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Surahs 11-15
1. Choose any two of the following passages from the Qur’an, and:
(a) briefly describe the main theme(s) in each passage. [4]
(b) briefly explain the importance of the themes in the daily living of Muslims. [4]
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(a) Main theme:[2 marks]
• These verses of surah Baqarah discuss the theme of Allah’s Messengers. God created Adam, as
well as everything else (angels, jinns etc.), and made him a vicegerent (khalifa), which suggests
God values humans above angels. He granted him a high position due to superior knowledge
which shows that God gives knowledge to whom he wants and he gives the special status of
prophethood to whom he wishes.
• Superiority of Adam was duly acknowledged by all angels except Iblis (Satan), a jinn, who showed
arrogance. Satan’s act of disobedience was a result of jealously.
• When Satan misled Adam, God did not leave him or allow any obstacle to prevent him from
making Adam His representative on earth, in other words God looks after His Prophets. Adam’s
forgiveness shows that God’s forgiveness and mercy extends to all.
He prayed, "Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves; so if You do not forgive us and have mercy
on us, then surely, we are of the losers." [Aa`raf 7:23]
(b) Importance : [2 marks]
• This passage gives Muslims a sense of their connection to God as Adam is called the father of
humankind and everyone is descended from him. It also strengthens belief in Prophets.
• God made the angels bow to Adam. This showed his elevated status amongst God’s creatures
and that of humanity in general.
• God granted forgiveness to Adam. This should make humankind believe in God’s mercy and
forgiveness and they should repent on their sins.
• It shows God’s care and direct relationship with every individual. • Makes one realise the
importance of knowledge and learning.
• It also teaches people to stay away from arrogance and pride and they should not look down on
others.
(a)Main theme: [2] marks
• These verses of surah Anaam discuss the theme of God’s Messengers. Hazrat Ibrahim understood
the concept of Oneness of God after observing stars, moon and the sun which shows that God
uses His signs to guide his prophets.
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• God’s power is shown through His ability to control the sun and the moon, and that the sign of His
power is that He does not fade or die away, whilst things in creation do.
• His Oneness is pointed to through these signs and His power and so these verses tell Muslims to
worship God alone. Ibrahim declared truth to his people and rejected polytheism (Shirk)“ How
should I fear (the beings) you associate with Allah when you fear not to give partners to Allah..”
(6:81)
(b)Importance in Muslims life : [2 marks]
• 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/anyone else, to help them in their lives and solve their
problems.
• It strengthen their belief by saying that created things i.e sun, moon, stars are not permanent
which protects them from committing shirk in their lives.
• It shows Muslims how God guided His messengers, in this case Ibrahim. Humans should use their
minds to ponder upon God and look up to God for guidance rather than looking to created things
for guidance.
• 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 at all times. He alone deserves worship through prayer, fasting etc.
(a)Main theme: [2marks]
• This verse of Surah Maidah of discusses the theme of God’s messengers. Hazrat Isa was human and a
Prophet and not begotten son of God. He was born to Maryam without a father and he spoke as an infant
and defended his mother. Quran says, “He shall speak to the people in childhood and in maturity.” [3:46]
• Jesus did great things but only with God’s permission, “by my leave”. God gives miracles to His prophets
to help them, in this case Hazrat Isa got the holy spirit, the Book and the wisdom ,the Law and the Gospel;
God gives humankind signs through prophets of His existence, which separates those who believe and
those who don’t.
• God provides protection to his chosen people as Hazrat Isa was protected from his enemies and raised
to heavens alive. Prophets face opposition and persecution as Hazrat Isa was rejected with claims of
magic.
(b) Importance in Muslims life : [2 marks]
• These teachings reaffirm Muslims the prophethood of Hazrat Isa (A.S) and the power of God.
• Humans are capable of great feats but it is God who gives permission for these; whether it is moon
landings, space travel etc.
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• The words “By My leave” are repeated with each miracle to emphasize that everything takes place
according to the will of God so we should look to Him for the fulfillment of our needs. It also
strengthens Muslim belief in all the messengers.
• Muslims should use these as signs of God’s grace, and believe in His power. They should therefore
remember Him often, by praying, supplicating or doing good deeds, etc. to ensure they are counted as
believers.
(a) Main theme: [2 marks]
• Surah Duha contains the theme God’s messengers. God gave reassurance to the Prophet (pbuh) that
He is always with him even when He seemed not to be. His assurance of this was proved by His past
actions of giving him shelter through Abu Talib, guidance through divine revelations and financial
independence through marriage with Khadija.
• A person may think that God has deserted them, or He doesn’t seem to be there, but He is always
present and with them through the hardships they endure, and He supports them.
• God reminds the Prophet (pbuh) of the worthlessness of worldly life and the eternal bounties awaiting
him in Akhirah [Hereafter]. Special instructions for good treatment of the needy and the orphans are
also given. Prophet (pbuh) is also asked to show gratitude and gratefulness to God for His favours.
Allah says, “And feed with food the needy, the orphan and the prisoner for the love of Him.” [76:8]
(b) Importance in Muslims life : [2 marks]
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• This Surah gives a message of hope and consolation. God gave blessings to the Prophet Muhammad,
despite people saying that he had been forgotten by God.
• Muslims today should also retain their faith in difficult times. Muslims should look at their lives to see
their blessings and not think they have been given nothing. It should motivate them to keep their trust
upon Allah in straitened circumstances and hold themselves wisely with patience
• They should not constantly want more than what they have, instead they should be grateful to God
through prayers and worship and make people aware of the ways in which God helps them.
• It gives message of being kind and helpful to others in need, like orphans and beggars etc.It also
strengthens belief in prophets which is an article of faith.
(a)Main Theme: [2 marks]
• Surah Kauthar presents the theme of God’s messengers. It was revealed when Abu Lahab called
him “Abtar” (cut off) which meant that his message would be lost after his death.
• God gave reassurance to the Prophet (pbuh) of his help and gave glad tidings of abundance of
favors in this world as well as in the hereafter. It is interpreted as a river in heaven, , his spiritual
progeny (Muslims) and his daughter Fatima.
• Prophet (pbuh) in particular, and Muslims in general, are instructed to remain loyal to his faith by
establishing regular prayer, by making sacrifice and displaying determination and good character
and reminded him that “rejected were the messengers before you; with patience and constancy
they bore their rejection” (6:34).
• It also tells us of God’s wrath for Prophet’s enemies and foretold about their destruction specially
Abu Lahab.
(b) Importance in Muslims life : [2 marks]
• The teachings give an insight into the relationship between God and the Prophet (pbuh) has
lessons for Muslims. Muslims today are that future generation of followers that was given to the
Prophet (pbuh), and so this sura gives them hope in times of need and teaches them to have faith
in God’s support in difficulties. Future hope is also given with the promise of the Kawthar in
paradise.
• God always intervenes when one is in difficulty, so Muslims should look to Him for help and
support and not feel disheartened in times of difficulty, e.g. during illness or oppression.
• Muslims should remain steadfast despite the difficulties or mockeries that they face and be
grateful for what He has given them, remembering that real rewards are in the life hereafter
therefore, justice should be left to God.
• Muslims are also taught that they must love, respect and obey the Prophet (P.B.U.H) as Allah also
loved him and this will ensure their entrance in paradise.
