Beyond-Capacity Directives (Takleef-e-maala yataaq):

The Almighty never gives a directive to human beings in the shariah revealed by Him which is beyond their capacity. In all that emanates from God for human beings, it is always made sure that they are not burdened beyond what they can bear and whatever directive be given is given keeping in view human capacity and capability. Consequently, a person will not be held liable for sins done out of forgetfulness or misunderstanding or done inadvertently, and God’s only requirement of man is that he should follow His directives in both form and spirit with full veracity and honesty. Verses such as لاَ يُكَلِّفُ اللّهُ نَفْسًا إِلاَّ وُسْعَهَا (٢: ٢٨٦) (God does not burden a person beyond his capacity (2:286)) and other similar ones mention this very practice of God. However, this does not mean that if people adopt a rebellious behaviour, then too the Almighty does not burden them beyond their capacity. It is evident from the Quran that for reprimand and training[1] or for punishment[2] or to show them the consequences of their evil deeds[3] or to make them aware of their helplessness against the power of God[4] people are certainly burdened beyond their means.

(Javed Ahmed Ghamidi)

(Translated by Dr. Shehzad Saleem)

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[1] In the verse (2:286) just quoted, subsequent words are: “Lord do not lay on us a burden such as You Laid on those before us.”

[2] This is a very common subject of the Quran and can be seen at various places.

[3] The Quran, 68:42; 4:100.

[4] The Quran, 2:24.