Surah 41.37 and 42.4-5

Question 1

What was the main theme in Surah 41.37?

Answer 1

• This verse of Surah Fussilat discusses the theme of Allah in Himself. It is directing attention to the concept of Tawhid (Oneness of God) by saying that God creates and controls everything; in this verse specifically the sun and the moon.
• Celestial bodies and the cycle of nature on earth are the signs of God’s power for mankind and help them to identify their true Lord and His presence.
• The Quran says, “Behold! in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of Night and Day – there are indeed signs for men of wisdom.” (3:190)
• The order of the sun and the moon shows that God alone should be praised and worshipped and nothing should be associated with Him. It is a negation of paganism; the sun and moon are not to be
  worshipped

Question 2

What is the importance of the theme in Surah 41.37?

Answer 2

• This passage is important in the daily lives of Muslims because 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.
• It stops them from committing shirk by making them realize that all created things are not permanent.
• God’s signs invite Muslims to observe their environment and ponder over His signs. It creates awe and wonder to help get closer to Him.
• Muslims in their daily lives learn from this passage that God administers all affairs.
• Thus, they consider themselves humble servants of God and turn to Him for salvation through prayer, fasting, and other
  acts of worship.

Question 3

What was the main theme in Surah 42.4-5?

Answer 3

• These verses of Surah Shura represent the theme of God in Himself. These verses confirm God’s power, majesty, and ultimate authority over all that exists in this Universe. God is the owner of everything because He created everything.
• His majesty is so much that the heavens tremble and are almost ready to tear apart by His glory. Everything in the Universe acknowledges His power and supremacy by praising Him. The Quran says, “Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.”
• It further discusses that angels always glorify God’s attributes of forgiveness and mercifulness for those who repent and request Him for their forgiveness. Humans are reliant on God’s mercy as He is the most forgiving, the most merciful.

Question 4

What is the importance of this theme in Surah 42.4-5?

Answer 4

• The importance here is that God tells humankind of His power and control over all things, so they should remember that they do not have any power in comparison which in turn protects them from arrogance.
• In their daily lives Muslims need to show humbleness like Angels who despite having magnificent
  power to dispose of different affairs fear God and seek His mercy day and night. The obedience of angels to God can encourage humans to be obedient to God too.
• Humans should not despair of Him or give up on His mercy – even if they have sinned, they should turn back to Him and He will forgive. They must keep their trust in God who will help them in all their problems.
• As God is merciful to humankind, they, in turn, should be grateful through acts of worship like prayer, fasting, etc, and also try to be forgiving of others, even if they have been hurt or injured.