Assistant Professor, Department of Maaref, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Kurdistan University, Sanandaj, Iran.
10.22034/mfu.2025.142995.1522
Abstract
The views of theologians and jurists regarding the permissibility of the rule of taklīf mā lā yutāq (task beyond capacity) on the part of God—as well as the possibility or impossibility and moral evaluation (good or evil) of such obligation—have long been subjects of scholarly debate. Those who argue for its impossibility or ethical inadmissibility not only rely on rational arguments but also cite several scriptural evidences from the holy Qur'an, among which the well-known phrase "Lā yukallifu Allāhu nafsan illā wusʿahā" (“God does not burden any soul beyond its capacity”) in the end of Sūrat al-Baqara stands out. This verse serves as one of the fundamental bases for analyzing the issue. Furthermore, disagreement over the meaning of the word wusʿ and the scope of its scope in the interpretation of this verse holds particular significance. This study aims to examine the status of the rule of taklīf mā lā yutāq in terms of its feasibility, impossibility, and moral valuation, as well as its implications for legal reasoning. Through a descriptive-analytical method and by exploring the views of jurists and exegetes, the research clarifies the concept and scope of wusʿ. In addition to elaborating on the various dimensions of the rule, this study undertakes a comparative analysis of differing perspectives and extracts more precise conclusions regarding the impact of this principle on a deeper understanding of the foundations of divine legislation and justice. It concludes that the semantic scope of wusʿ is comprehensive, encompassing all physical, mental, intellectual, and social human capacities, and that attributing obligation beyond capacity to God is unfounded.
salahshoor, A. (2025). Semantic Analysis of the Word "Wusʿ" in the Holy Qur'an and Its Impact on the Theological Commentary of the Rule of "Task Beyond Capacity". Comparative Studies on the Schools of
Jurisprudence and its Principles, 8(1), -. doi: 10.22034/mfu.2025.142995.1522
MLA
salahshoor, A. . "Semantic Analysis of the Word "Wusʿ" in the Holy Qur'an and Its Impact on the Theological Commentary of the Rule of "Task Beyond Capacity"", Comparative Studies on the Schools of
Jurisprudence and its Principles, 8, 1, 2025, -. doi: 10.22034/mfu.2025.142995.1522
HARVARD
salahshoor, A. (2025). 'Semantic Analysis of the Word "Wusʿ" in the Holy Qur'an and Its Impact on the Theological Commentary of the Rule of "Task Beyond Capacity"', Comparative Studies on the Schools of
Jurisprudence and its Principles, 8(1), pp. -. doi: 10.22034/mfu.2025.142995.1522
CHICAGO
A. salahshoor, "Semantic Analysis of the Word "Wusʿ" in the Holy Qur'an and Its Impact on the Theological Commentary of the Rule of "Task Beyond Capacity"," Comparative Studies on the Schools of
Jurisprudence and its Principles, 8 1 (2025): -, doi: 10.22034/mfu.2025.142995.1522
VANCOUVER
salahshoor, A. Semantic Analysis of the Word "Wusʿ" in the Holy Qur'an and Its Impact on the Theological Commentary of the Rule of "Task Beyond Capacity". Comparative Studies on the Schools of
Jurisprudence and its Principles, 2025; 8(1): -. doi: 10.22034/mfu.2025.142995.1522
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