God's relationship with the created world (all 5 surahs)

Question 1

What does Surah Fatiha (1) emphasize about God’s relationship with the created world?

Answer 1

• Surah Fatiha emphasizes that humankind was created to worship God, which can be done through praying, following the Sunnah, making dua, etc.
• It says, “Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds” and emphasizes that He is the Creator and Controller of all in the heavens and the earth, and will judge humankind.
• Humans should ask God for help to remain guided, as stated in “You alone we worship and your aid we seek.”
• Perfect guidance comes from God, and humans should seek and follow it.

Question 2

What do verses 2:21-22 of Surah Al Baqarah highlight about God’s relationship with the created world?

Answer 2

• These verses highlight God as the Cherisher and Sustainer of all existence.
• It mentions His favors for sustenance, including creating humans, the heavens, the earth, rain, and fruits.
• It says, “Who has made the earth your couch and the heavens your canopy; and sent down rain from the heavens.”
• Humans are reminded to protect the environment and worship God alone, avoiding shirk, as “Then do not set up rivals with Allah when you know.”
• They should acknowledge God as the provider and remain humble.

Question 3

What is the key message in Surah Al Alaq (96:1-5) about the link between humankind and God?

Answer 3

• Surah Al Alaq emphasizes God’s creation of humans and the gift of knowledge. It states, “Read in the name of your Lord and Cherisher, who created.”
• God is described as the greatest teacher, “He, who taught by the pen, taught man what he did not know.”
• Humans are encouraged to seek knowledge, teach it, and recognize that God fulfills their intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

Question 4

How does Surah Al Zilzaal (99) describe God’s power and humankind’s accountability?

Answer 4

• Surah Al Zilzaal highlights God’s power as the Creator and Destroyer and His role as the Judge on the Day of Judgement.
• It states, “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.”
• The earth is created for humankind’s benefit, and humans are reminded to be grateful and mindful of their actions, fulfilling their responsibilities to God and the environment.

Question 5

What does Surah Naas (114) reveal about God as a refuge?

Answer 5

• Surah Naas describes God as the safest refuge from all evil.
• It states, “Say! I seek refuge with the Lord of mankind.” It warns against the secret whispers of Satan, “From the mischief of the whisperer who withdraws.”
• God is presented as the most powerful, the Lord, King, and God over humankind.
• Humans are encouraged to seek His protection in difficult times and rely on Him for physical, emotional, and spiritual sustenance.