Basic
Al-Baqarah
Surah: Al-Baqarah (286)
Allah Does Not Burden a Soul Beyond Its Capacity — End of Al-Baqarah
لَا يُكَلِّفُ ٱللَّهُ نَفۡسًا إِلَّا وُسۡعَهَا
— البقرة الآية 286
Verse: "Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity." (2:286)
Context: The last two verses of Al-Baqarah — the Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever recites the last two verses of Al-Baqarah at night, they will suffice him." (Bukhari & Muslim)
Reflection:
"Wus'a" (capacity) is less than maximum ability — Allah burdens you with less than your maximum. Ibn Ashur: "Wus' is what a person can manage without unbearable hardship." Every Islamic obligation is within what you can bear — if unable, there is a concession or alternative.
The supplication at the end of Al-Baqarah:
"Our Lord, do not hold us accountable if we forget or err... do not burden us with what we have no strength to bear..."
The Prophet ﷺ said: "When the servant says this, Allah says: I have done so." (Muslim)
Lesson: When an obligation feels heavy, know that Allah has determined you are capable. If you feel unable, ask Him for help — He who commanded the obligation is the same One who helps you fulfill it.
Context: The last two verses of Al-Baqarah — the Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever recites the last two verses of Al-Baqarah at night, they will suffice him." (Bukhari & Muslim)
Reflection:
"Wus'a" (capacity) is less than maximum ability — Allah burdens you with less than your maximum. Ibn Ashur: "Wus' is what a person can manage without unbearable hardship." Every Islamic obligation is within what you can bear — if unable, there is a concession or alternative.
The supplication at the end of Al-Baqarah:
"Our Lord, do not hold us accountable if we forget or err... do not burden us with what we have no strength to bear..."
The Prophet ﷺ said: "When the servant says this, Allah says: I have done so." (Muslim)
Lesson: When an obligation feels heavy, know that Allah has determined you are capable. If you feel unable, ask Him for help — He who commanded the obligation is the same One who helps you fulfill it.
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari (5010), Muslim (808); Ibn Kathir (1/731); Al-Sadi
Test Yourself
What is the difference between "wus'a" and "taqah" in "Allah does not burden a soul beyond its wus'a"?
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