Selected Passages from the Qur'an

Qur'an
📖

Passages for Special Study

God In Himself

(2:255) Surah Al Baqarah

Translation:

Allah. There is no god but He, the living, the self-subsisting, eternal. No slumber can seize Him nor sleep. His are all things in the heavens and on earth. Who is there can intercede in His presence except as He permits? He knows what is before or after or behind them. Nor shall they compass any of His knowledge except as He wills. His Throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them for He is the Most High, the Supreme.

Part (a): Themes

The main themes are: God in Himself and Tawhid, One God; that He is unlike creation; that His knowledge is infinite; that the Throne represents His power. Candidates will develop these themes in their own way, e.g.

  • Saying that He looks after all the Heavens and earth and no-one is needed to look after Him.
  • He doesn’t sleep nor get tired in what He does.
  • Humans only know what He allows them.
  • His throne is understood as His majesty, uniqueness, knowledge and having total power.
  • It emphasises how He is the only one who can make decisions about His creation, yet He is transcendent – completely independent from His creation.

Part (b): Importance of Themes

  • The importance of these themes is that these verses allow Muslims to learn and understand something about God in a way relevant to them.
  • The theme of God’s self-subsistence shows how certain attributes that affect humans do not affect Him, e.g. sleep which shows Muslims how superior He is.
  • He has the knowledge and power over all things hence Muslims do not disobey Him or sin even when alone.
  • It was said by the Prophet (pbuh) to be one of the best passages of the Qur’an, so Muslims might recite it daily for protection.
    • Candidates could say how they use ayat al-kursi in their lives and that it gives a sense of being under the protection of God.

(6:101-103) Surah Al-Ana'am

Translation:

101. To Him is due the primal origin of the heavens and the earth: how can He have a son when He has no consort? He created all things, and He has full knowledge of all things. 102. That is Allah, your Lord! there is no god but He, the Creator of all things: then worship Him: and He has power to dispose of all affairs. 103. No vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision: He is above all comprehensions, yet is acquainted with all things.

Part (a): Themes

The main theme is God in Himself; His power to originate; His omniscience and omnipotence; that people should turn to God and worship Him. Candidates will develop these themes in their own way, e.g.,

  • He is the only one who can create without a precedent.
  • God has no family.
  • He is an originator but He Himself does not have a beginning or an end and is not bound by any relations.
  • Although humans cannot understand Him, He understands everything in creation.
  • He is the one who has the power to help humans, and He hears and sees all that they do, nothing is hidden from Him therefore they should worship Him and pray to Him to reward their actions.

Part (b): Importance of Themes

  • These teachings emphasise the importance of tawhid for Muslims which is the most important belief.
  • Humankind is asked to worship Him as it says in this passage that only He can fulfil their needs, so Muslims should be careful to pray and fast, etc. to fulfil their obligation to Him, and turn to Him only.
  • He also sees and hears all that humankind does, so Muslims should keep this in mind in all that they do and say.
  • In a world where there are lots of distractions, these verses could remind Muslims that they should always remember their Creator as He is the ultimate authority over their affairs.

(41:37) Surah Fussilat

Translation:

37. Among His signs are the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. Adore not the sun and the moon, but adore Allah, who created them, if it is Him you wish to serve.

Part (a): Themes

The main themes are: God in Himself; God as Creator; God’s signs; Tawhid/Lord of mankind. Candidates will develop these themes in their own way, e.g.,

  • Saying God creates and controls everything, in this verse specifically the sun and the moon
  • The order and cycle of the sun and the moon are God's signs for humankind
  • The passage is also about the existence of God and also signs of His power so only He should be worshipped;
  • No-one is equal to Him;
  • It is a negation of paganism – the sun and moon are not to be worshipped.

Part (b): Importance of Themes

  • The importance of these verses is to strengthen belief by showing that created things are not permanent.
  • The importance is that it creates a strong link with God, so Muslims do not look up to anything/anyone else, famous people, money, etc, and they worship only Him. It stops them from committing shirk.
  • It shows Muslims how God guided His messengers, in this case Ibrahim. God's signs invite Muslims to observe their environment.
    • The humans are encouraged to ponder on and study His signs.
    • They should realise they need to look to one God for their answers, rather than looking to created things for guidance.
  • It creates awe and wonder to help get closer to Him, which strengthens their belief in tawhid.
  • It reminds humankind that He is the creator of all things.

(42:4-5) Surah Ash-Shuraa

Translation:

4. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth: and He is most high, most great. 5. The heavens are almost rent asunder from above them, and the angels celebrate the praises of their Lord, and pray for forgiveness for beings on earth: Behold! Verily Allah is He, the oft-forgiving, the most merciful.

Part (a): Themes

The main themes are that His Majesty and greatness is being confirmed; God is the Creator; forgiveness and guidance are given from God to humanity. Candidates will develop these themes in their own way, e.g.,

  • The heavens are almost torn apart due to His greatness above them or by committing shirk;
  • He is the owner of everything because He created it;
  • The angels pray for the guidance of humans on earth, as it is God who is the forgiving, the merciful.

Part (b): Importance of Themes

  • The importance here is that God tells humankind of His power and control over all things, so they should remember that they do not have any power in comparison.
  • God is merciful, even when Muslims have committed wrong actions, so Muslims have someone to turn to in times of need.
  • As God is merciful to humankind, they in turn should be grateful and also try to be forgiving of others, even if they have been hurt or injured.

(112) Surah Al-Ikhlas

Translation:

1. Say: He is Allah, the one and only; 2. Allah, the eternal, absolute; 3. He does not beget, nor is He begotten; 4. And there is none like Him.

Part (a): Themes

The main themes are: God as one: Tawhid; God being eternal; God being unique. Candidates will develop these themes in their own way, e.g.,

  • This is the main sura specifically revealed to describe Tawhid;
  • It describes how God is the only one deity and that He does not have a beginning nor end;
  • God is unlike anyone or anything in creation.
  • He has no partners or family, does not have anyone to share His authority nor any children;
  • It forms one of the suras of protection.

Part (b): Importance of Themes

  • The importance of stressing the Oneness of God is so that people do not take other people or created things as their Lord, so they should not replace God with things like famous people/saints, or place anyone or anything alongside Him.
  • It ensures they know that God does not have family, so they will avoid making the mistake of believing in God having children or a partner, or anyone to share in His authority.
  • It gives them clarity and allows them to develop a relationship with God.

God and His Creation

(99) Surah Zilzaal

Translation:

1. When the earth is shaken to her utmost convulsion, 2. And the earth throws up her burdens, 3. And man cries out: "What is the matter with her?" 4. On that day will she declare her tidings? 5. For that your Lord will have given her inspiration. 6. On that day will men proceed in companies sorted out, to be shown their deeds. 7. Then shall anyone who has done an atom's weight of good see it! 8. And anyone who has done an atom's weight of evil shall see it.

Part (a): Themes

The main theme is God’s relationship with the created world: God's Power; the Last Day; responsibility for actions; justice for all. Candidates will develop these themes in their own way, e.g.,

  • Saying the earth is shaken, destroying what He created – He has the power to give life/death. Everything will be destroyed.
  • God gives the earth a voice to say what has been done on her, from environmental abuse to neglect of resources.
  • People will be responsible for their actions on earth and given their accounts; God will give people their accounts, which will take them to Heaven/Hell
  • Human beings will be at a state of loss and confusion.
  • Humankind will be sorted out into groups and all their actions, however big or small, will be shown to them.

Part (b): Importance of Themes

  • These teachings tell humans that everyone will be judged on the Last Day.
  • The last Day creates a fear of accountability, reminding Muslims to stay on the straight path. Good deeds will be rewarded, encouraging Muslims to do good always, e.g. following the pillars, being honest and helping others.
  • It keeps them away from displeasurable things like lying, cheating, gossiping, not obeying God’s commandments, etc.
  • It helps Muslims understand the temporary nature of the world which stops them being distracted by worldly things, fashion or money, etc.
  • Muslims feel comforted by God's justice that no good deed will go unnoticed, or bad deed unpunished.
  • Candidates could also talk about how humankind will be shown all their deeds so should be careful about how they live their lives, e.g. it reminds them about their accountability.
  • They could also talk about the Earth’s relationship with humans and how humankind needs to look after the Earth.

(1) Surah Al-Fatihah

Translation:

1. In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful. 2. Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds; 3. Most Gracious, most Merciful; 4. Master of the day of judgment. 5. You we worship, and Your aid we seek. 6. Show us the straight way, 7. The way of those to whom You have given your Grace, not those who earn your anger, nor those who go astray

Part (a): Themes

The main themes are: God’s relationship with the created world; God is the Lord of creation; He gives guidance to humans; He is the Merciful; He is One; Praise is due to Him Alone. Candidates will develop these themes in their own way, e.g.,

  • God presides over judgment and controls the worlds.
  • God gives guidance to those who seek it.
  • This surah is used as a prayer.
  • God is merciful towards His creation.
  • He is the one to be turned to for guidance and help.
  • God is Master of all creation so only He is deserving of worship.

Part (b): Importance of Themes

  • This is recited in every prayer. 'No prayer is accepted without Fatiha'.
  • It is a conversation with God as He is the Creator, and God is replying to each verse. Through it humans communicate with God.
  • Muslims use this to ask for guidance (given in the Qur'an and sunna), for mercy and help, even outside the prayer.
  • Submitting to God brings humbleness into lives, and because Muslims are accountable to God they pray to be guided on the straight path.
  • Through the teachings of this sura, Muslims today gain confidence in God’s mercy and seek His guidance.
  • Fear of God’s accountability also forces Muslims to live their lives in accordance with God’s commands

(2:21-22) Surah Al-Baqarah

Translation:

21. O people! Adore your Guardian-Lord, who created you and those who came before you, so that you may have the chance to learn righteousness; 22. Who has made the earth your couch, and the heavens your canopy; and sent down rain from the heavens; and by it brought forth fruits for your sustenance; then do not set up rivals to Allah, when you know.

Part (a): Themes

The main themes are: God’s relationship with the created world and tawhid; God as Creator and Sustainer; being grateful to God. Candidates will develop these themes in their own way, e.g.,

  • This passage emphasises that God is the Creator of everything including what is for the benefit of humankind (guidance, fertile earth, shade and water from sky), so they should be grateful to God, and worship none other than Him.
  • God is also Sustainer of all living things as He has made all necessary provisions for them to survive.
  • As the creator, He is the most deserving of worship.
  • It also suggests that humankind should not commit the greatest sin of associating partners/rivals with God, for He is the only Creator and Sustainer.

Part (b): Importance of Themes

  • This passage represents the themes of God and His creation, and His oneness, through the natural world.
  • Candidates could talk about the words used to show how the natural world is a comfort for humankind, and so they should look after it.
  • God provides the world for humankind so humans should be responsible for looking after their environment, which can be done in many ways.
  • They could reflect upon the natural world and the benefits it holds for them.
  • Humans should acknowledge who their sustenance has come from as He is the only creator of everything.
  • Candidates could also talk about ways in which Muslims can be grateful to God.

(96:1-5) Surah Al-Alaq

Translation:

1. Read! in the name of your Lord, who created, 2. Created man out of a clot of congealed blood: 3. Proclaim! And your Lord is most bountiful, 4. He who taught by the pen, 5. Taught man what he did not know.

Part (a): Themes

The main themes are: God as Creator and Teacher; God as the Most Generous; the first revelation; importance of knowledge. Candidates will develop these themes in their own way, e.g.,

  • God as Creator is shown in this sura through the way humans were created from a clot;
  • God’s control of all things He has created, including humankind, and that He is the one who teaches humankind.
  • It describes mankind’s origins and God’s favours upon him.
    • He gives creation what they need, in this case, knowledge of God;
  • Importance of the first revelation is that it was the beginning of Islam and prophethood, and there’s an emphasis on seeking knowledge to learn about faith and God.

Part (b): Importance of Themes

  • Importance of this sura is that it allows humans to understand how God created them, and how He bestows knowledge upon them.
  • Seeking knowledge is encouraged and so humankind should try their best to learn throughout their lives, especially religious knowledge so they can get to know their Lord.
    • Each subject, RE, science, etc. has a value to it and can help humans get closer to God.
  • It also helps Muslims understand how prophethood and Islam started and they should reflect upon what God has sent down for them to help them live their lives.
    • So they should be grateful to God.
  • These themes are represented through the various words in this sura, but mainly Iqra.
    • Candidates could talk about this word and the way it is used to show God’s relationship with humans.
  • They could also talk about creation and the way God describes in this passage how He creates humankind and also how He teaches it (by the pen, by sending revealed scriptures).

(114) Surah An-Nas

Translation:

1. Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of mankind, 2. The King of mankind, 3. The God of Mankind, 4. From the mischief of the whisperer who withdraws, 5. Who whispers into the hearts of mankind, 6. Among jinns and among mankind.

Part (a): Themes

The main themes are: God as refuge; God as Lord; God as Protector. Candidates will develop these themes in their own way, e.g.,

  • God is all-powerful so He can help humans resist temptations which come from different sources.
    • Because nothing is greater than God, he can protect from the whisperings which prompt humans to do and think bad.
    • saying that only He can help in times of need, in this case from jinn and men. People should seek help only from Him;
  • He created everything so controls everything, even mischief makers.
  • It’s a warning of those who whisper evil/bad ideas to humans, and then disappear and leave them on their own;
    • God is a protector from these things;
  • It is one of the suras of protection.

Part (b): Importance of Themes

  • These teachings tell Muslims about God’s power which means He can protect against everything.
    • God is the King so it is Him who people should seek refuge with.
  • Through these verses Muslims get to know the kind of evils/mischief they have to be wary of.
    • This means they should be aware of what’s happening to them so they can recognise the signs of mischief.
  • His infinite power makes Him a refuge against the evils mentioned and this is one of the quls specifically recited for protection.
    • This is important for Muslims now who worry about things they think will harm them in their families or jobs, etc.
  • Praying and doing good deeds strengthens reliance on God.

God and His Messengers

(2:30-37) Surah Al-Baqarah

Translation:

30. Behold, your Lord said to the angels: „I will create a vicegerent on earth.‟ They said: "Will You place there one who will make mischief there and shed blood? whilst we celebrate your praises and glorify your holy (name)?‟ He said "I know what you do not know.‟ 31. And He taught Adam the names of all things; then He placed them before the angels, and said: "Tell me the names of these if you are right.‟ 32 They said: "Glory to You, of knowledge we have none, save what You have taught us: In truth, it is You who are perfect in knowledge and wisdom.‟ 33. He said: "Adam! Tell them their names.‟ When he had told them, Allah said: "Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of heaven and earth, and I know what you reveal and what you conceal?‟ 34. And behold, We said to the angels: "Bow down to Adam‟. And they bowed down. Not so Iblis: he refused and was haughty: he was of those who reject faith. 35. We said: "Adam! You and your wife dwell in the Garden; and eat of the bountiful things in it as You wish. But do not approach this tree, or you will run into harm and transgression.‟ 36. Then Satan made them slip from there, and got them out of what they had been in. We said: "Go down, with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling-place and your means of livelihood, for a time.‟ 37. Then Adam learnt from his Lord words of inspiration, and his Lord turned towards him; for He is often-returning, most merciful.

Part (a): Themes

The main themes is God’s messengers; His relationship and care of His prophets; God giving knowledge and status to whom He wishes. Candidates will develop these themes in their own way, e.g.,

  • Saying God created Adam, as well as everything else (angels, etc.), and granted him a high position, which suggests God values humans above angels.
  • God gives knowledge to who He wants, and He gives the special status of prophethood to whom He wishes.
  • When Satan misled Adam, God did not leave him or allow any obstacle to prevent Him from making Adam His representative on earth, in other words God looks after His prophets.

Part (b): Importance of Themes

  • The importance is that Adam was the first prophet of God, who was made His representative on earth.
  • This gives Muslims a sense of their connection to God as Adam is called the father of humankind and everyone is descended from him.
  • God showed Adam’s importance by making the angels bow to him and forgiving him when he disobeyed.
  • This should make humankind understand their status, they should seek forgiveness from God and worship Him.
  • It also shows God’s care and direct relationship with every individual encouraging them to rely on God and implore his assistance.

(6:75-79) Surah Al-Ana'am

Translation:

75. So also did We show Abraham the power and the laws of the heavens and the earth, so that he might have certainty. 76. When the night covered him over, he saw a star: He said: "This is my Lord." But when it set, he said: "I do not love things that set.‟ 77. When he saw the moon rising in splendour, he said: "This is my Lord.‟ But when the moon set, he said: "Unless my Lord guides me, I will surely be among those who go astray.‟ 78. When he saw the sun rising in splendour, he said: "This is my Lord; this is the greatest.‟ But when the sun set, he said: "O my people! I am indeed free from your giving partners to Allah.‟ 79. "For me, I have set my face firmly and truly towards Him who created the heavens and the earth, and never shall I give partners to Allah."

Part (a): Themes

The main themes are: God’s messengers, His signs in creation; God’s power, His Oneness, guidance given to prophets and His relationship with them. Candidates will develop these themes in their own way, e.g.,

  • God created the sun and the moon and other natural phenomenon, and He invites humanity to ponder over them, as did His prophets.
  • His power is shown through His ability to control the sun and the moon, and that the sign of His power is that He does not fade or die away, whilst things in creation do.
  • The passage also shows His relationship with His prophets, as Ibrahim was searching for God, and that He uses these signs to guide them.
  • God provides guidance to His prophets and through the prophets to Muslims
  • The main message given to all the prophets is Tawhid and all prophets share this with their people.
    • They strengthen belief in His Oneness.

Part (b): Importance of Themes

  • The importance is that it creates a strong link with God so Muslims do not look up to anything/anyone else, famous people, money, etc., and they worship only Him.
    • This verse strengthen belief by showing that created things are not permanent.
    • It stops them from committing shirk.
  • They should realise they need to look to one God for their answers, rather than looking to created things for guidance.
  • It shows Muslims how God guided His messengers, in this case Ibrahim and they also seek God’s guidance in their lives.
    • The prophets have asked God for guidance and so Muslims should take this guidance too.
  • Humans should use their minds to ponder upon God. God's signs invite Muslims to observe their environment. It creates awe and wonder to help get closer to Him. It reminds humankind that He is the creator of all things, and this realization helps them turn to Him in times of need.

(5:110) Surah Al-Ma'ida

Translation:

Then will Allah say: ‘Jesus son of Mary! Recount my favour to you and to your mother. Behold! I strengthened you with the holy spirit, so that you spoke to the people in childhood and in maturity. Behold! I taught you the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel. And behold! You make out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, by my leave, and you breathe into it and it becomes a bird by my leave, and you heal those born blind, and the lepers, by my leave. And behold! You bring forth the dead by my leave. And behold! I restrained the Children of Israel from you when you showed them the clear signs, and the unbelievers among them said: ‘This is nothing but evident magic.’

Part (a): Themes

The main theme is God’s messengers; that humans need God; that God gives signs to humankind; guidance offered to humans through prophets, help and assistance given to messengers. Candidates will develop these themes in their own way, e.g.,

  • saying that God gives help and guidance to His prophets, in this case Jesus got the holy spirit, the Book and the wisdom, the Law and the Gospel.
  • Prophets are humans but can perform miracles only with God’s permission, ‘by my leave’.
  • God gives humankind signs through prophets of His existence, which separates those who believe and those who don’t.
  • Messengers remain steadfast in the face of all opposition.

Part (b): Importance of Themes

  • These teachings reaffirm for Muslims the prophethood of Jesus and the power of God. Humans are capable of great feats, but it is God who gives permission, strength and assistance for these; moon landings, space travel, etc., hence we should not feel proud of our achievements.
  • Muslims should use these as signs of God’s grace and believe in His power to control everything and allow things to happen.
  • They should therefore remember Him often, by praying, supplicating or doing good deeds, etc. to ensure they are counted as believers.

(93) Surah Al-Dhuha

Translation:

1. By the glorious morning light, 2. And by the night when it is still, 3. Your Lord has not forsaken you, nor is he displeased. 4. And truly the Hereafter will be better for you than the present. 5. And soon your Lord will give you so that you will be pleased. 6. Did He not find you an orphan and give you shelter? 7. And He found you wandering, and He gave you guidance. 8. And He found you in need, and made you independent. 9. Therefore, do not treat the orphan with harshness, 10. Nor drive the beggar away; 11. But tell about the bounty of your Lord

Part (a): Themes

The main themes are, God as companion; He helps His prophets, in this case the Prophet Muhammad; teaches being grateful to God. Candidates will develop these themes in their own way, e.g.,

  • It is God who helps in need so when distressed, Muslims should turn to Him;
  • This sura is directed to the Prophet himself showing how God helped him, in this case with shelter, guidance and independence;
  • This sura gives message of being kind and helpful to others in need, like orphans and beggars, and realising that a person’s benefits all come from thanking God.
  • A person may think that God has deserted them, or He does not seem to be there, but He is always present and with them.

Part (b): Importance of Themes

  • These theme tell Muslims to be steadfast and strong when others mock them;
  • God gave blessings to the Prophet Muhammad, despite people saying that he had been forgotten by God.
    • Muslims should look at their own lives to see their blessings and not think they have been given nothing;
  • They should not constantly want more than what they have.
  • They should be grateful to God through prayers, giving charity and helping those less fortunate than themselves and they should make people aware of the ways in which God helps them.

(108) Surah Al-Kauthar

Translation:

1. To you have We granted abundance. 2. So pray to your Lord and sacrifice. 3. For he who hates you, he will be cut off.

Part (a): Themes

The main themes are: God’s mercy; God’s generosity; His relationship with the Prophet Muhammad. Candidates will develop these themes in their own way, e.g.,

  • saying in His mercy, God granted the Prophet success, and because of this the Prophet and all Muslims should continue to worship God even in times of difficulty.
  • God remains near to His prophets and to give hope to the Prophet.
  • It was also revealed as a consolation to the Prophet and foretold the destruction of his opponents.

Part (b): Importance of Themes

  • The teachings give an insight into how the relationship between God and the Prophet has lessons for Muslims.
  • Muslims today are that future generation of followers that was given to the Prophet, and so this sura gives hope to people in times of need.
  • Future hope is also given with the promise of the Kawthar in paradise.
  • God always intervenes in times of difficulty, so Muslims should always remember to look to Him for help and support, and not feel disheartened in times of difficulty, e.g. during illness or oppression.
  • Muslims should remain steadfast despite the difficulties or mockeries that they face.
  • Even prophets were tested and faced hardships but remained steadfast so Muslims should not despair of God’s mercy when facing hardships.

Comments

Post a Comment