Islamiyat · May / June 2020 · Paper 12 · Question 1

0493

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Choose any two of the following passages from the Qur’an, and:

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1(a)[4]
briefly describe the main theme(s) in each passage
Sura 6.101–103
The main themes are God’s power; His knowledge of everything; 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 to control the heavens and the earth. Everything originates with Him.
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, therefore they should worship Him and pray to Him to reward their actions.
Sura 41.37
The main themes are: 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.
They are 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.
Sura 112
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.,
by saying 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.
Themes may be the same for some suras, but they will be expressed differently highlighting the specific or unique aspect discussed in a particular passage.
A reference to the background of the sura can help distinguish one sura from another but should not be the main body of the answer.
Answers have to be qualified to get higher marks – candidates have to expand on the themes.
1(b)[4]
briefly explain the importance of these themes in a Muslim’s life today. Sura 6.101–103
These teachings emphasise the importance of tawhid for Muslims and his uniqueness.
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, this sura could remind Muslims that they should always remember their Creator as He is the ultimate authority over their affairs. Sura 41.37
The importance of these verses is to strengthen belief by showing that created things are not permanent.
The prophets have asked God for guidance and so Muslims should take this guidance too.
They should realise they need to look to one God for their answers, rather than looking to created things for guidance, and also ponder on His signs. Sura 112
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.

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