Surah Al-An'am — Verse 164

Word Meanings:

• Abghi (أَبْغِي): I seek or desire.
• Rabb (رَبًّا): Lord, Master, and Sustainer.
• Tazir (تَزِرُ): To bear or carry a burden.
• Wizr (وِزْر): A heavy burden, meaning sin or wrongdoing.
• Marji' (مَرْجِعُكُمْ): Your return or final destination.

Tafsir (Explanation):

O Prophet, say to those who call you to abandon the truth and follow their false gods: "Shall I seek any lord other than Allah, when He alone is the Lord of everything that exists?" He is the Creator, the Owner, and the Disposer of all affairs. Everything in the heavens and the earth is under His absolute command and dominion. The idols you worship are merely created beings—they own nothing, control nothing, and cannot even benefit or harm themselves. How then could they deserve to be called lords alongside the One who sustains them?

Then Allah establishes a profound principle of justice: every soul earns only what it strives for, and no soul shall bear the burden of another. If a person sins, the sin falls upon them alone—no one else can carry it, and no one can transfer their guilt to another. This is the ultimate fairness of Allah's system. So do not be deceived by those who claim they can intercede for you or carry your sins; each person stands accountable for their own deeds.

Finally, Allah reminds us that our ultimate return is to Him alone on the Day of Judgment. On that Day, He will settle all disputes and clarify everything about which people differed in this world—whether it was matters of faith, worship, or the truth of His messengers. He will distinguish the truthful from the false, the righteous from the wicked, and reward or punish each according to their deeds.

A Call to Reflection:

This verse is a beautiful invitation to purify your heart and direct your worship solely to Allah. It liberates you from the chains of false lords and empty superstitions. Imagine the peace that comes from knowing that your fate rests with the Most Merciful, the Most Just—who never wrongs anyone, even by a speck of dust. And what a comfort it is to know that you are not responsible for the sins of others, nor are you held accountable for what you never did. This is the essence of Islam: personal responsibility, divine justice, and the hope that every sincere effort will be rewarded. So turn to Allah with a sincere heart, for He is the only true Lord, and His promise is certain.