Surah 96.1-5 (surah Alaq)

Question 1

What is the main theme of this surah?

Answer 1

• These verses of surah Alaq present the Quranic theme of God’s relationship with the created world. Divine revelation is the beginning of Islam and Prophethood.
• God is the Creator which is shown in this sura through the way humans were created from a clot. It focuses on Allah’s favor and mercy on humanity (His generosity).
• It gives the message to acquire knowledge by reading and writing. God has blessed humans with a high destiny by giving them the ability to use the Pen.
• God is 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.” This is even more noticeable and important in the spiritual world.
• Iqra is a command to read the signs and the places in creation to understand God’s mercy, Wisdom, and power.

Question 2

What is the importance of this surah?

Answer 2

• The importance of this sura is that it allows humans to understand how God created them from nothing.
• Knowledge is a link between man and God. Pen implies reading, writing, books, study, research, etc. Seeking knowledge is encouraged and so humankind should try their best to learn throughout their lives, especially religious knowledge so they can get to know their Lord.
• Knowledge of each subject e.g. religion, science, etc has its value, 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 to spread knowledge and eliminate illiteracy and ignorance.