Islamiyat · May / June 2023 · Paper 12 · Question 1

0493

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Choose any two of the following passages from the Qur’an.

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1(a)[4]
Briefly describe the main theme or themes in each chosen passage. Mark according to the marking grid for AO1 – Knowledge on page 4. Answers may include some of the following ideas, but all valid material must be credited.
Sura 41.37 (Allah in Himself)
The main themes are:
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 of His power.
As the Creator only He should be worshipped (tawhid).
It is a negation of paganism – the sun and moon are not to be worshipped.
Sura 42.4–5 (Allah in Himself)
The main themes are:
God is the owner of everything because He created everything.
His greatness is such that it has the power to tear the heavens apart.
The angels praise God and pray for forgiveness of humans on earth as part of their duties.
Humans are reliant on God’s mercy as He is the most forgiving, the most merciful.
Sura 6.75–79 (Allah’s messengers)
The main themes are:
God’s power is shown through His ability to control the sun and the moon,
His signs are in creation, and 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.
Ibrahim, like all other prophets believed in and professed tawhid.
His Oneness is pointed to through these signs and His power and so these verses tell Muslims to worship God alone.
1(b)[4]
Briefly explain the importance of these themes in a Muslim’s life today. Mark according to the marking grid for AO2 – Understanding on page 5. Answers may include some of the following ideas, but all valid material must be credited.
Sura 41.37
The importance of these verses is that believers should acknowledge and reflect on the fact that created things are not permanent.
They should realise they need to look to one God for their answers, rather than looking to created things for guidance.
They should ponder on His signs, the perfection of His creations and nature in order to strengthen their faith.
Sura 42.4–5
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.
Humans should not despair of Him or give up on His mercy – even if they have sinned, they should turn back to Him and He will forgive.
The obedience of angels to God can encourage humans to be obedient to God too.
Sura 6.75–79
The importance is that it creates a strong link with God and strengthens belief in His Oneness, so Muslims should not look up to anything or anyone else, to help them in their lives and solve their problems.
It shows Muslims how God guided His messengers, in this case Ibrahim. 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 realisation helps them turn to Him only in times of need.

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