Islamiyat · May / June 2024 · Paper 11 · Question 2

Write about how God describes Himself using:

(i) Sura 6.101–103 (Al-An’am)

(ii) Sura 41.37 (Fussilat)

(iii) Sura 42.4–5 (Shura)

Use the AO1 Levels of Response.

Candidates should include some of the following points. All other relevant points must be credited.

God describes Himself in various passages in the Qur’an so that humans can know Him. Many of the passages have similar themes, especially about God’s Oneness, but often they will describe the themes in a particular way. Sura Al-An’am, 6.101–103 – through this passage God emphasises His Oneness, first by saying that He has no partner/spouse and then questioning how He can then have a son, and then in the next verse stating that there is no God but Him. God is stressing that He knows everything and that He is your Lord and not anyone else.

In this passage God also describes Himself as the Creator/Originator, saying He created everything from nothing. He is also the only one deserving of worship.

He also has all power, in this case to determine/decide the affairs of everyone.

He reminds humans that whilst no one can see Him nor comprehend Him, he sees everyone and everything and He is aware of everything that happens. Sura Fussilat, 41.37 – through this passage God tells humankind that He is the creator of everything, in this case He mentions the sun and the moon which follow an order and cycle due to His power.

It’s a strong message of tawhid, that no one should be worshipped other than Him, and particularly not the sun and the moon, even though humans can be in awe of them.

They are reflective of His ultimate power.

God describes himself as the creator and controller of the universe, hence commands humans to prostrate before Him.

Sura Shura, 42.4–5 – through this passage God tells humans that He is the one who is in control of everything because everything belongs to Him. He also emphasises His greatness/His glory, and this greatness is what almost causes the heavens to burst apart.

The angels, a creation of God, are in praise of Him and they also pray for the forgiveness of those on Earth. God is telling everyone that although He is the most high, forgiveness and mercy lie with Him and He is the most forgiving and the most merciful.

In your opinion, how can the knowledge God gives about Himself help Muslims in times of hardship?

Use the AO2 Levels of Response.

Candidates can give other examples and all relevant answers should be credited.

There are different ways the passages can help Muslims in times of hardship. When Muslims are going through hardships related to their sustenance, they can feel reassured by these passages that God has provided for them. Whatever He has created is for the benefit of humans, whether for their sustenance and survival or for their education and knowledge.

If anyone feels doubt about God then these passages could help them understand that God exists and He has created everything in order and He maintains it.

If people have been hurt or let down by others, these passages can help them understand that they do not have to look up to people who may disappoint them, but God will not disappoint as He tells humans He is the all-knowing and the most merciful.

Sometimes people make mistakes that worry them. These passages tell Muslims He forgives when mistakes are made and God often emphasises He is the most forgiving so humans should turn to Him.