Man cannot perform optimally if he is given responsibilities beyond his capability and ability. And if this is done, several outcomes are possible, depending on the context, his response, and the support available. Likewise Allah has established people’s duties as He knows their inclinations and abilities. He will hold them to account on the basis of what they do within their ability. He neither charges them with what they cannot bear, nor dismisses any little thing they do. All their deeds are documented in a ‘record that speaks the truth,’ highlighting it in its full value. Needless to say, God is precise in His reckoning.
This is the theme of the 62nd ayat / verse of Sürah 23. Surah Al Muminoon, being shared herein under. However, this is not the only one such verse as at many other places, Allah reminds and reassures man that they are never overburdened and will always be laded as per their abilities and capabilities.
The Verse
وَلَا نُكَلِّفُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا وَلَدَيْنَا كِتَابٌ يَنطِقُ بِٱلْحَقِّ وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُونَ
“We do not burden any soul beyond its capacity. And with Us is a Record that speaks the truth; and they will not be wronged.” (23:62)
Context in Surah Al-Mu’minun
This verse appears in a passage (23:57–67) describing:
- The qualities of sincere believers (fear of Allah, humility, charity, hope in the Hereafter).
- The justice of Allah in holding people accountable.
- Here, Allah reassures that:
- His commands are within human ability.
- His judgment is based on an accurate record of every deed.
- No one will be treated unjustly.
It serves as a contrast to the arrogant rejecters mentioned later in the passage, who refuse the truth despite being capable of following it.
Phrase-by-Phrase Explanation
"We do not burden any soul beyond its capacity"
- Allah’s laws, obligations, and tests are always within a person’s ability.
- This applies to acts of worship, moral duties, and life’s trials.
- What is truly impossible for someone is not required of them.
- Cross-reference: 2:286 – “Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear…”
"We have a Book with Us that speaks the truth"
- Refers to the Preserved Record (al-Lawh al-Mahfuz) and also the Book of Deeds for each individual.
- “Speaks the truth” means the record will present events exactly as they happened — no additions, no omissions.
- Cross-reference: 18:49 – “The Book will be placed, and you will see the criminals fearful of what is in it…”
"They will not be wronged"
- No one will be punished for what they did not do.
- Rewards will be given in full; punishments will be just.
- Cross-reference: 4:40 – “Indeed, Allah does not do injustice, [even] as much as an atom’s weight…”
Related Hadith
- Ease in Religion
- Prophet ﷺ said: “This religion is easy, and no one makes it difficult except that it will overpower him. So, be moderate, do your best…” (Sahih al-Bukhari 39)
- Confirms that obligations are within capacity.
- Excuse for Inability
- Prophet ﷺ said: “If I command you to do something, do as much of it as you can; and if I forbid you from something, then avoid it completely.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 7288, Sahih Muslim 1337)
- That is Allah’s commands are tied to ability.
- Precise Accountability: Prophet ﷺ described the Day of Judgment: “The scrolls will be laid open… nothing will be left out, small or great, except that it is recorded.” (Ahmad, authentic)
Core Lessons
- Divine Justice — Allah never demands the impossible from anyone.
- Personal Responsibility — Everyone is judged according to their capacity, knowledge, and opportunities.
- Accountability is Accurate — No misrepresentation; every deed is recorded as it truly was.
- No Oppression — On Judgment Day, there will be no unfairness — only truth and justice.
Relevance Today
- This verse encourages hope — whatever Allah asks of you, you can do it.
- It also teaches self-awareness — obligations are proportional to your means, but excuses cannot be fabricated for negligence.
- For those overwhelmed by life’s trials, this is reassurance that Allah knows your limits.
- For those complacent, it’s a reminder that since Allah’s commands are within your capacity,
Al Qur'an warns, instructs and guides in very easy to understand ayat / verses. These ayat can be interpreted by man even of marginal intelligence. Yet in some countries, the pseudo scholars and imams who ask their followers from not learning Qur'an on their own and be always dependent on them so that their institution is not threatened. Let us then do our best to read Al Qur'an and try to understand on our own. A little effort can unfold the doors to Divine guidance for us.
You may refer to more Selected Verses from Sūrah 23. Al-Mu’minūn “The Believers” already published.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
You may also refer to our exclusive reference page: Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.
For more Selected Subjects, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects and our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. .
An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.
In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
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