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Quranic Passages - According to New Pattern

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 these themes in a Muslims life today. [4]

15 Surahs/ Passages in the syllabus.

• Allah in himself

1. Ayat -ul-kursi (2:255)

2. Surah Al-Anaam (6:101-103)
3. Surah-e-Fussilat (41:37)
4. Surah Al-Shura (42:4-5)
5. Surah Al-Ikhlas (112)

• Allah’s relationship with the c r e a t e d world

6. Surah Al- Fatihah (1)

7. Surah Al -Baqarah (2:21-22)
8. Surah Al -Alaq (96:1-5)
9. Surah Al -Zilzaal (99)
10. Surah Al -Naas (114)

• Allah’s Messengers

11. Surah Al -Baqarah (2:30-37)

12. Surah Al -Anaam (6:75-79)
13. Surah Al -Maidah (5:110)
14. Surah Al -Duha (93)
15. Surah Al -Kauthar (108)
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1. Ayat-ul-Kursi (2:255)

A: Theme:

Theme of this verse is God himself. It’s a verse of sura al-Baqara, a Madni sura. It begins with the expression of the
shahada (declaration of oneness of God) and then elaborates various aspects of unity of God that make him
matchless, His attributes are completely unmatchable He is Everlasting: “He is the First and the Last and the Manifest
and the Hidden” (Al Quran). God is fee from all weaknesses and limitations, has perfect knowledge of all times: “It is
He who knows what is open in speech and what you hide (in your Hearts)” (20:10). He is not dependent on anyone
for his survival. The purpose of referring to His Throne which extend over the heavens and the earth and beyond,
i s to show the Great Authority of Allah, and enjoys autonomy in exercising His authority “His are all things in the
heaven and on the earth” (2:255).

B: Importance of the Theme:

The importance o f the theme of the passage in daily lives of Muslim is that it tells Muslims to believe in
Tawhid in terms of God’s uniqueness, majesty and glory. The theme is important for Muslims as it crystallizes the
belief of Tawhid and trains them to condemn shirk. There is repetitive mention of God’s authority, unlimited
knowledge and powers in order to strengthen the faith of its readers. For example, it says: “He is exalted in power,
Wise. He created the heavens without any pillars” (31:9-10, luqman) and “but God is the one free of all wants
“(35:15, Fatir). The objective is to remind Muslims that God alone is to be worshipped and no authority can be
compared with him. Many Muslims recite this verse regularly to reiterate God’s power and high position as
compared to any worldly authority.

2. Surah Al-Anaam (6: 101-103)

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A: Theme:

Theme of this passage is Allah in Himself it is a makki surah. The verses elaborate some of the fundamental
aspects of unity of God i.e., Tawhid. It describes God as the originator of universe and rejects any kind of
misconception of God having any family: "and there is none like unto Him" (112:4 surah Ikhlas). It also refers to
His unbounded knowledge, power and grasp on His created world: "He is Allah, the creator, the Inventor of all
things, the Bestowed of forms. To Him belong the Best Names…the All Mighty, the all Wise." (59:24 surah al
Hashar). This means that as He is the creator so He is also the All Mighty. The passage further stresses on the
sublime nature of God and inability of human eye to encompass Allah’s person, though He himself can see to the
unfathomable depths, as endorsed in the Quran: "for God is He Who understands the finest mysteries" (22:63 Al
Hajj)

B: Importance of the theme

The importance of the theme of the passage in daily lives of Muslim is that this passage is important for Muslims
to clearly understand the doctrine of Tawhid in terms of Allah’s nature and powers. Muslims need to learn that
though God is too sublime to be perceived, He is everywhere and all powerful. As mentioned: "and He is with you
where ever you are" (57:04, Al-hadid), and "for we are nearer to him (man) than his jugular vein" (50:16, Qaf).
The passage also categorically negates the false belief of God having any wife or children and thus, it strikes at
the roots of shirk. Muslims, in this way, develop a clearer concept of tawhid and feel themselves bound only to
worship Allah because Muslim remembers that shirk is the only unpardonable sin in the sight of Allah.

Surah Fussilat (41: 37)

A: Theme:
The main theme of this verse is Allah in Himself. This verse is taken from from surah fussilat. It is an early makki surah,
this verse mentions some of the great signs of nature that reflects Allah’s unity and majesty it refers to the cycle of the
day and night, as evidence of divinity of Allah: “Behold! In the creation of the heavens and earth, in the alternation of
night and day……. are signs for the people who are wise” (2:164 surah Al Baqarah). The passage commands us to
worship the creator that is Allah of the sun and moon and that the creations must not be worshipped because the
creator (the All-mighty Allah) is superior to the creations: “……But if any deny faith Allah stands not in need of any of His
creatures” (3:97 Al Imran)
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B: Importance of the theme:

The importance of the theme of the passage in daily lives of Muslims is it urges Muslims to observe various objects of
nature that reflects Allah’s presence, majesty and glory. Since humans cannot have the ability to see Allah physically,
they are asked to identify the real creator Allah through His creations that bear witness of his existence. Such
observations encourage Muslims to develop a strong belief in Tauheed and in all its aspects: “Verily, in the alteration of
night and the day, and in all that Allah has created in the heavens and on the earth, are signs for those who fear him”
(30:40 Surah Ar-Rum), so Muslims should express their gratitude towards Allah for enabling them to see, ponder and
think deeply. Muslims will thus avoid shirk that the earlier communities fell victim to: “Verily! Allah forgives not the sin of
setting up partners in worship with him….” (4:116 Surah An Nisa) and thus Muslims worship one supreme God.

4. Surah Al-Shura (42:4-5)

A: Theme:
The main theme of the two verses is Allah in Himself these two were shortly revealed after surah fussilat these two
verses expresses God’s unity by his grandeur and authority. He enjoys unshared authority over the entire universe as
the Holy Quran says: “His are all things in the heavens and on the earth” (2:255 Surah Baqarah). It also mentions of
God’s might on the heavens that hardly sustained this immense burden. The passage also refers the countless angels
who are busy in praising and glorification of Allah and they also invoke Allah’s mercy and pardon for humans who tends
to disobey their lord the Quran declares this weakness of humans as: “It is man that wrongs his own soul” (10:44 Surah
Yunus)
(b) Importance of the theme
The importance of the theme of the passage in daily lives of Muslims is that the passage guides Muslims about two
articles of faith: Oneness of Allah and belief in angels. The passage also tells Muslims about Allah’s power authority and
glory in order to make them Allah’s obedient servants. By referring to the angels praising Allah and seeking forgiveness
for humans, it tells them about Allah’s mercy on humans because humans commit sin because of the free will and Allah
is ready to forgive them whoever ask for His forgiveness, belief in God’s mercy and forgiveness prepare Muslims to
repent their misdeeds. The Holy Quran says: “Despair not of the mercy of God; for God forgives all sins He is oft-
forgiving, most merciful “(39:55 Surah al Zunar). Surah 97(Al Qadar) also tells us about “the angels and the spirit
descending at the night of power to distribute Allah’s mercy.

5. Surah Ikhlas (112)

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A: Theme:
The main theme of this Maki surah is Allah in Himself this explains Allah’s unique person as the Holy Quran mentions
“…. there is no god but I; therefore, worship and serve me” (21:25 surah Al Ambiya). This passage outlines the most
fundamental aspects of Allah i.e. Tauheed it declares Allah’s unity as One and emphatically negates the false belief of
God having any wife and descendants: “And your god is one God….” (2:163 Surah al Baqarah). This passage is also
called as one-third of the Holy Quran by the Holy prophet. He Has no one to share in His lordship of the whole universe
as He is Ahad which means the One on whom all of the creatures depend upon for their needs and their request as He
is As-Samad. It further highlights God’s unity by saying that Allah’s nature can never be compared with anyone in the
whole universe. It also mentions that Allah is free from time and space by saying that He has always been and will
always be there
B: Importance of the Theme:
The importance of the theme of the passage in daily lives of Muslims is that this passage crystallizes Muslim’s belief in
tauhid and that is why the passage is named as Al-Ikhlas (the purity of faith) Muslim learns from this passage that Allah
is unique in all aspects and this uniqueness and supremacy of Allah highlights human inability and limitations before
Allah. Thus, it eliminates all forms and degrees of shirk Muslims recites this surah in obligatory prayers in order to
reiterate rejection of shirk its theme is so important that the Quran repeatedly mentions as: “and your god is one God”
(2:163 Al Baqarah) and “God! there is no god but He” (2:255 Al Baqarah). Belief in tawhid in turn affects the conduct of
Muslims as they develop a strong sense of God’s presence and knowledge.
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Allah’s relation with His created world

6: Sura 1 AL-FATEHA (1-7)

A: Theme:
The main theme of the passage is Allah's relation with his created world. This surah is also known as Umm - ul - Quran.
This surah comprehensively sums up man's relation with Allah in prayer. It Describe that we need to praise Allah and
that Allah alone is the sustainer of the known and unknown worlds the ultimate source of Mercy justice and guidance for
mankind: " Allah is he; free from all wants; worthy of all praise"(31:26, al- Luqman). If the prayer is from our inner most
being then it unites us with Allah and we could have his mercy here and on the final day, we need to worship him & seek
His guidance to acknowledge His Mercy, peace & harmony on us & purging out evil & rebellion from us, (Sirat al-
Mustaqim) is the path of righteousness he wants us to follow. He also tells man the consequences of following this code
of conduct or going astray. Therefore, man needs to praise and worship him and resort to him alone: “Allah, He is the
only God so worship Him.” (21:25, Al Anbiya)
B: Importance of the Theme
the importance of the theme of this passage in daily life of Muslims is that this passage actually sums up the message
of holy Quran as the 'Rope of Allah' "Hold on to the Rope of Allah" (3:103) It indicates that all benefits received by
humans either by nature or other creature, its real source is Allah. Allah showers us His mercy in many ways by
protecting, guiding and helping us to lead better lives. Man should never lose hopes in Allah’s Mercy and should seek
His help & favor all the time: ".... He has inscribed for himself the rule of Mercy."(6:12) this passage makes man pious
because God is not only just merciful, he is also just as he will dispense absolute justice on the day of judgement.
Muslims should remember that they will get reward in the hereafter as promised in the Holy Quran: ".... And only on the
day of judgement shall you be paid your full recompense... "(3:185) So obedience to Allah enables Muslim to earn his
blessings and to avoid His anger this Passage open up the daily five obligatory prayers.
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7: Sura Al-Baqarah (2.21-22)

A: Theme:
The main theme of this passages is Allah's relation with the created world. The passage put demand of Allah
to worship him alone as he is the creator of everything in the heavens and on earth " it is he who has created
for you all the things that are on earth; then he turns to heavens and made them into seven firmaments "(2:29,
surah al Baqarah). This passage also tells us about the blessings for man of pouring rain and grown fruits for
their sustenance. This also commands that adoration of Allah is the act of highest and humblest reverence of
worship when we get into this relation with Allah, we develop righteousness. Taqwa means that believers
develop piety and they safeguard their tongues, hands and heart from all evils for Allah hence achieving
righteousness. This passage also tells the rejection of any form of degree of associating partners with Allah
because Allah is one, the care taker, the cherisher of all things ".... there is no God but I; therefore, worship
and serve me" (21:25).

B: Importance of the Theme:

the importance of the theme of this passage in daily life of Muslims is that the passage conveys the message
of inculcating taqwa (fear of God). It also developed a sense of gratitude to Allah for his countless bounties "
Praise be to Allah lord of universe "(1:1). Muslims should closely observe Allah's favors and as frequently
mentioned in surah Al Rehman (chapter 55) " then which of the bounties of your lord will you deny?". The best
way of remembering Allah's favors for us is to obey and worship him alone by rejecting shirk. Taqwa is the
focal point of a Muslim's life and the Quran, very clearly instruct us in this regard “O you who believe! fear
Allah as he should be feared and die not except in the state of Islam"(3:102)
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8: Surah Al-Alaq (96:1-5)

A: Theme:

The theme of the passage is Allah’s relation with his created world this is the first revelation revealed on
prophet in the cave of Hira. It talks about the creation of men and then bestowing knowledge upon him “He
grants wisdom whom He wills who is given wisdom is indeed abundant good….” (2:269). He created man from
the lowest origin and then matured him physically, intellectually and spiritually by enabling him to read and
write human ability to acquire knowledge means to learn both worldly and divine sciences so that man can find
means of physical survival as well as take care of his intellectual and spiritual development thus man is totally
dependent on his creator in all affairs of his life and activities “He(Allah) has taught you what you did not know
great has been Allah’s bounties upon you”(4:113)

(b) Importance of the theme:

The importance of the themes of the passage in daily lives of Muslim is that, Muslims are required to
acknowledge God’s goodness and greatness as he created man from a low origin and then enabled him to
acquire worldly and religious knowledge. Human ability to learn has made him superior to all other creatures
and the Quran endorses this fact: “We have indeed created man in the best of molds” (96:4 al-Tin). Muslims
are taught to identify their lord through the perspective of religious knowledge and adore him alone because of
his bounty of divine guidance mentioned in the Quran: “It is He who has taught the Quran” (55:2, al- Rahman).
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9. Surah Al-Zilzal (99)

A: Theme:

It tells us the main theme of Allah’s relation with his created world, it is an early maki surah it tells us about the horrors
of the last day and the outcomes of the judgement. It refers to the damages and the stress of the day of judgement
which will prevail on that day Quran mentions “O mankind, fear your lord! Surely the quaking of the hour, will be a
terrible thing” (22:1 Al-hajj). All this will be done by the command of its creator. The earthquake of that day will be far
bigger and reaching than any earthquakes then by the demand of Allah man will be brought to life again and stands
before Allah for accountability for all the worldly beings their faith will be determined on the basis of their performance in
their worldly existence. Humans will be brought to Allah in groups for separate judgement and Allah will only be the
judge there “….to Him do all questions go back (for decisions) (3:109)” The Holy Quran mentions about this day in
Surah Al-Inshiqaq “and when the earth is flattened out and cast forth what is within it and becomes empty”. The
accountability will be done by showing all their deeds and mis deeds.

(b) Importance of the Theme

The importance of the theme of the passage in the daily lives of Muslims is that it develops strong faith in them about
Allah’s power to end them and resurrection and then they all will be accountable before Allah with ultimate justice with
such a belief in Muslims will learn about the worthlessness of this world and they will realize the value of true world by
saying “Nay you prefer the life of this world, but the hereafter is better and more enduring” (87:16 Surah Alaq). So
genuine and sincere faith is in the hereafter shapes the conduct of the Muslims. Belief in the hereafter reminds Muslims
about Allah’s mercy justice and power. At several places in the Holy Quran mentions about this day like in Surah Al-
Infitar “When the sky is cleft asunder” and in (Surah 81 At-Taqwir). “When the sun is folded up” and in Surah Al-Inshiqaq
“When the earth is flattened out”. The objective of this repetition is to remind Muslims of the hereafter.
10: Sura Al-Nas (114)
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A: Theme
This is the second of Al-Muwwadhatain. The theme of this passage is Allah's relation with his created world. The surah
points out the omnipotence of Allah and Allah's perfect authority over his creatures. It mentions God's threefold relation
with man and therefore asks man to seek Allah's shelter against all evils that are created by Satan and his host of
assistance who may be humans or jins. They inject evil in man's heart and Quran warns us about this "for Satan is an
avowed enemy of man" (12:5). Allah is the maker of humans as well as sustainer who provide all means and against
evil as mention in the holy Quran " O Allah I seek refuge with you from the whispering of the shayatin
(devils) ...."(23:97). This means that Allah should be called upon for help if Satan harms us as Allah, is the real refuge.
(b) Importance of the Theme:
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The importance of the themes of

the passage in daily lives of

Muslim is the passage together

with surah 113, teaches Muslims

to seek God’s refuge against all

evils as Satan is always there to

misguide them. Muslims should,

however strengthen their relation

with God toward all evil forces.

The best way to do this is

remember God as enunciated:

“and establish regular prayer in

order to remember me” (20:14,

Taha). Recitation of the Quran

also shuns evil by bringing the

reader closer to God: “when you

recite the Quran, seek God’s

protection against the evil ones”

(16:98, al-Nahl). Muslims should

also be ready to identify evil

forces led by Satan and his

assistants who accomplish their

ugly task in various ways the Holy

Prophet (A.S.W) used to recite

surah 113 and 114 to guard

against evil, after his Makkan

enemies had cast magic spell on

him.Allah and His Messengers

11: Al-Baqarah (2:30-37)

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A: Theme:
Allah’s relation with His messenger Adam (A.S) and about the high status of man and his appointment as Allah’s
vicegerent on earth with ref. of Hazrat Adam (A.S). It reasons the superiority of man over others because of the
knowledge granted to him. Knowledge is superior over worship that’s why Angels who all the time praises Allah couldn’t
be made His vicegerent on earth. Knowledge is one of the attributes of Allah worshipping isn’t therefore knowledge has
got preference. Qur’an says: “From Allah verily nothing is hidden on earth or in the heavens (3:5). It further speaks
about the desperate creature Iblis who after being condemned became man’s enemy, “……Then We bade the angels
bow down to Adam (A.S) they bowed down; not so Iblis……” (7:11). It further mentions expelling of Adam and Eve from
heaven due to their free will & Satanic temptations. Lastly the verses tell us about the inspiration taught by Allah to
Hazrat Adam for repenting & His forgiveness.

(B) Importance of the Theme:

Theme of this passage contains important lessons for Muslims. They are told the reason for making human being
superior over all other creatures. God appointed man (by way of Adam) as his vicegerent on earth because of the
knowledge and free will. The free will is a test for
humans as they can be enticed by Satan to commit sins. The Quran warns about this by saying: “for Satan is an
avowed enemy to man” (12:5, Yusuf). The passage further tells us about God’s mercy and forgiveness as he accepted
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repentance by Adam. The Quran reminds Muslims repeatedly of this attribute of God: “if anyone does evil, or wrongs
his own soul but afterwards seek God’s forgiveness. He will find God Oft-forgiving and most
Merciful” (4:110, Al-Nisa). Satan is called by two names here Iblis & Satan. Iblis comes from the root idea of
desperateness and Satan from the root idea of Enmity. Man was expelled from Garden when he disobeyed Allah in
order to examine him again then to send back in Heaven.
12: Al-an’aam (6:75-79)

A: Theme:
Theme of this passage is God’s messengers and this passage outlines the story of Prophet Abraham in search of One
Supreme God. Abraham was gradually guided to identify the real Creator and Lord by way of his creations such as the
Sun, the Moon and the Stars. Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S) realized that these shiny distant objects are actually the labors of
God who on their settled timings appears & disappears. He eventually realized that God is eternal and therefore He
rejected the polytheism (shirk) that was the hallmark of the society around him: “… follow the religion of Ibrahim and he
was not of Al Mushrikun (polytheists).” (16:123) He finally, declared the shahada (proclamation of belief in one God) as
a sign of acquiring internal peace. The verses show the spiritual enlightenment of Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S) as the Holy
Quran says: “Behold! His Lord said to him “Bow (Your will to Me).” He said “I bow (my will) to the Lord and Cherisher of
the universe” (2:131)
B: Importance of the Theme:
Theme of this passage contains important lessons for Muslims it teaches Muslims to refute Shirk i.e., associating
partners with God and to believe in Tawhid. They should learn that celestial bodies merely reflect God’s glory and are
only God created them. They should never be worshiped because the Quran categorically declares: “he has made
subject to you the night and the day; the sun and the moon; and the stars are in subjection by his command” (16:12, al-
Nahl). Muslims should also believe God granted prophet-hood to his messengers by various modes unlike Musa who
witnessed a Holy Fire (28:30) to receive Prophet Hood or Jesus who began to show prophetic signs while in his cradle
(5:110), and that all these messengers preached the universal message of Tawhid. Prophet Ibrahim’s proclamation of
Tawhid was not different from the shahada taught by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Therefore, Muslims should
respect all the messengers equally.
13: Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:110)
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A: Theme:
Theme of this passage is God’s association with His messengers. It describes God’s address to Jesus inthe Divine
Court in the presence of children of Israel. Allah recounts His favors to Hazrat Isa (A.S) & his mother, Hazrat Maryam
(A.S). Birth of Hazrat Isa (A.S) without a father is a miracle given to H. Maryam (A.S). The miracles given to Hazrat Isa
(A.S) are mentioned. -Miracle of putting spirit into bird, speaking eloquently in all ages, curing incurable diseases,
knowledge of books Torah & Injeel “We gave him the Gospel in which was guidance and light and confirmation of the
Taurat that had come before it…” (5:46) as for miracles, “He gave Jesus, the son of Mary, clear (signs) and
strengthened him with the Holy Spirit ….” (2:87) the surah emphasizes that all these miracles happen by the power of
Allah not by the power of Jesus (A.S) himself. But despite all this he was rejected by his people who even tried to
crucify him and failed.
B: Importance of the theme:
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Muslims are taught many important

things though the theme of this

passage. They are required to

believe that, like other messengers

Jesus was also a man chosen by

God. He was granted miraculous

powers so that men of wisdom

should identify him. The Quran

referred to this fact as: “thus does

God make clear to you His signs in

order that you consider” (2:219, al-

Baqarah). Muslims also learn that

God’s messengers were always

rejected despite such clear signs by

the ‘spiritually dead’ and ‘sick in

heart’ people who are mentioned by

the Quran as: “those who reject our

signs are deaf and dump and midst

of darkness profound” (6:39, al-

An’am). Muslims also learn that the

rejecters of truth will stand

accountable before God in the

Hereafter. 14: Sura Al-

Duha (93)
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A: Main Theme:
Allah’s relation with His Messenger, Holy Prophet (S.A.W.W) is pointed out here. This passage was revealed in order to
remove Holy Prophet’s (S.A.W.W) anxiety. Allah consoles His Prophet by taking the Oath of Day & night that He never
leaves or displeased with His Messenger. The passage was revealed after a long break that worried the prophet, and
his makkan enemies began to mock him. God consoled him re- assuring that he would not abandon him. God reminded
the prophet some of His past favors on him “Did He not found you an orphan and gave you shelter?” (93:6). the prophet
was a born orphan but God made arrangements for his growth and upbringing. God then granted him prophet-hood,
His greatest reward. Purpose of these reminders is to re-assure him of similar support in future “Verily He has granted
you the found of abundance” (108:1). However, God instructed him to be kind to those in need as this would reflect his
gratitude to God.

B: Importance of the Theme:

The importance of the themes of the passage in daily lives of Muslim is the importance of faith in God’s help. The Holy
Prophet (SAW) was re-assured by God in the midst of mockery in Makkah. Muslims today should also retain their faith
in difficult times by remembering the Quranic promise: “So, verily with every difficulty there is a relief” (94:5, al-Inshirah).
Muslims should believe that all messengers of God were rejected and ridiculed but they remained firm in their mission.
They should also believe that the relationship with God can be strengthened by their kindness to the weak and
unsupported people because such an attitude is an expression of love for God. The Quran says: “it is righteous to
spend of your substance out of love for Him, for your kins, for orphans” (2:177, al-Baqarah).
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15: Sura Al-Kauthar (108)

A: Theme:

Theme of the passage is God’s relation with his messengers. It mentions God’s special care for the Holy Prophet
(SAW) in time of difficulties. The Prophet was mocked by the Makkans on the death of his sons from Khadija (RA).
God consoled him by promising him abundance of success “Verily He has granted you the found of abundance”
(108:1) and in Surah Al Duha Allah Says: “And your future will be better than the present” And destruction of the
ones who insulted him. He told the prophet to remember God through regular prayer and to develop the spirit of
sacrifice so that he could continuously strengthen his bond with God and to get constant divine support “Say truly
my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death (all) for, the cherisher of the worlds” (6:162)

B: Importance of the Theme:

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This passage, like surah 93, teaches Muslims to have faith in God’s support that surely teaches the noble people. The
holy prophet was assured of “abundance” in the face of persecutions in Makka. This “abundance” came in the form of
his countless followers and his descendants through his daughter Fatima. His insulters, on the other hand, perished
forever. So, a noble mission always survives though it is rejected by the misguided people. The Quran testifies to it:
“rejected were the Messengers before you; with patience and constancy they bore their rejection “(6:34, al-An’am). The
passage teaches Muslims to develop spirit of sacrifice and establish prayer as these are the best means of getting
closer to their lord, as is endorsed by the Quran: “Say (O Muhammad S.A.W): "Verily, my prayers my sacrifice, my
living, and my dying are for Allah……….” (6:16)