نُكَلِّفُ

2:234,287; 6:153; 7:43; 23:63.

Commentary:

The parenthetical clause, We task not any soul beyond its capacity, contradicts the Christian dogma that sin being ingrained in human nature, it is beyond the power of man to get rid of it, and that this natural disability of man is remedied only by belief in the atonement of Jesus. The word 'task' shows that by 'good works' are meant such good works as are in the power of man to do.

4:11; 17:35.

17:36; 26:182-183; 55:10.

2:287; 7:43.

5:2; 16:92; 17:35.

Commentary:

Next to the injunction to protect the lives of our brethren (see preceding verse) comes the injunction to protect their property. Of those the Quran takes first those who cannot take care of their own property, viz. orphans. The verse says:And approach not the property of the orphan, except in a way which is best. In these words we are bidden to take due care of the property of those whose parents are dead and who are too young to take care of their property. We are to act as trustees for their property and we are strongly forbidden to misappropriate it. The injunction not to "approach" the property, however, does not mean that we should not even make such use of their property as may be to the advantage of the orphans themselves, e.g. investing it in some profitable business which may bring gain to our wards. The Quran allows such profitable investment by saying, except in a way which is best. Again by using the words, till he attains his maturity, the Quran reminds us that we are to be the custodians of the property of orphans not for a month or a year, but until the time when they are old enough to take charge of it and look after their own affairs.

Next to orphans come those of our brethren who, though able to take care of their property, may sometimes become the dupes of others. So the next injunction is of general application and is to the effect: And give full measure and weight with equity. In these words we are bidden not to cheat or defraud others of their property in any way, even if the other party is not intelligent or watchful enough to look after his or her interests.

After the injunctions pertaining to the protecting of property, comes the injunction to guard our tongues. Says the Quran: And when you speak, observe justice even if a relation be concerned. This signifies that when we are called upon to bear witness, we should speak the truth, even if our testimony may prove harmful to one near and dear to us. On the other hand, we should not unjustly harm our relations either. We must be true to them also, for they too are our brethren and come under the general injunction.

After the injunction to guard the tongue comes the injunction to guard the heart. Says the verse, and fulfil the covenant of Allah. Obviously this injunction pertains to the heart, for whereas the previous injunctions pertained to the covenant with men, the present one relates to the covenant with God.

It should also be noted that the injunctions contained in 6:152 pertained to outward evils, hence they were followed by the words, that you may understand, i.e. if you will act upon these injunctions, your power of understanding will be strengthened. But the injunction contained in the latter portion of the present verse pertains to the heart; it has, therefore, been aptly followed by the words, that you may remember.

7:43.

17:14-15; 45:30; 69:20.

Important Words:

حق means, a truth; an established fact or truth which is undeniable; a thing that is decreed or destined; a right, equity and justice; a thing suitable to the requirements of justice, wisdom; etc. (Aqrab & Lane). See also 2:43, 148, 181; 3:4; 7:106. According to Imam Raghib the word الحق is also used in the sense of making the Shari‘ah complete and perfect. It is in this sense that it has been used in the verse, "He it is Who has sent His Messenger with the guidance and the Religion of Truth (دین الحق) that He may cause it to prevail over all religions (61:10).

Commentary:

In the preceding verse the believers were urged to excel one another in doing good deeds. The present verse tells us that the laws which God has laid down in the Quran for the moral and spiritual development of man are such as are within his power and capacity to act upon. They are suited to all conditions, circumstances, temperaments and dispositions. Thus the Shari‘ah is not a curse but a great blessing for man. Yet it is not given to every individual to act upon all its laws fully and completely. He is expected to live up to his ideals to the best of his power and he will only be called upon to account for the actions or deeds which were within his power to do or avoid, and all the conditions and circumstances under which he had to labour and toil will also be taken into consideration by God when measuring the worth of his actions and rewarding him. This supreme truth is pointed out in the Quranic words: الوزن یومئذ الحق, "And the weighing on that day will be true” (7:9).

The word کتاب (Book) in the clause کتاب ینطق بالحق, according to some commentators of the Quran signifies the record of man’s deeds and actions referred to in 50:19 or to "the guarded tablet" mentioned in 85:23, but in view of the meaning of the word حق as given by Raghib under "Important Words" above the expression "and with Us is a Book that speaks truth," may also signify (1) that the teaching embodied in the Quran is based on wisdom and is suited to all conditions, and circumstances, and to men of different temperaments and dispositions and is in agreement with the requirements of justice, equity and wisdom, and (2) that it is the last revealed Law for the whole of mankind and therefore can quite legitimately claim to enjoy superiority over all other Divine Books.