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 these themes in a Muslim’s life today. [4]

ALLAH IN HIMSELF
1. SURA 2:255

Allah. There is no God but He, the living, the self-subsisting, eternal. No slumber can seize Him nor sleep.
His are all things in the heaven and on earth. Who is there who can intercede in His presence except as
He permits? He knows what is before or after them. Nor shall they encompass any of His knowledge
except as He wills. His throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in
guarding and preserving them for He is the Most High, the supreme. (2.255)

THEME/S
This passage talks about tawhid, unity of Allah, monotheism, and highlights some of the major exclusive
attributes of God. We learn that God is different from humans and other creations as He lives on His
own, He is self-subsisting and eternal. He is not ephemeral (transitory, temporary) like the created
things. He knows everything. Our knowledge is limited. His majesty, uniqueness, knowledge and Being
are totally unlike other beings. “There is none like Him.” (Surah 112).

The most central theme in the surah is the throne, al-kursi. The term implies the power and rule of Allah
that extends over the heavens and the earth; nothing lies outside it. Therefore, He is the only one whose
commands are executed and who can make decisions about His creation, as He has knowledge and
power over all things.

IMPORTANCE OF THE THEME/S

This passage presents the themes of God’s self-subsistence and eternal nature by comparing Him to
humans using basic attributes, for example, sleep, tiredness, and knowledge. These verses encourage
the believing Muslims to think over and understand God in the light of such comparisons. Muslims grasp
the exalted nature of God and learn that it is very important to remember Him. They can do this by
regular prayer offered in complete devotion; ensuring there are no pictures at home in front of the
person praying. They should also not let materialistic thoughts become modern day idols that distract us
from the attention of God.  Ayat al-kursi talks about the power of God. Muslims should take the shelter
of this verse and use it as a prayer for protection. The Prophet declared it to be one of the best passages
of the Qur’an. Muslims should, therefore, recite it daily for protection as well.