Islamiyat · May / June 2025 · Paper 12 · Question 2

control of the created world: 2.21–22, 96.1–5, 99, and 114. Use the AO1 Levels of Response.

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

Sura 2.21–22. This passage mentions a number of blessings and comforts on earth that God provides for His creation. God created humanity and all previous generations. The earth itself is mentioned as a place of comfort from where people are able to build their homes and grow food for their sustenance.

God controls the heavens, which provide protection, sunshine and light: all different blessings in their own way. Rain brings a variety of blessings from drinking water to moisture for crops to grow, the biggest blessing being that water is a source of life in many ways. These blessings lead to more blessings in the form of a variety of fruit and vegetables that can be grown for nourishment and sustenance.

Sura 96.1–5. One of the blessings of this sura is that God gives life, through the clot of congealed blood, and creates humans from it.

The repeated reference to ‘your Lord’ indicates God’s complete control and authority over humans.

Knowledge is also one of the blessings mentioned in this sura, with the first revealed word being ‘Read’. Mentioning of ‘pen’ shows God bestowing upon humans the means of writing and recording knowledge, an important tool for learning. It could also be considered a reference to scriptures revealed for guidance of humanity.

This being the first revelation also gives the blessing of the Qur’an which is the guidance given for Muslims.

Sura 99. This sura acknowledges the blessings of God’s justice and recompense, the knowledge that God sees you and sees your actions and deeds even if others do not. It is a blessing for Muslims to know that God will reward them for their good deeds and hardships.

The imagery of a strong earthquake indicates God’s complete control over the created world, encompassing both creation and destruction.

God’s control of the created world allows for the earth, or other created things, to give their account of what has been done to them.

God’s ultimate authority and His power to judge is also depicted through human’s accountability before Him, extended to even the minutest actions.

Sura 114. The blessings in this sura are mainly related to God’s protection, that He has given these verses to protect people from others and from Shaytan’s harmful influence.

God emphasises His Lordship to show that He has control over those who cause mischief and so He is the best refuge from those who cause trouble.

In what ways can Muslims today show gratitude for the blessings God has given them in their lives?

Use the AO2 Levels of Response.

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

Some ways that Muslims can show gratitude are in different forms of worship that God has asked Muslims to do, whether it is Salah, dua, or reciting and learning the Qur’an. They can also give in charity to show that they are grateful for what they have and want to benefit those that have less than them.

Other ways Muslims may show gratitude is by writing down things that they are grateful for – many people now keep gratitude journals to remind themselves of the blessings that they have.

Muslims can also show gratitude is by being conscious of waste and trying to make as little negative impact as possible on the world. This may take the form of wasting less, looking after the environment, or beautifying their community.

Muslims may also choose to show gratitude for the world around them by engaging in environmentalism or conservation, thus showing gratitude for the world around them.