How do we understand the verse "Allah does not burden a soul beyond its scope" alongside the plea "Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we have no ability to bear," and is the supplication "Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we have no ability to bear" considered a mere formality?

Scholars have mentioned several interpretations regarding the placement of the verse: "Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we have no ability to bear" (Quran 2:286) after the verse: "Allah does not burden a soul beyond its scope" (Quran 2:286):

1. The first statement is a supplication from the believers and a praise of Allah, connected to their saying: "We hear and we obey." It is a request for the fulfillment of what the Messenger (peace be upon him) informed them, and it indicates their humble entreaty to Allah by mentioning the Greatest Name. 2. The first statement was revealed specifically concerning accountability for self-talk and whispers, while the second statement is a supplication that encompasses all general legal obligations. It is also possible that this is from Allah's saying, as a reward for their obedience. 3. Allah taught them this supplication to be a means of attaining blessings and increasing ease. The more they utter this supplication, the more abundant the blessings become and the more complete their well-being, as authentically established in Sahih (definition) Muslim that Allah answered their supplication: "I have done so." 4. The supplication is not limited to legal obligations but also includes afflictions, various punishments, or obligations that human capacity cannot fulfill. 5. The purposes of supplication are not restricted to gaining what is lost but also include the sustenance of what exists and praising Allah for attaining what is sought.

It is narrated from Ibn Abbas that he interpreted "Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we have no ability to bear" as referring to something detested.