Does the verse, "Allah does not burden a soul beyond its scope," include worldly matters, and is it valid to use it as evidence for a person's ability to overcome worldly calamities?

Linguistically, taklif (obligation/imposition) means commanding something difficult. Terminologically, it refers to God Almighty’s address concerning the actions of those held accountable. The meaning of the verse: "Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity" is that Allah does not burden anyone beyond their ability, and this is out of His kindness and compassion. This abrogates the verse: "Whether you disclose what is in your minds or conceal it, Allah will call you to account for it." Thus, one is only punished for what one can prevent. As for what cannot be prevented, such as inner whisperings and self-talk, one is not held accountable for it.

The taklif in the verse refers to performing commands and avoiding prohibitions. Taklif is dropped when there is no ability, such as due to illness. As for trials and life's difficulties, the taklif in them is the obligation of patience, which means not being displeased with God's decrees and submitting to them. This is a psychological stance related to accepting what has occurred.

Patience never falls away. It is restraining oneself from what displeases Allah regarding what pleases Him. Patience regarding painful divine decrees involves three things: 1. Restraining the tongue from displeasure. 2. Restraining the limbs from doing what is impermissible at the time of calamity. 3. Restraining the heart from disliking what Allah has decreed.

People should not confuse patience with not feeling pain or sorrow. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said upon the death of his son Ibrahim: "Indeed, the eye sheds tears, and the heart grieves, but we say nothing except what pleases our Lord. And indeed, we are saddened by your departure, O Ibrahim."

Learning Chinese, for example, is not a religious obligation. If it is difficult for a person and they are unable to do it, the taklif here is patience regarding lack of success and not being displeased with God's decrees. And patience does not negate a person's pain over the loss of that opportunity. One is not obligated to continue striving in something that is not a religious obligation. These matters pertain to a person's self-management and priorities, and they have no relation to the obligations of the Sharia.