Surah Al Isra Tafseer

قُلْ كُلٌّ يَعْمَلُ عَلَى شَاكِلَتِهِ

Say:"Each one does according to Shakilatihi..."

Ibn `Abbas said,

"According to his inclinations."

Mujahid said,

"According to his inclinations and his nature."

Qatadah said,

"According to his intentions."

Ibn Zayd said,

"According to his religion."

All these suggestions are close in meaning.

This Ayah - and Allah knows best - is a threat and a warning to the idolators, like the Ayah:

وَقُل لِّلَّذِينَ لَا يُوْمِنُونَ اعْمَلُواْ عَلَى مَكَانَتِكُمْ

And say to those who do not believe:"Act according to your ability and way." (11:121)

So Allah says:

قُلْ كُلٌّ يَعْمَلُ عَلَى شَاكِلَتِهِ فَرَبُّكُمْ أَعْلَمُ بِمَنْ هُوَ أَهْدَى سَبِيلً

Say:"Each one does according to Shakilatihi, and your Lord knows best of him whose path is right."

meaning either us or you. Everyone will be rewarded in accordance with his deeds, for nothing whatsoever is hidden from Allah