وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ لَا نُكَلِّفُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَآ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ أَصْحَـٰبُ ٱلْجَنَّةِ ۖ هُمْ فِيهَا خَـٰلِدُونَ 42
Translations
But those who believed and did righteous deeds - We charge no soul except [within] its capacity. Those are the companions of Paradise; they will abide therein eternally.
Transliteration
Wa-alladhina amanu wa-'amiloo al-salihati la nukallifu nafsan illa wus'aha ula'ika ashab al-jannah hum fiha khalidun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah establishes that those who believe and perform righteous deeds will enter Paradise, emphasizing that Allah does not burden any soul beyond its capacity (a fundamental principle called 'tawhid al-burden'). Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari note this verse as a source of comfort, indicating that acceptance into Paradise is contingent upon sincere faith combined with righteous action, with accountability measured according to individual capability and circumstances.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the Meccan surah Al-A'raf within a broader context of describing the Day of Judgment and the differentiation between the inhabitants of Paradise and Hellfire. It comes after verses discussing those who reject faith, serving as a contrasting promise of reward for believers. The theme reflects the Meccan period's emphasis on monotheism and the afterlife.
Related Hadiths
Hadith from Sahih Bukhari: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'The most beloved deeds to Allah are those done consistently, even if they are small.' Also relevant: Sahih Muslim records that the Prophet said, 'Verily, Allah has prescribed excellence in all things' (ihsan), connecting to the quality of righteous deeds mentioned in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah provides reassurance that spiritual progress is achievable within one's individual capacity—Allah does not expect the impossible from believers, only sincere effort and intention. Modern readers should find hope in knowing that perfection is not required, but consistency, sincerity, and striving within one's abilities are what lead to eternal success.
Related Ayahs
قَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّآ إِلَىٰ رَبِّنَا مُنقَلِبُونَ
They said, "Indeed, to our Lord we will return.
وَٱتَّخَذَ قَوْمُ مُوسَىٰ مِنۢ بَعْدِهِۦ مِنْ حُلِيِّهِمْ عِجْلًا جَسَدًا لَّهُۥ خُوَارٌ ۚ أَلَمْ يَرَوْا۟ أَنَّهُۥ لَا يُكَلِّمُهُمْ وَلَا يَهْدِيهِمْ سَبِيلًا ۘ ٱتَّخَذُوهُ وَكَانُوا۟ ظَـٰلِمِينَ
And the people of Moses made, after [his departure], from their ornaments a calf - an image having a lowing sound. Did they not see that it could neither speak to them nor guide them to a way? They took it [for worship], and they were wrongdoers.
وَأَوْرَثْنَا ٱلْقَوْمَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَانُوا۟ يُسْتَضْعَفُونَ مَشَـٰرِقَ ٱلْأَرْضِ وَمَغَـٰرِبَهَا ٱلَّتِى بَـٰرَكْنَا فِيهَا ۖ وَتَمَّتْ كَلِمَتُ رَبِّكَ ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ عَلَىٰ بَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ بِمَا صَبَرُوا۟ ۖ وَدَمَّرْنَا مَا كَانَ يَصْنَعُ فِرْعَوْنُ وَقَوْمُهُۥ وَمَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْرِشُونَ
And We caused the people who had been oppressed to inherit the eastern regions of the land and the western ones, which We had blessed. And the good word [i.e., decree] of your Lord was fulfilled for the Children of Israel because of what they had patiently endured. And We destroyed [all] that Pharaoh and his people were producing and what they had been building.
وَيَـٰٓـَٔادَمُ ٱسْكُنْ أَنتَ وَزَوْجُكَ ٱلْجَنَّةَ فَكُلَا مِنْ حَيْثُ شِئْتُمَا وَلَا تَقْرَبَا هَـٰذِهِ ٱلشَّجَرَةَ فَتَكُونَا مِنَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ
And "O Adam, dwell, you and your wife, in Paradise and eat from wherever you will but do not approach this tree, lest you be among the wrongdoers."