لَّيْسَ عَلَى ٱلضُّعَفَآءِ وَلَا عَلَى ٱلْمَرْضَىٰ وَلَا عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَجِدُونَ مَا يُنفِقُونَ حَرَجٌ إِذَا نَصَحُوا۟ لِلَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ ۚ مَا عَلَى ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ مِن سَبِيلٍ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ 91
Translations
There is not upon the weak or upon the ill or upon those who do not find anything to spend any discomfort [i.e., guilt] when they are sincere to Allāh and His Messenger. There is not upon the doers of good any cause [for blame]. And Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.
Transliteration
Laysa 'ala ad-du'afa wa la 'ala al-marda wa la 'ala alladhina la yajiduna ma yunfiqun harajun idha nasahu lillahi wa rasulih. Ma 'ala al-muhsinin min sabil. Wa-Allahu ghafurun raheem.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah exempts the weak, the sick, and those who lack financial means from the obligation of Jihad (striving in the cause of Allah), provided their intention and sincerity toward Allah and His Messenger remain pure. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that Allah removes hardship (haraj) for those who cannot fulfill obligations due to legitimate impediments, while reaffirming that those who do good deeds (muhsinin) will face no blame or punishment. The ayah concludes with Allah's attributes of forgiveness and mercy, underscoring His compassion toward human limitations.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in the context of Surah At-Tawbah (Medinan), which addresses the obligation of Jihad and the reasons some believers were unable to participate in the Tabuk expedition. It reflects the practical Islamic principle of removing burden (taissir) from those facing genuine hardship, demonstrating Islam's flexibility in accommodating human weakness while maintaining moral accountability.
Related Hadiths
The principle is supported by the hadith: 'There is no sin upon the blind, nor upon the lame, nor upon the sick' (Sunan Abu Dawud 2548). Additionally, the hadith emphasizing intention: 'Actions are by intentions' (Sahih Bukhari 1) relates to the condition that sincere intention toward Allah remains intact despite inability to fulfill external obligations.
Themes
Key Lesson
Allah does not burden His servants beyond their capacity; sincere intention and effort within one's means are valued equally to those with greater ability. This teaches believers that spiritual worth is measured by sincerity and ihsan (excellence) rather than external circumstances alone.