a messenger (15).” [al-Isrā’ 13–15]

Through these verses, He makes clear that whoever does good does so for his own benefit, and whoever does anything bears its consequences; that a person is punished only for his own sin, is not made to bear another’s sin, and is not punished until a messenger has been sent to him. This meaning is stated in several places in the Quran: He neither punishes nor destroys anyone except for his own sin and after sending a messenger to him. For example, the Most High says:

“And We did not destroy any town except that it had warners (208), as a reminder; and We were never unjust (209).” [al-Shu‘arā’ 208–209]

And the Most High says:

“Whatever misfortune befalls you is because of what your hands have earned, and He pardons much (30).” [al-Shūrā 30]

And the Most High says:

“Whatever evil befalls you is from yourself.” [al-Nisā’ 79]

And the Most High says:

“Corruption has appeared on land and sea because of what people’s hands have earned.” [al-Rūm 41]

And the Most High says:

“Your Lord would never destroy towns until He had sent to their central town a messenger reciting Our verses to them. And We would never destroy towns unless their people were wrongdoers (59).” [al-Qasas 59]

There are many similar passages. In this surah, the Most High also says:

“There is no town but that We will destroy it before the Day of Resurrection or punish it with a severe punishment. That is inscribed in the Book (58).” [al-Isrā’ 58]

Thus, after stating in the preceding verses that every person is bound by his deeds, whether good or evil, that his guidance benefits only himself and his misguidance harms only himself, and that he is not made to bear