Surah 6. Al-An'am, Ayah 164

This statement - which is also found in 17:15 , 35:18 , 39:7 and 53:38 - constitutes a categorical rejection of the Christian doctrines of "original sin" and "vicarious atonement". For the wider ethical implications of this statement, {see 53:38}, where it occurs for the first time in the chronological order of revelation.

See surah {2}, note [95].

The doctrine of personal responsiblility again. We are fully responsible for our acts ourselves: we cannot transfer the consequences to someone else. Nor can anyone vicariously atone for our sins. If people have honest doubts or differences about important questions of religion, they should not start futile disputes. All will be clear in the end. Our duty here is to maintain unity and discipline, and do the duty that comes to us.