(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]
1: sura, 2.225 (Ayat ul Kursi)
A: Theme:
Theme of this long 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 God is fee from all weaknesses and
limitations, has perfect knowledge of all times, is not dependent on anyone for
his survival and enjoys autonomy in exercising His authority. His authority and
his rule encompass the entire universe. This makes God not only unique but also
elevates him to the heights, we just can’t imagine and that is mentioned in the
Quran as: “then he established himself on the throne” (10:3, 13:2)
B: Importance
of the Theme:
This passage 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:
6. 101—103 (Al-An’aam)
A: Theme:
Theme of this passage is God in Himself. It
elaborates some of the fundamental aspects of unity of God (Tawhid). It
describes God as the originator of universe and rejects any kind of
misconception of God having any family. It also refers to His unbounded knowledge,
power and grasp on His created world. The passage further stresses on the
sublime nature of God and inability of human imagination to encompass God’s
person, though He himself can see to the unfathomable depths, as endorsed
elsewhere in the Quran: “for God is He Who understands the finest mysteries”
(22:63).
B: Importance
of the theme
This passage is important for Muslims to clearly
understand the doctrine of Tawhid in terms of God’s nature and powers. Muslims
need to learn that though God is too sublime to be perceived, He is everywhere
and all powerful. The Quran reminds Muslims this repeatedly: “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 (associating partners with God). Muslims, in this way, develop a
clearer concept of tawhid and feel themselves bound to adore God only. They
remember that shirk is the only unpardonable sin in the sight of God.