Allah's Relationship With The Created World Flashcards
Surah 1 [Part A]
God is Lord of all that exists, even of the things which humans cannot see. This surah includes affirmation of Tawhid in all its various categories. God is Most Merciful and he presides over judgement and forgives His creatures. The straight way “Sirat-ul-Mutaqeem” is the path based on righteousness. God leads humans on the path of his obedience which is given in the Quran and in the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet. Quran says, “Verily! Right guidance is the guidance of Allah,” If humans follow their own way, they may go astry.
Surah 1 [Part B]
Al-Fatiha is actually a prayer. Through this humans communicate with God and He is replying to each verse. The recitation in five daily prayers commences with it. Prophet (PBUH) “No prayer is accepted without Fatiha” Recitation of Tasmiah brings Allah to mind before every other action. Submitting to God brings humbleness to our lives. Through the teachings of this sura, Muslims today gain confidence in God’s mercy and seek His guidance.
Surah 2.21-22 [Part A]
These are based on the concept of piety which is achieved by the constant remembrance of God. God is the creator of mankind and the purpose of creation is obedience to his commands. He not only created humans but also made arrangements for their sustenance. God’s boundaries of fertile earth, shade and water from the sky are recounted to emphasize that He alone should be praised and worshipped. Quran says, “praise be to Allah, the cherisher and sustainer of the world.”
Surah 2.21-22 [Part B]
Through these verses, humans understand the relationship with God is that of the Lord and the slaves who should pray to him alone for all their needs. Physical life is symbolized by the Earth and spiritual life is symbolized by the sky to emphasize that both physical and spiritual life depends upon Allah. These verses also inculcate a sense of gratitude to God for his countless bounties. Through this passage, Muslims reflect upon the natural world and the benefits it holds for them. They can also see this from the guidance that came before them from prophets in form of divine books.
Surah 96.1-5 [Part A]
This passage was the first revelation to the Holy Prophet. It mentions God’s power to create and ensure the survival and growth of humankind. It gives the message to acquire knowledge by reading and writing. It dignifies God as the greatest teacher who taught all forms of knowledge to humans and made them superior to other creatures. Quran says, “and He taught Adam the names of all things.” Iqra is commanded to read the signs and the places in creation to understand God’s mercy, Wisdom and power.
Surah 96.1-5 [Part B]
These teachings also help Muslims to see God’s power, which is seen in the way He is able to create humans. Knowledge is a link between man and God. Knowledge of each subject and acquiring knowledge is rewarded by performing additional prayers or fasting. It also helps Muslims understand how prophethood and Islam started and they should reflect upon what God has sent down for them to help them live their lives. So they should be grateful to God and do their best for spreading knowledge and eliminating illiteracy and ignorance.
Surah 99 [Part A]
It depicts the last day and the end of time when everything will be destroyed as God has the power to destroy His own creation. The earth will give testimony on what occurred from environmental abuse to neglect of resources. The Quran says, “When the earth is flattened out and throws out whatever it contains and gets empty,” On the day of resurrection the dead will be raised from their graves and justice will be done in the light of the truth. In this world, good and evil are mixed together. People will be responsible for their actions on earth. Every little act of goodness or sin will be taken account by God. It will take them to heaven or to hell.
Surah 99 [Part B]
This surah is a warning for the people to give up their lives of sin and be obedient to Allah. The last day creates a fear of accountability, reminding Muslims to stay on the straight path. It reminds them of resurrection and the last day which is an article of faith in Islam. Good deeds will be rewarded encouraging Muslims to do good at all times. It keeps them away from sins. It helps Muslims to understand the temporary nature of the world which stops them from being distracted by worldly
things. Muslims feel comforted by God’s justice that no good deed with go unnoticed and no bad deed will go unpunished.
Surah 114 [Part A]
This Surah describes three attributes of Allah the All-Mighty. He gives sustenance to mankind. All things are created by him and are subservient to him. It warns against the secret whisperers of Satan within their hearts who whispers evil/bad ideas to them and disappears leaving them alone on their own. Since God is all-powerful and a provider of all necessities and protection, therefore, only He can protect human beings from all evils, especially the internal ones. It is one of the surahs of protection (Quls). The refuge must be sought with Allah from all evils, Satan, jinns, and man. Quran says, “If suggestion from Satan assails your mind, seek refuge with Allah,”
Surah 114 [Part B]
Through these verses, Muslims get to know the kind of evils/mischief they have to be wary of. Praying and doing good deeds strengthens reliance on God. Hence, a Muslim should get into the habit of reciting this chapter every day. God is the king so it is Him people should seek refuge with and should not look to others for refuge as it leads to shirk. Evil lead humans astray when they fall victim to satanic gullies. So as long as they put themselves in God’s protection and have trust in Him evil cannot really affect them.
