the human being accepted it; he was transgressing, ignorant.
Related to that may be the concept that if we’re forced, we may not be responsible. Or if we tried our best sincerely, but still fell short. And God knows our intentions. What’s in our hearts.
Lip Service Does Not Count
[16:106] Those who disbelieve in GOD, after having acquired faith, and become fully content with disbelief, have incurred wrath from GOD. The only ones to be excused are those who are forced to profess disbelief, while their hearts are full of faith.*
*16:106 God’s wisdom decrees that if someone holds a gun to your head and orders you to declare that you disbelieve in God, you may grant him his wish. What the heart harbors is what counts.
[2:225] GOD does not hold you responsible for the mere utterance of oaths; He holds you responsible for your innermost intentions. GOD is Forgiver, Clement.
We are responsible for our own works, so it’s important to do righteous works: [53:39] Every human being is responsible for his own works.
[53:40] And everyone’s works will be shown. [53:41] Then they will be paid fully for such works.
[34:25] Say, “You are not responsible for our crimes, nor are we responsible for what you do.”
[2:134] Such is a community from the past. They are responsible for what they earned, and you are responsible for what you earned. You are not answerable for anything they have done.
[28:55] When they come across vain talk, they disregard it and say, “We are responsible for our deeds, and you are responsible for your deeds. Peace be upon you. We do not wish to behave like the ignorant ones.”
And while we are not responsible for others, we are responsible for doing the right thing when we interact with them.
[6:52] And do not dismiss those who implore their Lord day and night, devoting themselves to Him alone. You are not responsible for their reckoning, nor are they responsible for your reckoning. If you dismiss them, you will be a transgressor.
Our “works” may not be restricted to what we physically do, so if we mislead people, we are responsible. Of course, the flip side is, if we mediate something good (4:85), God willing, we get a share of that. Also we see from 29:12-13, that even if someone misleads us (God forbid), we’re still accountable for what we choose. Because Satan or any human can only invite. Ultimately each individual chooses for themselves.
[16:25] They will be held responsible for their sins on the Day of Resurrection, all of them, in addition to sins of all those whom they misled by their ignorance. What a miserable load!
[4:85] Whoever mediates a good deed receives a share of the credit thereof, and whoever mediates an evil work, incurs a share thereof. GOD controls all things.
[29:12] Those who disbelieved said to those who believed, “If you follow our way, we will be responsible for your sins.” Not true; they cannot bear any of their sins. They are liars. [29:13] In fact, they will carry their own sins, in addition to
loads of other people’s sins for which they were responsible. Most certainly, they will be asked on the Day of Resurrection about their false claims.
A logically related concept (to each soul being responsible for themselves) is that we cannot guide anyone.
God is the Only One Who Guides
[2:272] You are not responsible for guiding anyone. GOD is the only one who guides whoever chooses (to be guided). Any charity you give is for your own good. Any charity you give shall be for the sake of GOD. Any charity you give will be repaid to you, without the least injustice.
Only God Guides
[28:56] You cannot guide the ones you love. GOD is the only One who guides in accordance with His will, and in accordance with His knowledge of those who deserve the guidance.
[24:54] Say, “Obey GOD, and obey the messenger.” If they refuse, then he is responsible for his obligations, and you are responsible for your obligations. If you obey him, you will be guided. The sole duty of the messenger is to deliver (the message).
Still, it’s helpful to remind. Effectively, we submit to God, and recognize God is running everything. However, if we do our part, with good intentions and seeking to please God alone, God willing, we benefit. We remind using Quran (6:70), lest we give people bad reminders. We can only imagine how bad it will be for religious leaders who mislead people using Satan’s ideology. We must stick to what God tells us to do in Quran.
Respect for the Word of God
[6:68] If you see those who mock our revelations, you shall avoid them until they delve into another subject. If the devil causes you to forget, then, as soon as you remember, do not sit with such evil people. [6:69] The righteous are not responsible for the utterances of those people, but it may help to remind them; perhaps they may be saved.
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