مَنْ عَمِلَ سَيِّئَةً فَلَا يُجْزَىٰٓ إِلَّا مِثْلَهَا ۖ وَمَنْ عَمِلَ صَـٰلِحًا مِّن ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنثَىٰ وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ يَدْخُلُونَ ٱلْجَنَّةَ يُرْزَقُونَ فِيهَا بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ 40
Translations
Whoever does an evil deed will not be recompensed except by the like thereof; but whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer - those will enter Paradise, being given provision therein without account.
Transliteration
Man amila sayyiah fala yujza illa mithlaha wa man amila salihan min dhakarin aw untha wa huwa mu'minun fa-ula'ika yadkhulun al-jannata yurzaqun fiha bighayri hisab
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah establishes the divine justice in recompense: whoever commits an evil deed receives punishment equal to it, while whoever performs righteous deeds—whether male or female—with genuine faith (iman) shall enter Paradise and receive provision without measure or limitation. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that the phrase 'bighayri hisab' (without reckoning) indicates the boundless generosity and abundance of Paradise's rewards, far exceeding any earthly calculation. Al-Qurtubi notes that the explicit mention of both male and female emphasizes Islam's principle of equal moral accountability and reward regardless of gender.
Revelation Context
Revealed in Mecca during the Meccan period, this ayah is part of Surah Ghafir's broader theme of divine mercy and justice. It comes in a context addressing both believers and disbelievers about the ultimate accountability on the Day of Judgment, encouraging believers with promises of reward while warning against sin.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' (Tirmidhi 3895), reflecting the righteousness mentioned in this ayah. Also related: 'Actions are by intentions' (Sahih Bukhari 1), emphasizing that true righteous deeds must be accompanied by genuine faith (iman).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that righteousness combined with sincere faith brings immeasurable reward in the afterlife, while encouraging both men and women that their good deeds are equally valued by Allah. In modern context, it reminds believers that ethical conduct rooted in genuine belief yields spiritual abundance far beyond worldly measure.