53.38 – no one bearing a burden bears the burden of another

This verse is the last in a series of similar verses that declare that no human can bear the “burden” (wizr) of another human. Other examples come at 6.164; 17.15; 35.18; and 39.7. The verses that follow this final occurrence explain that people will only receive what they strive for (vv. 38–41).

Do such verses intend a deliberate denial of the biblical teaching that Christ took upon Himself the burden of our fallen nature to heal it? Christianity teaches that Jesus "bore the sin of many" (Isaiah 53:4, 11, 12; Hebrews 9:28; 1 Peter 2:24), uniting Himself to humanity to conquer death and sin from within.

Sūra 53 does not seem to address the People of the Book to deny their faith directly here. In any case, the word “burden” in 53.38 brings to mind a number of interesting biblical materials. Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Paul encourages the believers to “carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). In contrast to the Quranic insistence that no one can bear another\'s burden, Christianity teaches that Christ willingly entered into the depths of human suffering and mortality, as prophesied: "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah 53:6). By bearing our burdens, He provides the ultimate healing and liberation.