Islamiyat · Oct / Nov 2016 · Paper 12 · Question 1

What are the main teachings? (1)

Sura 112 The main themes are: God as one: tawhid;

God being eternal;

God being unique;

the attributes of God. Candidates will develop these themes in their own way, e.g., by saying this is the main sura relating to tawhid, although there are others. This one was specifically revealed to describe tawhid;

it describes how God is the only One god and that He does not have a beginning nor end;

God is unlike anyone or anything in creation. He has no partners or family;

it reinforces the first pillar/shahada. (2)

Sura 114 The main themes are: God as refuge;

God as Lord;

God as Protector. Candidates will develop these themes in their own way, e.g., saying that only He can help in times of need, in this case from jinn and men. 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. (3)

Sura 99 The main themes are: 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. These are examples candidates can write about, they should be credited for other, relevant answers. Candidates should show how the theme(s) they choose is distinctive in that passage. The best answers will have a few themes with development.

The importance of these themes. (1)

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 should not replace God with things like famous people/saints or the sun or moon. It is the antithesis to shirk. 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. It represents one third of the Qur’an so reciting it gives greater rewards. (2)

Sura 114 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. Praying and doing good deeds strengthens reliance on God. Reciting this sura with the other ‘qul’s’ is a source of protection. God is the King so it is Him who people should seek refuge with. (3)

Sura 99 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 at all times, e.g. praying, being honest and helping others. It keeps them away from displeasurable things like lying, cheating, gossiping, not fasting 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 can mention other points with examples or personalising passages to their own/Muslims’ lives, could take them higher up the levels.