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
حَقِيقٌ عَلَىٰٓ أَن لَّآ أَقُولَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ إِلَّا ٱلْحَقَّ ۚ قَدْ جِئْتُكُم بِبَيِّنَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ فَأَرْسِلْ مَعِىَ بَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ
[Who is] obligated not to say about Allāh except the truth. I have come to you with clear evidence from your Lord, so send with me the Children of Israel."
وَلَوْ أَنَّ أَهْلَ ٱلْقُرَىٰٓ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَٱتَّقَوْا۟ لَفَتَحْنَا عَلَيْهِم بَرَكَـٰتٍ مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَلَـٰكِن كَذَّبُوا۟ فَأَخَذْنَـٰهُم بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَكْسِبُونَ
And if only the people of the cities had believed and feared Allāh, We would have opened [i.e., bestowed] upon them blessings from the heaven and the earth; but they denied [the messengers], so We seized them for what they were earning.
۞ قَالَ ٱلْمَلَأُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسْتَكْبَرُوا۟ مِن قَوْمِهِۦ لَنُخْرِجَنَّكَ يَـٰشُعَيْبُ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ مَعَكَ مِن قَرْيَتِنَآ أَوْ لَتَعُودُنَّ فِى مِلَّتِنَا ۚ قَالَ أَوَلَوْ كُنَّا كَـٰرِهِينَ
Said the eminent ones who were arrogant among his people, "We will surely evict you, O Shuʿayb, and those who have believed with you from our city, or you must return to our religion." He said, "Even if we were unwilling?
ٱتَّبِعُوا۟ مَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكُم مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا۟ مِن دُونِهِۦٓ أَوْلِيَآءَ ۗ قَلِيلًا مَّا تَذَكَّرُونَ
Follow, [O mankind], what has been revealed to you from your Lord and do not follow other than Him any allies. Little do you remember.