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.

Major Themes of the Selected Passages SURA al-An'aam 6:101–103

English Translation

To Him is due the primal origin of the heavens and the earth: how can He have a son when He has no
consort? He created all things, and He has full knowledge of all things. That is Allah, your Lord! There is
no God but He, the creator of all things: then worship Him: and He has power to dispose of all affairs. No
vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision: He is above all comprehension, yet is acquainted
with all things.

THEME/S

This passage discusses tawhid, oneness of God. It focuses on God’s power and knowledge over all things.
It stresses the theme of divine unicity (tawhid) by referring to the fact that He controls the heavens and
the earth. This is the foundational Muslim belief. God is important for us as He is the only creator,
without any sort of family - “He does not beget nor is He begotten” (Surah 112) - and He does not share
authority with anyone else, which adds to His greatness for He controls such a vast universe without
tiring from it or requiring any sort of help. God’s attributes of knowledge and power are the crowns of
tawhid. He has knowledge about and power over all of His creation. He is not perceivable. This sets Him
apart from us. This entails that Mankind should worship Him.

IMPORTANCE OF THE THEME/S

These teachings 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 fulfill their
needs. He also sees and hears all that humankind does, so Muslims should keep this in mind. In a world
where there are lots of distractions, this sura could remind Muslims that they should always remember
their Creator as He is the ultimate authority over their affairs. Furthermore, by realizing the gravity of
the fact that He is all-seeing and all-knowing Muslims are discouraged of partaking in affairs that may
incur the wrath or displeasure of Allah hence bringing them closer to the right path. Understanding His
uniqueness in entity keeps Muslims from committing Shirk and makes them honest and altruistic.

Major Themes of the Selected Passages: Surah Fussilat 41.37

English Translation

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

THEME/S

The main themes of this Surah are those of God as Creator, His signs, and tawhid (Lord of mankind). As a
Creator, He has made all the known and the unknown in this universe and beyond which includes our
extremely well-constructed galaxy and as its constituents the sun and the moon, which humans
considered to be gods in the age of ignorance. This passage tells us that indeed the sun and the moon
are mere creations that signify the power of a supreme being owning the ultimate authority. When
observing the blessings bestowed unto us by Him we realize with what intricacy of detail He has made
this ephemeral universe, this indeed reminds us of His all-encompassing knowledge and power proving
us His oneness and establishing a firm belief tawhid. The worlds are signs of His power; only He should
be worshiped; no-one is equal to Him. It is a negation of paganism which helps us realize that instead of
finding individual gods in these heavenly bodies one must see the underlying significance of their
existing as the signifying of another authority that holds power of this world.

IMPORTANCE OF THE THEME/S

The importance of the theme is that it creates a strong link with God so Muslims do not look up to
anything/anyone else: famous people, money, etc., and they worship only Him. This stops them from
committing shirk when they understand His omnipotence and grasp the uselessness of worldly
materialism by submitting to the life they have on earth - no matter how it is in nature - for a brighter
future in the hereafter close to God. God's signs invite Muslims to observe their environment, creating
awe and wonder on how carefully and beautifully structured each element in this world is so that it
fulfils its purpose which helps us get closer to Him, thus making them understand their own
insignificance and inability to create something resembling the life on earth - no matter how simple the
unit. Furthermore, it reminds humankind that He is the creator of all things, including them, further
resulting in the elimination of pride and envy, and a submission to one's fate.

Major Themes of the Selected Passages: Surah al-Shuraa 42.4–5

ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF THE NOBLE VERSES

To him belong all that is in heavens and on earth: and He is most high, most great. The heavens are
almost rent asunder from above them, and the angels celebrate the praises of their Lord, and pray for
forgiveness for beings on earth: Behold! Verily Allah is He, the oft-forgiving, the most merciful.

THEME/S

This passage discusses tawhid, divine unicity. It mentions important facts about Allah Himself and
introduces His attributes. One important point is that God is the greatest, the most high. His greatness is
witnessed by the fact that the heavens are almost torn apart due to His greatness above them. “He has
power to dispose of all affairs” (Q 6:103). Since He created everything in the universe, he has the
exclusive right of ownership. One must not ascribe a partner to Him.

The passage also stresses that God forgives us, He is oft-forgiving, ghafoor, the most merciful,raheem.
He forgives the people who turn to him in repentance. Rather, He goes much ahead. Out of His
abounding mercy, He made angels to seek forgiveness for the people on the earth. This reveals the level
of God’s mercifulness and compassion for the believing humans. Thus the concluding attributes “the oft-
forgiving, the most merciful” say it all.

IMPORTANCE OF THE THEME/S

In this passage, God tells humankind of his power and control over all things. This entails that the
believers should remember that they do not have any power in comparison. Nor should they ascribe
real power to any other created things or entities. When it comes to the commands of God and His
wishes we must not prefer any quarters of power in the present world. Muslims prefer the commands
and liking of God over all other entities, no matter how powerful.

God is Merciful. This gives Muslims a reassurance that they have someone to turn to in times of need.
We face many hardships in life. For example, a dear one is suffering from a severe malady and has to be
operated on. Or we have to face a tough subject test. When we learn that God is with us we turn to him
and get reassurance. This gives us the power to face the problem and brave the difficulty. Since God is
Merciful to humankind, they, in turn, should be grateful and also try to be forgiving of others, even if
they have been hurt or injured. Thus they should embellish themselves with the great qualities of God.

Passage 5 Surah al-Akhlas (112): Major Themes of the Selected Qur'anic Passages

SURA 112

Say: He is Allah, the one and only; Allah, the eternal, absolute; He does not beget, nor is He begotten;
and there is none like Him.

THEME/S
This Surah relates the most foundational Muslim belief, tawhid, divine unicity. It was specifically
revealed to describe tawhid. Due to the most powerful and clear expression of the belief in the divine
unicity, this surah has been called Ikhlāṣ, purity from polytheism. It has also been called the surah
of tawhid as well. It describes that God is one. He has not partner of any sort. None should be worshiped
besides Him. He is eternal. He does not have a beginning nor end. “He is the First and the Last.” (Q 57:3)
He has been there all along. He will remain forever. This makes him unique. He is unlike created things
including human beings, incomparable. This is proved by citing the fact that He is not son of any. Nor is
He father of any. These are the qualities of created things. Thus this surah refutes and negates all forms
of polytheism particularly anthropomorphism and assimilation.

IMPORTANCE OF THE THEME/S

This surah is a means of purification. By stressing the Oneness of God, the believers are encouraged not
to take other created things as their Lord. Therefore, the people ascribing themselves to Islam should
not replace God with things like famous people, political powers, or saints as do some illiterate folks in
some Muslim lands. They visit the graves of the saints and pray to them seeking deliverance from a
variety of problems. Surah Ikhlas helps us appreciate that God does not have a family. This entails we
avoid making the mistake of believing in God having children as Christians believe or a having partner as
the polytheists of Arabia did. The Muslims don’t believe that anyone else shares in His in His authority.
This frees them from the service of worldly powers and submitting to such against the will of God. The
surah also gives them clarity and allows them to develop a relationship with God, and gives them the
power to dissociate themselves from rivals of God.

Allah’s realationship with thw created world

ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF THE NOBLE SURAH

Praise be to Allah, the cherisher and sustainers of the worlds. Most gracious, most merciful. Master of
the Day of Judgment. You we worship, and your aid we seek. Show us the straight way. The way of those
whom you have given your grace, not those who earn your anger, nor those who go astray.

THEME/S

This surah discusses God and His relation to the created world. Various aspects of monotheism are
taken up. God is the Lord of all the creations, their rabb, who provides them everything they need. It is
God who alone will preside over judgement on the Last Day. This touches upon another foundational
belief, the belief in afterlife and judgment. Actually it is due to His mercy that He will hold a judgement
day on which He alone shall decide the matters and judge people’s action and belief. Another aspect of
His mercifulness, duly stressed in the surah, is that if we ask for forgiveness He grants us forgiveness if
sought humbly. Not only does God provide material needs of humans and provisions for their material
life He also gives them spiritual and intellectual food, the religious and moral guidance. Since He gives
guidance to those who ask for it, we beseech him through this short surah, in fact five times a day, to
guide us to the right path. We are obliged to follow the right path, the Qur’an and the Sunnah, and not
go astray and earn His wrath instead of mercy.
IMPORTANCE OF THE THEME/S

The importance of Surah Fatihah and the themes it houses is clear from the fact this is recited in every
unit of every prayer. This prophet said: 'No prayer is accepted without Fatiha'. In its form and content it
is a conversation with God. This puts us in direct line to Allah and we can converse with Him. This
increases our faith tremendously. It is as if God is replying to each verse. Muslims use this to ask not only
for guidance providing them given in the Qur'an and sunna but also to help them tread the path of his
liking. We also invoke His mercy and help, even outside the prayer. Humble submission to God brings
humility into lives. We try to behave like servants of Allah. We don’t get proud. Thus service to God
translates into personal modesty and love for fellow believers and humans. Since Muslims are
accountable to God they pray to be guided on the straight path. Thus both the beliefs; tawhid and
afterlife, make a Muslim become a responsible individual whose beliefs are sound and action measured.

Passage 7 Surah al-Baqarah (2:21-22): Major Themes of the Selected Qur'anic Passages

TRANSLATION OF THE VERSES

O people! Adore your guardian Lord, who created you and those who came before you, so that you may
have the chance to learn righteousness; who has made the earth your couch, and the heavens your
canopy; and sent down rain from heavens; and by it brought forth fruit foryour sustenance; then do not
set up rivals to Allah, when you know.

THEME/S

This passage revolves around the foundational Muslim belief of tawhid. It describes the true relationship
between Allah and the created world including humans who are the addressees of the Qur’an. The
passage emphasizes that God is the Creator of everything. Therefore, He alone should be worshiped as
one true deity. He has no partner. Therefore, none should commit the sin of ascribing partners to him.
We learn from this passage that God has not only created us but also provided us with many things
including fertile earth, shade, and water from the sky. These things work as signs of God and lead us to
that He is our Creator Lord and we should be grateful to God for He says, "Adore not the sun and the
moon, but adore Allah, who created them (Q 41:37). Since God has given the blessings of the world in
our hand we should use these with care and respect the environment.

IMPORTANCE OF THE THEME/S

This passage defines the relation between God and His creation. His oneness and uniqueness are
established through the signs He created and put in the form of the natural world. A careful
appreciation of this reality enables us to ponder over the fact that God has planted nature for our
benefit. Since all is there for our own benefit, we should try to use the sources with care, save the earth
and environment. Everyone should try their best to take part in safeguarding earth from the present
environmental hazards threatening our existence.

This passage also invites us to reflect upon the natural world and the benefits it holds for us. This entails
that we should acknowledge from where our sustenance comes. This will, in turn, lead us to know and
appreciate our Creator, Lord. Muslims should be thankful to God for all the things He has created for
them, and offer regular prayer to show submission to him, follow His commands and use the resources
in a wise and judicious manner.

Passage 8 Surah al-Alaq (96:1-5): Major Themes of the Selected Qur'anic Passages

Translation of the Noble Verses

Read! In the name of your Lord, who created. Created man out of a clot of congealed blood: proclaim!
And your Lord is most bountiful, He who taught by the pen. Taught man what he did not know.

THEME/S

This passage reveals two significant positions of God in relation to humans, his creations; a) He is our
Creator and b) He has taught us what we need to know in order to better our material and spiritual life.
Thus the passage describes mankind’s origins and God’s favours upon them, particularly knowledge. He
is the only entity who can create complex life systems like humans from a small cell. This power
exclusively belongs to him and no other being can replicate this feat. By pointing out the process of
human creation during the gestation period, God establishes the fact that He has the power to do
everything. This is true at the cosmic level. Everything in the natural world including the human self
follows the design set by God. This entails that we should follow His spoken and written laws divulged
through the Prophets as well. These verses were the first to be revealed to the Prophet Muhammad and
have a direct allusion to the fact that God taught humans by the pen. It is also taken to refer to the
divine revelations God has always sent for the religious and moral teaching of humans. Elsewhere God
mentions creation and revelation side by side and says, "The Most Merciful. Taught the Qur'an. Created
man (Surah 55:1-3).

IMPORTANCE OF THE THEME/S

The most important command in this passage is the word Iqra, read. Since this was the first revelation
sent upon the Prophet of Islam, we learn the importance of education and stress laid on it. Man is the
creation of God. God has not left man blind. He has taught man through revelation. It means humans
should follow the laws given to them by Islam in their life and spend a meaningful life. For this one has
to gain knowledge. The Prophet [pbuh] stressed education of children. Looking around us we learn that
many children are kept deprived of the right to education. We should be thankful for the opportunity
and try to teach someone around us for free.

The indication to the gestational process and development of a human being before birth should
encourage the believer to know more about nature. A ponder over the process also leads the believer to
realize how humble a creation he is and he should not be proud.

Passage 9 Surah Zilzal (99): Major Themes of the Selected Qur'anic Passages

Translation of the Noble Surah

When the earth is shaken to her utmost convulsion And the Earth throws up her burdens, and man cries
out: ‘What is the matter with her?’ On that day will she declare her tidings: for that your Lord will have
given her inspiration. On that day will men proceed in companies sorted out, to be shown their deeds.
Then shall anyone who has done an atom’s weight of good see it! And anyone who has done an atom’s
weight of evil shall see it.
THEME/S

This passage revolves around two foundational Muslim beliefs: a) God’s power over all things and b) the
Last Judgment. Both are interrelated. Since God is the creator of this universe and its exclusive owner,
He has the ability to do everything. He has decided that the man on the earth, and indeed everything
else, has a specific time period. Then He will destroy the world and resurrect humans for judgment. The
power of God is described through the depiction of the Doomsday when the earth will jolt severely.
Humans will be in a state of loss and confusion. The earth itself will call out like a person. This event will
usher us into the next world, hereafter. People will be resurrected and given life again. This again shows
God’s power to resurrect the dead. Finally, the humans will be sorted out into groups and all their
actions, however big or small, will be shown to them. This also proves the power of God to know
everything even in the deepest recesses of human minds and hearts. God’s judgment will be perfect,
immaculate and absolute as He is the “Master of the Day of Judgment” (Surah 1:3). No injustice will be
possible as the humans will be provided a complete list of thoughts, showing beliefs, and doings,
showing actions.

IMPORTANCE OF THE THEME/S

The passage tells us that everyone will be judged on the Last Day. We learn that another life awaits
humankind after this ephemeral life. They will be shown all their deeds done in this life on the Day of
Judgment. Not the slightest action will be left out of counting and judgment. This means that having
been reminded of their responsibility and final accountability, humans should be careful about how they
live their lives. They should follow all the teachings of the Sharī‘ah and adhere to the universal moral
principles. They should behave like responsible citizens and follow the national and international laws as
it is also a requirement of the Sharī‘ah. Small acts of goodness should not be disparaged and abandoned.
Similarly, even slight sins should be avoided. The passage reminds us of the temporary nature of life.
This encourages us upon spending more time praying to God, helping others, and doing other good
works instead of wasting time or amassing the worldly riches and remaining engrossed in the glitter of
the world. There is a subtle indication of the human’s relation to the earth, their abode. It implies that
earth is their home and they look after the Earth.

Passage 10 Surah Al-Naas (114): Major Themes of the Selected Qur'anic Passages

TRANSLATION OF THE NOBLE SURAH

Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of mankind, The king of mankind, The God of mankind, From the
mischief of the whisperers who withdraws, who whispers into the heart of mankind, Among jinns and
among mankind.

THEME/S

This Surah describes God’s relation to mankind. It describes a specific shade of monotheism, tawhid. It
tells us that God is our Lord, King, and God. He is the only Entity who can protect us from every possible
threat. Due to His unbound power, He can guard us against the various evils of the world, from jinn and
men for the Qur’an says, “He has the power to dispose of all affairs.” (Q 6”103) He can also protect us
against temptations which come from different sources. The arch enemy of man is Satan. He whispers
evil in our hearts and then withdraws. Then there are some humans and jinn who follow Satan’s
footsteps and misguide others. This implies that we should be careful about selection of our company.
Some people can suggest evil and we should know that everyone has not good intentions about us. A
strong faith in Allah and taking refuge with him, however, can protect us.

IMPORTANCE OF THE THEME/S

The main teachings in this surah relate to God’s power. We learn that He can protect against everything.
Thus with this infinite power, Allah is the only entity who can offer us a refuge against the evils of
whispering satans be they jinns or humans. Thus the surah offers us a precise and perfect wording to
seek protection of God. When one finds evil suggestions in one’s mind and heart one should quickly
resort to reciting this surah and seek God’s protection. However, one should take special care in
choosing the company and should try to remain in good fellows. This is how they can do their part and
leave the rest to God. Muslims recite it for this purpose very frequently. Since Muslims rely on God and
believe in His protection this lends them extraordinary strength and faith. They don’t worry about things
they think will harm them for example in personal, social and financial matters.

Allah’s Messengers

Passage 11 Surah al-Baqarah 2: 30-37:: Major Themes of the Selected Qur'anic Passages

Translation of the Noble Verses

Behold, your Lord said to the angels: ‘I will create a vicegerent on the 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. And He taught Adam the names of all
things; then He placed them before the angels, and said: ‘Tell me the names of these if you are right.’
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.’ He said: ‘Adam! Tell them their names.’ 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? 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. We said: ‘Adam! You
and your wife dwell in the Garden; and eat of the bountiful things in it as you w`ish. But do not approach
this tree, or you will run into harm and transgression.’ 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.’ Then Adam learnt from his lord words
of inspiration, and his Lord turned towards him; for He is often-returning, most merciful.

THEME/S

God is the Creator of all including humans and the angels. He created humans starting from Adam.
Humans also need guidance. Therefore, Allah chose the first human as His Messenger. He granted them
knowledge and made them guides of mankind. He continues helping, caring for and protecting His
prophets. This passage shows how God picked Adam and made angels prostrate before Him. He gave
Adam, and through him, all the humans, preference over other creations due to the knowledg He gave
him and his progeny. This also proves that God gives knowledge and status to whom He wishes. God’s
special favour and relation to the Messengers is also evident from the fact that when Satan misled
Adam, God did not leave him or allow any obstacle to prevent him from making Adam his representative
on earth. He taught Adam prayers after which He forgave him and planted him on earth, thus proving
that He forgives the sincere repentant.

IMPORTANCE OF THE THEME/S

The importance of this theme emerges from the fact that Adam was the first prophet of God, who was
made his representative, khalīfah, on earth. This gives Muslims a sense of their connection to God as
Adam is called the father of humankind and everyone is descended from him. All humans are
vicegerents of God on earth. God stressed the importance of Adam by making the angels prostrate
before him. He also forgave Adam for his sin. This reveals to us, the humans, our true status in the sight
of God and encourages a believer upon seeking forgiveness from God whenever they err. Having learnt
about God’s care and direct relationship with every individual, they should not lose hope if they, under
the intensity of desire, falter and commit a sin. Elsewhere God says: “Behold! Verily Allah is He, the oft-
forgiving, the most merciful.” (Surah 42:5) They should also learn to worship the Lord who is so kind and
forgiving.

Passage 12 Surah al-An'aam 6.75–79: Major Themes of the Selected Qur'anic Passages

TRANSLATION OF THE NOBLE VERSES

So also did we show Abraham the power and the laws of heavens and earth, so that he might have
certainty. When the night covered Him over, He saw a star: He said: ‘This is my Lord.’ But when it set, he
said: ‘I do not love things that set.’ When he saw the moon rising in splendor, he said: ‘This is my Lord’.
But when the moon set, he said: ‘unless my lord guides me, I will surely be among those who go astray’.
When he saw the sun rising in splendor, he said: ‘This is my Lord; this is the greatest.’ But when the sun
set, he said: ‘O my people! I am indeed free from your giving partners to Allah.’ ‘For me, I have set my
face firmly and truly toward Him who created the heavens and earth, and never shall I give partners to
Allah.’

THEME/S

This passage from Surah al-An’aam (Q 6) discusses God’s relation with His Messengers. Citing the
example of Abraham, God Almighty tells us how He guides and leads His Messengers to the truth,
oneness of God. The lesson is that we should also learn that God shows His signs to mankind to
strengthen their belief, as He did to Abraham. The purpose is to guide them to know about His
existence, omnipotence, wisdom and oneness. We also learn that He helps his prophets when they are
in need. The signs of the sun and the moon and the star were shown to Abraham to clear his confusion
about his ancestor’s belief in idols. This sets for us, a good example to follow in pondering over the signs
of God scattered in the heavens and the earth and conclude the oneness of God and worship God alone
as in Surah 41:37 He says: “Adore not the sun and the moon, but adore Allah, who created them, if it is
Him you wish to serve.”

IMPORTANCE OF THE THEME/S

In this passage, Muslims are taught to believe in God alone. They must not ascribe partners to Him. We
learn how God communicated with his prophet through His created signs. The sun and the moon are
created to guide and communicate with humankind. They are ephemeral and transitory. Nothing but
God is omnipotent and eternal. Therefore, Muslims need to keep that in mind and not worship anything
else. The common behavior of many people today is opposite to this. They remain engaged in pursuing
wealth, riches, and comforts of the world. Contrarily, Muslims should worship only Allah and not money
or jobs. Whenever they feel weak in faith they should look for God’s signs in creation to strengthen
belief. The power and might of God working behind these signs can help them reaffirm faith the way it
did to Abraham.

Passage 13 Surah al-Ma'idah 5:30-37: Major Themes of the Selected Qur'anic Passages

TRANSLATION OF THE NOBLE VERSE

Then will Allah say: ‘Jesus son of Mary! Recount my favor to you and to your mother. Behold! I
strengthened 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’.

THEME/S

This passage discusses God’s relation with His prophets. God helps and supports His Prophet all the
time. He gives miracles to them for this purpose. We see that Jesus was awarded a number of miracles
including the Holy Spirit through which he could heal the leper and the blind and give life to the dead.
He also gave Jesus knowledge of the Law and the Gospel. This proves that God is always with His
Messengers and guides them through and through. We also learn about the power of God and that
humans can do great things but only with God’s permission as Allah explains that Jesus could do those
feats only “by my leave”. The signs God gives to prophets establish His existence. These signs then, in
turn, also work for the general believer. Having pondered over these they must devote themselves to
the worship of God alone. Elsewhere God mentions His signs and power and then addresses mankind in
the following words: “Adore not the sun and the moon, but adore Allah, who created them.” (Surah
41:37)

IMPORTANCE OF THE THEME/S

According to this passage, and other statements of the Quran, Jesus was a Prophet of God. The passage
also stresses and establishes the power of God. God gives some knowledge and power to humans who
are therefore capable of great feats but it is God who gives permission for these. Present marvels of
scientific discoveries and advancement of technologies like moon landings, space travel, have been due
to God’s granted knowledge.

This has a direct lesson for Muslims. They should use these as signs of God’s grace and believe in His
power to control everything. They learn that it is He alone who allows marvelous things to happen. This
entails that the Muslims should remember Him often, by praying, supplicating or doing good deeds.
When a believer is in distress or is overpowered by hardships he realizes that the God who is
omnipotent and granted Jesus such powers is the only Entity who has the power to change things. He is
able to help those who have complete faith in Him. This increases the level of faith of such a believer
and brings him out of distress.
Passage 14 Surah Wa al-Zuhaa 93: Major Themes of the Selected Qur'anic Passages

TRANSLATION OF THE NOBLE SURAH

By the glorious morning night, And by the night when it is still, your Lord has not forsaken you, nor is he
displeased. And truly the hereafter will be better for you than the present. And soon your Lord will give
you so that you will be pleased. Did He not find you an orphan and gave you shelter? And He found you
wandering, and He gave you guidance. And He found you in need, and made you independent.
Therefore, do not treat the orphans with harshness, nor drive the beggar away; but tell about the
bounty of your Lord!

THEME/S

This surah contains a consolation to and reassurance to the Prophet Muhammad. The passage shows
how God helps His prophets. The Prophet Muhammad was upset due to a break in revelation. God gold
Him that He has always been with him as He sheltered him when he was left orphan; he gave him
wealth (through marriage with Khadijah) and granted him revelation when he was in need for it. These
favours of God have been recounted only in order to reassure the Prophet that His Hereafter, the
coming life in this world and the one to come in the after world, will be a life of blessing. Elsewhere God
tells the Prophet: “To you have we granted abundance” (Surah 108:1). These teachings clearly show that
He is there for His Prophets. He is powerful enough to help someone out of nowhere, when all possible
means seem to be closed. The believers in need should have faith in Him alone and serve Him. They
should be thankful for God for what they enjoy and turn to Him seeking what they need and lack.

This passage also teaches good treatment of the orphans and the needy. The implication is that all the
weaker classes and individuals should be treated honourably and with compassion. When an orphan
seeks our help we should extend it to him. When we learn of such a needy person we should proceed to
help them. The needy and the orphans, and indeed all the weaker folks, deserve our special care and
good treatment.

IMPORTANCE OF THE THEME/S

We learn from this surah that people said God had abandoned the Prophet yet God blessed him. This
means that we too should remain hopeful in God’s blessings and favours. We should also consider the
blessings we already enjoy. At times other taunt us, look down upon us and make us realize we are less
fortunate in terms of wealth. At such occasions we should look at our lives and note the blessings we
enjoy. We should not say that we have been deprived and given nothing. This in turn leads us to
thank God for what He provides us. We should be grateful to God through prayers and worship.

If Muslims face difficulties in life, such as during preaching of Islam, spreading knowledge and other
good works they should retain hope in Allah and ask for His mercy. We also learn that since most of us
have been granted abundantly, we should try to help the poor and other. We must also share our
knowledge with others as it is granted by God and is not our personal property.

In contemporary world of Islam many people are facing difficulties such as war. For example people in
Kashmir and Syria. They should have patience and look to God for guidance. God help comes sooner or
later. But they will not be deprived of it.
Passage 15 Surah al-Kawthar (108): Major Themes of the Selected Qur'anic Passages

TRANSLATION OF THE NOBLE SURAH

To you have we granted abundance. So pray to your Lord and sacrifice. For he who hates you, he will be
cut off.

THEME/S

This surah discusses God’s relation with His Messengers, particularly the Prophet Muhammad. It
indicates that out of mercy, God granted the Prophet success. We learn that God helped the Prophet
Muhammad when he was in trouble. The Prophet was being taunted by the disbelievers who said that
he would not even have a name for he had lost his son. God reassured and consoled the Prophet and
promised him abundance, al-kawthar. This was a reference to great following the Prophet would win
and great number of his people whom he would entertain in a pond in Jannah which too is called al-
kawthar. To bring this promise home God also promised destruction of his enemies. Elsewhere, in
similar hard times, God promised Muhammad: “soon your Lord will give you so that you will be
pleased.” (surah al-Duha). Therefore, God is always close to His Prophet and also, by analogy, to His
believing servants.

We also learn that in response to the blessings of God we are obliged to thank him by praying to none
but Him and offering sacrifices. In the times of difficulties our worship to Him should increase rather
than abandoned out of despair and loss of hope.

IMPORTANCE OF THE THEME/S

The theme of the passage is directly related to the Muslims today. They are but the future generation of
followers that was promised to the Prophet. Therefore, this surah should prove a message for hope to
them when they are in need. Future hope is also given with the promise of the Kawthar in paradise;
therefore, Muslims should worship Allah alone and hope to be the recipient of the Prophet’s
entertainment in the afterlife. In this surah we have learnt that God intervenes in times of difficulty.
Therefore, we should always remember to look to Him for help and support, and not feel disheartened
in times of difficulty. When, for example, one is ill or is subjected to oppression, one should remain
steadfast and hopeful. Those Muslims who serve the religion in these days and try to follow the
teachings of God are often mocked at and despised in the modern society. This surah gives them
reassurance and helps them overcome this and remain steadfast despite the difficulties and mockeries.
Muslims faced mockery and ridicule by some people who drew cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad. In
response to mean efforts like this Muslims should behave like the Prophet and not react with anger but
turn to God for help.

Sura Kausar encourages the oppressed Muslims of today, particularly those in Kashmir and Palestine, to
bear the persecution they face. They must have self control and faith in Allah when faced with a
hardship. They should not neglect the obligations and faraiz of Islam in order to maintain the pleasure of
Allah.