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
قَدِ ٱفْتَرَيْنَا عَلَى ٱللَّهِ كَذِبًا إِنْ عُدْنَا فِى مِلَّتِكُم بَعْدَ إِذْ نَجَّىٰنَا ٱللَّهُ مِنْهَا ۚ وَمَا يَكُونُ لَنَآ أَن نَّعُودَ فِيهَآ إِلَّآ أَن يَشَآءَ ٱللَّهُ رَبُّنَا ۚ وَسِعَ رَبُّنَا كُلَّ شَىْءٍ عِلْمًا ۚ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ تَوَكَّلْنَا ۚ رَبَّنَا ٱفْتَحْ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَ قَوْمِنَا بِٱلْحَقِّ وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ ٱلْفَـٰتِحِينَ
We would have invented against Allāh a lie if we returned to your religion after Allāh had saved us from it. And it is not for us to return to it except that Allāh, our Lord, should will. Our Lord has encompassed all things in knowledge. Upon Allāh we have relied. Our Lord, decide between us and our people in truth, and You are the best of those who give decision."
ٱدْعُوا۟ رَبَّكُمْ تَضَرُّعًا وَخُفْيَةً ۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُعْتَدِينَ
Call upon your Lord in humility and privately; indeed, He does not like transgressors.
وَأُلْقِىَ ٱلسَّحَرَةُ سَـٰجِدِينَ
And the magicians fell down in prostration [to Allāh].
وَإِذْ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكَ لَيَبْعَثَنَّ عَلَيْهِمْ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ مَن يَسُومُهُمْ سُوٓءَ ٱلْعَذَابِ ۗ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ لَسَرِيعُ ٱلْعِقَابِ ۖ وَإِنَّهُۥ لَغَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ
And [mention] when your Lord declared that He would surely [continue to] send upon them until the Day of Resurrection those who would afflict them with the worst torment. Indeed, your Lord is swift in penalty; but indeed, He is Forgiving and Merciful.