Allah in Himself

Surah Fussilat (41:37)

Among signs are the night and the day, the sun and the moon. Adore not the sun and the moon, butadore Allah,
who created them, if it is Him you wish to serve.

Part ‘a’ References Part ‘b’ Examples

• Creates a strong link with God so Muslims do not
 Quran says: “Be hold; In the creations of the look up to anything or anyone else.
Heaven & earth; in the alteration of day & night • Muslims must rely on Allah rather than worrying
are signs for those who are wise”. (Al Baqarah about their future etc. as He Allah is controller
2:164) • Muslims must refrain from committing Shirk and
understand His Omnipotence
 “We have made the Night & the Day as two (of our) • This surah invites to ponder over marvel of nature
Signs: the Sign of the Night have We obscured and study Allah’s signs
while the Sign of the Day We have made to Historical Example:
enlighten you”. (Al-Isra 17:12) • Ibrahim (AS) pondered over the signs of universe
and Allah guided him through it
 Quran says: “He has made subject to you the Night
& the Day; the Sun & the Moon; and stars are in
subjection by His command: verily in this aresigns
for men who are wise.” (Al Nahl 16:12)

 “It is not permitted to the Sun to catch up the

Moon nor can the Night outstrip the Day: each
(just) swims along in (its own) orbit (according
to law).” (Al Yaseen)
 Part-a: briefly describe the main theme(s) in each Passage.
Introduction:
The meaning of Fussilat is “Explained with detail”. It falls in the category of Allah’s Relationship with Himself.
The type of this surah is Makki. There are total 54 verses in this surah.

Theme of Surah:

The main themes are: God as a creator, God’s signs, Lord of mankind
In this Surah, cosmic signs of the universe are referred to as the great signs of Allah’s Lordship and
Authority. God creates and controls everything, in this verse specifically the sun and the moon. Both of
these powerful objects are helpless and can’t operate on their own.

The order and cycle of the sun and the moon are God's signs for humankind. They are signs of His
power and are moving according to the law of Almighty Allah so only He is worthy to be worshipped; no
one is equal to Him.

It is a negation of paganism – the sun and moon are not to be worshipped. Instead by pondering over
them, one can understand the reality of Allah’s Greatness and creative Power and be close to Him.
 Surah Fussilat (41:37)
Part-b: briefly explain the importance of these themes in a Muslims life today.

Importance and Impact of these Themes in Muslims Life

Sun and moon are created for benefit of mankind and the cycle of the night and day is used to
calculate days, weeks, months and years in the calendar. Hence, these objects aren’t created
with the purpose to be worshipped.

It can be learned from the theme of the passage that created things are not permanent. These
verses strengthen belief of a person when he ponders over the nature and how perfectly it is
fashioned by the Almighty Allah.

This surah invites a man to ponder over the laws of nature and create a strong link with God.
Just like Ibrahim (AS) confirmed the truth after observing the celestial bodies. Prophets have
asked God for guidance and so Muslims should take this guidance too. They should realize they
need to look to one God for their answers, rather than looking to created things for guidance.
The humans are encouraged to ponder on and study His signs.

Muslims must mould their lives as per the instructions of God just like the other creations of
Allah so Muslims do not look up to anything or anyone else like celebrities, fame or money to
live their life.

These are not the only points candidates can mention, and personalizing the passages to
their own or Muslims’ lives, or giving thoughtful answers with examples, could take them
higher up the levels.
 Surah Al-Maidah (5:110)
Then will Allah say: ‘Jesus’ son of Mary! Recount my favour to you and to your mother. Behold! I
supported you with the holy spirit, so that you spoke to the people in childhood and in maturity.
Behold! I taught you the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel. And behold! You make out of
clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, by my leave, and you breathe into it and it becomes a bird by my
leave, and you heal those born blind, and the lepers, by my leave. And behold! You bring forth the
dead by my leave. And behold! I restrained the Children of Israel from you when you showed them
the clear signs, and the unbelievers among them said: ‘This is nothing but evident magic.’

Part ‘a’ References Part ‘b’ Examples

 Allah says, “So, We aided the believers  Those calling people to Islam, should be certain that
against their enemies, hence they prevailed.” Allah would support and aid them, as they are carrying
(Quran, 8:46). out the task of the Prophets.
 Allah says, “He is the One who reveals clear  Allah SWT caused miracles to happen at the hand of
signs to His servant to bring you out of the Messengers to prove their truthfulness, and the
darkness to light.” (Quran 57:9). divinity of their message. We can use miracles that are
existent until today such as the eloquence of the Quran,
and the scientific facts mentioned in it, to prove the
authenticity of Islam.
 When humans achieve any extraordinary feat, they
must realize it has happened by the permission of Allah
and His power, and should not attribute the credit to
himself, rather look towards Allah and thank Him.
 One must ponder over Allah’s favors and bounties that
He has bestowed upon us, and be grateful to Him by
praying, supplicating, spending in His way etc.

Part-a: briefly describe the main theme(s) in each Passage.

Introduction: This passage is from Surat al Maidah, which was revealed in Madinah, and has 120 verses in
total. The title ‘al-Maidah’ means ‘A table spread with food on it’. It belongs to the category ‘Allah’s
relationship with His Messengers’.
Theme of the Surah:
The main themes are: Allah’s favors upon His Messengers, Allah’s aid and protection for the Prophets,
Allah gives signs to mankind

• This passage highlights Allah’s favors upon His Messenger Isa. The passage mentions how Allah aided
Isa (A.S) and his mother when he enabled him to talk through the holy spirit, while in the cradle, which
freed his mother of the false accusation. Likewise, Allah granted Isa wisdom and knowledge of the divine
books.
• This passage affirms that Allah aids and supports His prophets in the deliverance of Allah’s message
to mankind. He grants miracles to His prophets according to the prevalent conditions of their societies.
Allah aided Isa (A.S.) with numerous miracles to prove his truthfulness such as enabling him to breathe life
into birds of clay, heal the ones born blind and those suffering from leprosy. Likewise, Allah aids those who
work for the cause of Allah against His enemies, Allah says, “So, We aided the believers against their
 enemies, hence they prevailed.” (Quran, 8:46). The passage also clarifies simultaneously that all these
miracles happened at the hands of Isa by Allah’s leave, hence, do not prove any kind of divine attributes for
Isa as claimed by the Christians.
• The passage alludes to Allah’s protection for His Messengers, as Allah protected Isa (A.S.) from the Jews
by raising him to the heavens, when the Jews tried to kill him.
• The passage also points out how Allah sends signs to the mankind, so they might ponder over them and
attain guidance. Allah says, “He is the One who reveals clear signs to His servant to bring you out of
darkness to light.” (Quran 57:9). However, the Children of Israel persisted upon their disbelief and rejected
the signs.

Part-b: briefly explain the importance of these themes in a Muslims life today

Importance of the theme:

The themes of this passage contain important lessons for the Muslims:
 Reflecting on the favors Allah bestowed upon Isa, Muslims can learn the lofty status of
Isa (A.S.) in Islam, contrary to what the Jews claim about him being a false prophet.
 Allah SWT recounted His favors on Isa and reminded him of them, which teaches Muslims
the importance of reflecting over Allah’s favors upon them, which in turn will enable them
to be more grateful to Allah by using wealth in charitable causes, using our physical and
mental capabilities in the way of Allah, and abiding by His commands.
 Allah’s support to Isa through miracles teaches Muslims how Allah does not abandon
His beloved slaves, and if they work in Allah’s cause, Allah will come to their aid just like He
supported His Prophets. People who tread on Prophets’ path, Dawah organizations for
example such as that of Dr.Zakir Naik, or IERA from the UK, who spread the message of
Islam can take great comfort through these ayaat, knowing that Allah is supporting them.
 Allah’s protection for Isa (A.S) in the form of raising him to the heavens and preventing
him being killed at the hands of Jews invalidates the Christian belief in the crucifixion of Isa
(A.S.).
 Allah SWT sent signs and caused miracles to happen at the hand of the Messengers to
prove their truthfulness, and the divinity of their message. We can use miracles that are
existent until today such as the eloquence of the Quran, and the scientific facts mentioned
in it, to prove the authenticity of Islam.
 Allah’s signs and miracles point to the immense power and limitless capabilities of Allah.
Muslims must realize that nothing is impossible for Allah, and hence never despair of His

These are not the only points candidates can mention, and personalizing the
passages to their own or Muslims’ lives, or giving thoughtful answers with
examples, could take them higher up the level.
 Surah Al-Baqarah (2: 30-37)
30: Behold, your Lord said to the angels: ‘I will create a vicegerent on earth.’ They said: ‘Will You place
there one who will make mischief there and shed blood? - whilst we celebrate your praises and glorify your
holy (name)?’ He said: ‘I know what you do not know.’ 31: And He taught Adam the names of all things;
then He placed them before the angels, and said: ‘Tell me the nature of these if you are right.’ 32: They
said: ‘Glory to You, of knowledge we have none, save what You have taught us: In truth it is You who are
perfect in knowledge and wisdom.’ 33: He said: ‘Adam! Tell them their natures.’ When he had told them,
Allah said: ‘Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of heaven and earth, and I know what you reveal and
what you conceal?’ 34: And behold, we said to the angels: ‘Bow down to Adam’. And they bowed down.
Not so Iblis: he refused and was haughty: he was of those who reject faith. 35: We said: ‘Adam! You and
your wife dwell in the Garden; and eat of the bountiful things in it as you wish. But do not approach this
tree, or you will run into harm and transgression.’36: Then Satan made them slip from there, and got them
out of what they had been in. We said: ‘Go down, with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your
dwelling place and your means of livelihood, for a time.’ 37: Then Adam learnt from his Lord words of
inspiration, and his Lord turned towards him; for He is often returning, most merciful.

Part ‘a’ References Part ‘b’ Examples

• “[Remember] when your Lord said to the  Muslims must wage Jihad to spread Islam and spread
angels: “I am going to create a human being justice on earth.
from clay.(Quran 38:71)”  Muslims must recall Allah’s mercy and compassion,
• “Satan said, “My Lord, for allowing me to go and counter through it any anxiety and distress, and
astray, I will certainly tempt them in the earth, shun any evil thoughts such as thoughts about
and misguide each one of them. (Quran committing suicide.
17:39)”
• “[Adam and Hawwa] said, “Our Lord! We have
wronged ourselves. If you do not forgive us
and have mercy on us, we will certainly be
losers. (Quran 7:23)”
 Part-a: briefly describe the main theme(s) in each Passage.

Introduction: This passage belongs to Surat al Baqarah, which was revealed in Madinah, and contains 286
verses in total. The title of the Surah ‘al-Baqarah’ means ‘The Cow’. The passage belongs to the category
‘Allah’s relationship with His Messengers’.

Theme of the Surah:

The main themes are: Creation of Man and his status, God’s favors upon His Messengers, God’s
omniscience, Iblis’ arrogance and enmity for man, God is oft-forgiving and accepting of repentance.

• This passage mentions the account of Creation of Man, and highlights his high status. It describes Adam
was the first man created, as Allah says, “[Remember] when your Lord said to the angels: “I am going
to create a human being from clay.(Quran 38:71)” Allah made man his viceregent on earth, and
announced this to the angels, commanded them to prostrate to him, making clear the lofty status man was
bestowed by Allah.

• This passage also points to the Allah’s favors upon Adam, as He taught him the names of all things, and
bestowed upon him knowledge. He also let him and his wife dwell in the Jannah and eat from wherever
they wished, except for one tree whose fruit was forbidden to them.

• This passage indicates Allah’s omniscience, as when the angels questioned the wisdom behind creation
of man, who would spread corruption and cause blood-shed, Allah reminded them that He knows what
they know not, and hence are oblivious to the wisdom behind creation of man.

• The passage also points out Iblis’ arrogance and enmity for man, when he refused to bow down to
Adam, and vowed that he will strive misguide mankind until the day of judgement. Allah says, “Satan said,
“My Lord, for allowing me to go astray, I will certainly tempt them in the earth, and misguide each
one of them. (Quran 17:39)”

• The passage further describes how Allah out of His compassion, forgives His slaves and accepts their
repentance, whenever they repent. Allah Himself inspired the words of repentance to Adam, and forgave
him, as He says, “[Adam and Hawwa] said, “Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If you do not
forgive us and have mercy on us, we will certainly be losers. (Quran 7:23)

Part-b: briefly explain the importance of these themes in a Muslims life today
Importance of the theme:
The themes of this passage contain important lessons for the Muslims:
 Muslims should honor the high status granted to them by Allah, and realize it is their
responsibility as Allah’s viceregent to spread justice on earth, and apply the law of Allah.
Muslims should wage Jihad to spread Islam, and ensure justice all around earth.
 Muslims must remember the favors Allah has bestowed upon them and be grateful to
Allah by increasing their good deeds.
 The belief in Allah’s omniscience teaches Muslims to be mindful of Allah at all times, and
to submit to His wisdom and knowledge without objecting to His decrees. Muslims should
know that Allah is watching over them, and avoid committing sins even when they are
alone. If they fail to understand the wisdom behind some command of Allah, they should
be submissive and comply, without objecting.
 Iblis’ arrogance led him to his destruction, and eternal misery. Muslims must realize that
if they fall prey to their ego, and are arrogant, they will end up in the same destination as
Iblees. Hence, they must be humble in accepting Allah’s commands, and also when
dealing with others.
 Muslims must also realize that Iblis is an enemy to them, hence, they should be wary of
the traps laid by Shaytan, and the thoughts that he whispers in to our minds, and must not
act upon them.
 Knowing Allah’s ample mercy, and forgiveness, Muslims should never despair of Allah’s
mercy, and always repent to Him whenever they commit any sin. If they happen to violate
someone’s rights, they must hasten to return their rights back and ask Allah for
forgiveness.
 Muslims must recall Allah’s mercy and compassion, and counter through it any anxiety
and distress, and shun any evil thoughts such as thoughts about committing suicide.
 Realizing the need for Allah’s mercy, Muslims should forgive others and show mercy to
them, as they would like to receive the same from Allah. Allah says in Surat an-Nur,
“They should pardon and forgive. Do you not love to be forgiven by Allah? (Quran
24:22)”

These are not the only points candidates can mention, and personalizing the
passages to their own or Muslims’ lives, or giving thoughtful answers with
examples, could take them higher up the levels.

Allah in Himself
 Surah Al-An’aam (6: 101-103)
101: To Him is due the primal origin of the heavens and the earth: How can He have a son when He has no consort? 102: He
created all things and He has full knowledge of all things. That is Allah, your Lord! There is nogod but He, the Creator of all
things: then worship Him: and He has power to dispose of all affairs. 103: No vision can grasp Him, but vision: He is above all
comprehension, yet is acquainted with all things.

Part ‘a’ References Part ‘b’ Examples

 Quran says: “Nothing is like unto Him and
He is the All-hearer, the All-seer.” (42: 11
Ash Shura)
 Quran: “for God is He Who understands
thefinest mysteries” (22:63).
 Quran says: He is Allah, the One and Only… He 
begets not nor is He begotten.” (112: 1-3)

 Allah is aware and watching our every activity, so
Muslims should keep this in mind while doing
anything
 It is a man’s duty to worship Allah as He can only
fulfill their needs and not to associate partner with
Allah in any form.
In a world full of busy and hectic routine, this
Surah serves a reminder that Muslims should
always remember their Creator as He is the
ultimate authority over their affairs.

Historical Example:
 Musa (AS) expressed his desire to see Allah, but
Allah said “You shall never see me.” (Al-A’raaf
7:143). However, according to hadith we will see
Allah as clear as the moon, in Jannah.

Part-a: briefly describe the main theme(s) in each Passage.

Introduction:
The meaning of surah Al-An’am is Cattle. It falls in the category of Allah’s Relationship with Himself. The type
of this surah is Makki. There are total 165 verses in this surah.
Theme of Surah:
The main themes are: Allah as originator and controller; His Omnipotence, His Omniscience.
Surah An’am highlights Allah as originator and creator who created everything out of no origin. It
describes God’s power and knowledge over all things. He is the only one to control the heavens and the
earth and so emphasizes the theme of tawhid.

Allah is the only creator and does not share authority with anyone else. This passage logically questions
the possibility of offspring (son) without having a mate/partner. Allah is free from all human attributes and far
superior to be in need to have children or spouse, unlike humans. Surah Ikhlas mentions the fact that Allah
has no son. Allah says: “He does not beget nor is He begotten.” (112:3). Therefore, he is the only one
worthy to be worshipped.

He is the most powerful as he has the ultimate authority to dispose human’s affairs. His qualities are
matchless, He is not perceivable and is beyond human comprehension. His vision encompasses the whole
universe. Nothing is hidden from him. He has knowledge about all His creation. He watches us all the time
and is fully aware of our intentions.
 Surah Al-An’aam (6: 101-103)
Part-b: briefly explain the importance of these themes in a Muslims life today.

Importance and Impact of these Themes in Muslims Life

The teachings of this passage emphasize the importance of tawhid for Muslims. The only
relationship He has is with His creation, and man is asked to worship Him as it says in this
passage that only He can fulfil their needs. So, It is a man’s duty to worship Allah as He can
only fulfill their needs and not to associate partner with Allah in any form.
Allah also sees and hears all that humankind does. Allah is aware and watching their
every activity. Their actions, words and thoughts are not hidden from Him. Hence, Muslims
should always be careful of their deeds.
This surah negates Christian belief of God having a son. Thus, all other unislamic
religious beliefs are also refuted. Muslims in this way, develop a clear concept of Tawhid
and understand that Shirk is the only unpardonable sin in the sight of Allah.
The passage declares that Allah has the ultimate authority over a man’s affairs. Hence, in a
world full of busy and hectic routine, this Surah serves a reminder that Muslims should always
remember their Creator. Muslims should be humble in their attitudes as all greatness and grace
belongs to Almighty Allah.

These are not the only points candidates can mention, and personalizing the passages to
their own or Muslims’ lives, or giving thoughtful answers with examples, could take them
higher up the levels.