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Online Learning Program
The only hope to have a
better tomorrow is to educate and enlighten our coming generations
especially to let them have open minds putting an end to myopia eating at the
delicate fiber of humanity.
We are starting a series of
lectures for O level students on Youtube; this blog is also going to
support this endeavor.
Cambridge Examination 2058 Question 1 Paper 2
Q.1. Choose any two of the following
passages from the Qur’an, and:
(a) Briefly describe the main theme(s) in
each passage. [4]
(b) Briefly explain the
importance of these themes in a Muslim's life
today. [4]
11. Surah Baqarah
(2:30-37)
Allah’s
Messenger
30. Behold, your Lord said to the angels: ‘I will create a
vicegerent on earth.’ They said: ‘Will You place there one who will make
mischief there and shed blood?- whilst we celebrate your praises and glorify
your holy (name)?’ He said: ‘I know what you do not know.’ 31. And He taught
Adam the names of all things; then He placed them before the angels, and said:
‘Tell me the names of these if you are right.’ 32. They said: ‘Glory to You, of
knowledge we have none, save what You have taught us: In truth it is You who
are perfect in knowledge and wisdom.’ 33. He said: ‘Adam! Tell them their
names.’ When he had told them, Allah said: ‘Did I not tell you that I know the
secrets of heaven and earth, and I know what you reveal and what you conceal?’
34. And behold, We said to the angels: ‘Bow down to Adam’. And they bowed down.
Not so Iblis: he refused and was haughty: he was of those who reject faith. 35.
We said: ‘Adam! You and your wife dwell in the Garden; and eat of the bountiful
things in it as you wish. But do not approach this tree, or you will run into
harm and transgression.’ 36. Then Satan made them slip from there, and got them
out of what they had been in. We said: ‘Go down, with enmity between
yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling-place and your means of livelihood,
for a time.’ 37. Then Adam learnt from his Lord words of inspiration, and his
Lord turned towards him; for He is often-returning, most merciful.
Behold your Lord said to the angels: "I will
create a vicegerent on earth” They said: "Will you place there one who
will make mischief there and bloodshed?-Whilst we celebrate your praises and
glorify your holy (name)?. [a.1. First and the foremost theme is the start of the “Rissalah”
the channel of communication between Creator & creation. Angels too are
part of this institution of “Rissalah” but to help man in his mission] [b.1. Importance here is that we must not forget our august status
as the vicegerent of Allah and must do our utmost to remain worthy of this
status by remaining away from evil in all its manifestations. This is visible from the Arabic word “Khalifa” used for the
one decided to be sent as a vicegerent; The
Adam. Reaction of angels also clarifies above theme as angels in their humble
knowledge could not reconcile the Great Design of Allah]
He said I know what
you do not know and He taught Adam the names of all things [a.2. Adam was granted the special faculties
and potential to imbibe the special
domains of knowledge which even the angels did not have, reminding an important
theme that Prophetic knowledge is but a special gift of Allah granted to His
selected people picked up to be prophets, Adam was the 1st prophet] [b.2. We must believe in all the prophets and make no distinction
amongst them as emphasized by Quran, “We make no distinction
between any of His messengers” (2:285)
such a behavior is important to establish brotherly relations amongst all mankind
so ardently required today. Prophet(s) alluded toward this by saying, “O’ you servants
of Allah be brothers” (Mishkat). This is visible from the Arabic word “Asma” having special
connotation that
Adam’s knowledge was an inherent potentiality for acquiring knowledge, a
faculty angels did not have, alluded by the Arabic word “Asma”.]
then He placed them before the angels, and said:’ Tell
me the names of these if you are right'. They said:” Glory to you, of knowledge
we have none, save what You
have taught us: In truth it is You who are perfect in knowledge and wisdom
He said: 'Adam! Tell them their names. 'When He told them,
Allah said: "Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of heaven and
earth, and I know what you reveal and what you conceal? And behold, we said to
the angels: 'Bow down to Adam.' And they bowed down. [a.3. Theme visible here is
that all knowledge is with Allah (2:255) and this is a special favor of Allah
that some degree of knowledge is granted to man through the prophets showing
the special status of prophets and value of prophetic knowledge. Besides
alluding to the great reality that Prophet(s) had all knowledge of Quran from
Allah] [b.3. Importance
of this theme is that we as “Ashraf ul Makhloqat” best of creation must try our
utmost to keep acquiring and increasing our knowledge to maintain this august
status which was bowed down by the angels. Prophet(s) stressed, “To acquire
knowledge is a duty upon every Muslim male and Muslim female” (Mishkat) Visible as the angels bowed down to Adam, due to this
divine element in man, Allah had granted Adam with special faculties to acquire
and multiply knowledge]
Not so Iblis: he refused and was haughty: he was of
those who reject faith. We Said: 'Adam! You and your wife. Dwell in the garden;
and eat of the bountiful things in it as you wish. But do not approach this
tree, or you will run into harm and transgression. Then Satan made them slip
from there, and got them out of what they had been in We said: ' Go down, with enmity b/w your selves.
On earth will be your dwelling-place and your means of livelihood, for a
time". Then Adam learnt from his Lord words of
inspiration, and his Lord turned towards him: for He is oft-returning,
most merciful. [a.4. Theme reminded here is
importance of following guidance from Allah through “Rissalah” “the channel of
communication”, a prerequisite for success here & hereafter as abode here
is only temporary] [b.4. Importance of this
theme is to know the value of Quran, the final revelation in our daily lives.
Quran is complete guidance (2:2) so we must not only read Quran but must
understand, imbibe and completely mould our lives according to each and every
word of Quran.
This is visible from Arabic word, “Kalamaat” Adam learnt from the Lord)
11. Surah Al- Anam
( 6:75-79)
Allah’s Messenger
75. So also did We show Abraham the power and the laws of the
heavens and the earth, so that he might have certainty. 76. When the night
covered him over, he saw a star: He said: ‘This is my Lord.’ But when it set,
he said: ‘I do not love things that set.’ 77. When he saw the moon rising in
splendour, he said: ‘This is my Lord.’ But when the moon set, he said: ‘Unless
my Lord guides me, I will surely be among those who go astray.’ 78. When he saw
the sun rising in splendour, he said: ‘This is my Lord; this is the greatest.’
But when the sun set, he said: ‘O my people! I am indeed free from your giving
partners to Allah.’ 79. ‘For me, I have set my face firmly and truly towards
Him who created the heavens and the earth, and never shall I give partners to
Allah.’
75. So
also did We show Abraham the power and the laws of the heavens and the earth,
so that he might have certitude. [a.1. 1st
theme visible is that all prophets were granted special powers e.g. Abraham was
given extraordinary knowledge & perceptive powers, to develop a stronger
sense of conviction, the certitude; (muqeneen) about special
realms of the Realities of Truth] [b.1. Importance of this theme is that we must always pay special
attention to learning through all such narrations from Quran to develop strong
faith and conviction about the continuity of religion from Adam to the last
Prophet(s) and the reality of our Creator and limitless powers of Allah. This is visible from the special favors granted to Prophet
Abram from the Arabic word
“Malkoot-us-Samawat” meaning special working of heavens and universe shown to
Abraham]
6. When the night covered him over, he saw a star: He
said: ‘This is my Lord.’ But when it set, he said: ‘I do not love things that
set.’ 77. When he saw the moon rising in splendor, he said: ‘This is my Lord.’
But when the moon set, he said: ‘Unless my Lord guides me, I will surely be
among those who go astray.’ 78. When he saw the sun rising in splendor, he
said:’ This is my Lord; this is the greatest.’ But when the sun set, he said [a.2. Allah has His own way of granting wisdom to his
selected people to be prophets. However Abram has the unique honor of going
through a special endeavor in search of Truth, as Abraham was to be an arch
Prophet, as Quran reminds, “And remember
that Abraham was tried by his Lord with certain commands, which he fulfilled:
He said: "I will make thee an Imam, a leader to the Nations” (2:124). Thus
Abraham is a common link between all scriptural religions, envisaging great
peace & tranquility] [b.2. This theme has special importance in our daily life as
Abraham is the arch prophet, as Quran reminds, “So follow the religion of Abraham, the upright. He was not of the
idolaters.” (3:95) as
such belief in Abraham provides a common link between all scriptural religions.
We must always highlight such common links to establish cordial relations among
all mankind especially the people of the book to ensure ardently required peace,
the raison d’ etre of Islam. This
is visible from Abraham’s constant endeavors to reach the ultimate truth &
reality the true Lord of this universe)
:‘O my people! I am indeed free from your giving
partners to Allah.’ 79. ‘For me, I have set my face firmly and truly
towards Him who created the heavens and the earth, [a.3.
Another theme visible here is that prophets are sinless; Abraham’s search was sincere,
being “Hanif”, meaning upright by nature as given in the next verse to this
passage, (6:80) thus was free of even an iota of shirk. However a subtle
eloquence of Quran is also manifest here. Abraham’s searching questions in fact
were not for himself as he was firm in his knowledge of the True Reality, made
manifest to him by Allah. These question were to awaken his people who were
steeped deep in the quagmire of shirk about Truth of Tuhid.] [b.3. We must also do our
utmost to look for the signs leading to the reality of Tuhid, most manifest all
around us as reminded in Quran, “Pick up your eyes; will come back tired but
you will not find a single flaw in the creation of your Lord” (67:3-4) A logic
further explained, “Had there been more then ONE God there would have been
chaos” (21:22) and develop strong conviction of Tuhid. This is clearly visible from Abraham’s words addressed to
his people after showing his awe about
Allah’s creation, ultimately leading to the Reality of the Creator and Tuhid]
and never shall I give partners to Allah.’ (a.4. Abraham reaching the great truth about Tuhid reminds
the vital theme that all prophets brought the same message of Tuhid. (21:25)]
[b.4. From this theme
the important learning is to shun all kind of shirk from our daily life and
submit to Allah with complete sincerity and conviction as the Prophet(s)
reminded that “Religion is sincerity to Allah His Book and to the Prophet(s)”
(Mishkat) visible from Abraham’s resolve to
guard against Shirk, the unpardonable sin. (5:48)]
13. Surah Maida
(5:110)
Allah’s Messenger
110.
Then will Allah say: ‘Jesus son of Mary! Recount my favour to you and to your
mother. Behold! I strengthened you with the Holy Spirit, so that you spoke to
the people in childhood and in maturity. Behold! I taught you the Book and
Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel. And behold! You make out of clay, as it were,
the figure of a bird, by my leave, and you breathe into it and it becomes a
bird by my leave, and you heal those born blind, and the lepers, by my leave.
And behold! You bring forth the dead by my leave. And behold! I restrained the
Children of Israel
from you when you showed them the clear signs, and the unbelievers among them
said: ‘This is nothing but evident magic.’
Then will Allah say: ‘Jesus son of Mary! Recount my
favour to you and to your mother. [a.1. This
passage is depicting the day of judgment when all prophets will be called as a
witness against their nations, “Ummahs” (4:41) and the conversation thus taking
place between Allah and the Prophet Jesus. Theme reminded here is that all
prophets received special favors of different kinds from Allah, however Jesus
was granted biggest blessing being a Miracle Personified however the purpose of
all prophets was the same as all brought the message of Tuhid (21:25)] [b.1. The importance is
that belief in all the prophets is part of the articles of faith of Muslims,
highlighting the cardinal belief that Islam is the continuation of religion
from Adam up to last Prophet Muhammad (s) We should always look for the common
links in our daily life to increase the level of coherence between all mankind
especially the People of the Book, the only way to achieve ardently required
peace. Visible
from the very address as “son of Mary” as that was the biggest miracle in
itself i.e. being born of Mary miraculously
& great blessings being reminded to him here on the Day of Judgment.]
Behold! I strengthened you with the Holy Spirit (Roh-ul-Quduss), so that you spoke to the people
in childhood and in maturity. [a.2. All
prophets got special help from Allah’s e.g. through Arch Angel Gabriel in
different forms against opposition of evil forces, especially reminding Jesus
of the miracles granted as a child “He spoke in the cradle” (19:31)] [b.2. The importance here
is of the special status of Gabriel as the Arch Angel who brought revelations
to all the prophets and helped all prophet in different ways, confirming that
Islam is the only religion with Allah (3:19) Strict adherence to such an
approach in our daily life can greatly help us move towards universal peace. This is visible as Jesus is
been reminded of how all Allah helped him through Gabriel also visible from Arabic word “Roh-ul-Quds” especially
when he was too young to remember.]
Behold! I taught you the Book
(Kitab) and Wisdom (Al-Hikmah), the Torah,
(Law) and the Gospel (Injeel). [a.3. Theme visible is that
Prophets, especially the “Rassool”, had been granted revelations. Jesus was
granted knowledge of Torah carrying law, the Book as well as the Bible carrying
the wisdom, alluding to a great reality i.e. continuity of religion, all
prophets brought same religion. (42:13)] [b.3. Important learning here is that the ultimate source of
all knowledge is but Allah alone and all prophets were part of Rissalah, the
channel of communication between the Creator and the creation, for the guidance
of mankind. We must not make distinction amongst any prophets as Quran clearly
emphasizes, “We make no distinction
between any of His messengers” (2:285) Strictly obeying this command in our
daily life will ensure peace and great coherence amongst all mankind especially
the People of the Book. This is visible through
Jesus being reminded that Allah Himself did this special favour to Jesus by
teaching him the previous scripture mentioned in the passage, which alone lies within the powers of the Creator.]
And behold! You make out of clay, as it were, the
figure of a bird, by my leave (beizni), and you breathe into it and it becomes a bird by my leave, and you heal those born blind, and the
lepers, by my leave. And behold! You bring
forth the dead by my leave. [a.4. An important theme presented here is, Prophets were
granted miracles, a power bestowed on them by will
of Allah, not their own power. Besides alluding to
the very purpose of miracles, the signs i.e. to know the limitless powers of
the Creator, reminded by the Quran, “Adore not the signs of Allah but adore
Allah who created them; (41:37)] [b.4. We must believe in the miracles granted to the prophets but
must never forget it was but the manifestation of the powers of Allah and not
the prophets. Most important lesson in our daily life is to submit to the
Miracle Maker and not the miracles. This is visible
from the Arabic word “Be-Izney” used 4 times meaning with the will of Allah, as Jesus is reminded the grant of so many miracles emphasizing,
were all but the manifestation of the limitless powers of the Creator]
And behold! I restrained the Children of Israel from you
when you showed them the clear signs, and the unbelievers among them said:
‘This is nothing but evident magic.’ (a.5. theme is
a reminder of the last miracle when Allah saved Jesus from cruel people as
Quran says, “They thought they slew the Messiah; they slew him not nor
crucified but appeared so unto them”, (4:157), theme
further confirms our belief, cruel people always opposed prophets & the
Truth they brought; 14:13) (b.5. Importance of this reality is our belief that Allah alone
is the sovereign authority as elaborated in Ayat-ul-Kursi (2:255) and thus Allah alone is
worthy of complete submission and all praises are but for Allah as highlighted
in Surah Fatiha Last theme is visible
through a great reality alluded here, a miracle in itself as to how Allah saved
Jesus from the heinous designs of the enemies.)
14. Surah Doha
(93)
Allah’s Messenger
1. By the glorious morning light, 2. And by the night when it is
still. 3. Your Lord has not forsaken you, nor is he displeased. 4. And truly
the Hereafter will be better for you than the present. 5. And soon your Lord
will give you so that you will be pleased. 6. Did He not find you an orphan and
give you shelter? 7. And He found you wandering, and He gave you guidance. 8.
And He found you in need, and made you independent. 9. Therefore, do not treat
the orphan with harshness, 10. Nor drive the beggar away; 11. But tell about
the bounty of your Lord!
1. By the glorious morning light, 2. And by the night
when it is still, 3. Your Lord has not forsaken you, nor is he displeased. [a.1. This Surah is
highlighting the time Prophet(s) was given a break to give him(s) rest as
constant exposure to revelation (Noor) could be harmful for his(s) health.
Theme reminds Allah’s special mercy for His
Prophets(s), as Allah takes special care of his selected people as prophets;
told Moses “fear not, verily you are of those who are secured”; 28:31] [b.1. Importance of the
theme highlighted here is that what ever happens in our life has some good
hidden in it for us which may not be apparently visible to us. However we must
have full confidence in what all Allah plans for us. This conviction gives us
immense confidence to be contented in all phases of our lives. Allah’s mercy is
all encompassing (7:156). As Prophet(s) is reminded in this Surah, visible from
two times in 24 hours, day symbolizing resuming of revelation whereas night
depicts the period of rest i.e. break in revelation. Further visible as Allah
assures Prophet(s) that the break was for his(s) own good & not for any
other reasons like Prophet(s) was thinking]
4. And truly the Hereafter will be better for you than
the present. 5. And soon
your Lord will give you so that you will be pleased. 6. Did He not find
you an orphan and give you shelter? [a.2. Allah
after tests and trials always rewards his selected people, e.g. the prophets;
Abraham was tried by his lord and then made “Imam-un-Nass” 2:124] [b.2. Importance of this
theme is that all the tests and trials too have some hidden wisdom of our Lord
as Prophet(s) said Allah loves us more then 70 mothers, visible through a glad tiding given to Prophet(s) about
his(s) future life in Madina compared to period of trials in Mecca]
7. And He found you wandering, and He gave you
guidance. [a.3. theme is grant of “Rissalah”
Prophethood, as Allah always help His selected people in their endeavors to
reach the Truth like Abraham 6:75-79, here it is start of revelation, Quran]
[b.3. Importance of
this theme is to remember “in the Prophet(s) of Allah there is the best
example” (33:21) and following the Prophet(s) in our daily life, in all realms
of life will bring peace in our life as well as all around us, visible from the
Arabic word “Hidayah” referring to Quran and so we must look for solutions to
all our problems through this panacea.]
8. And He found you in need, and made you independent (fa-aghna). [a.4. Prophets of Allah are not beyond worldly needs, they
were all but human beings 21:7-8, however Allah takes care of them in special
ways. Prophet(s) was made independent, free of petty worldly needs, which Prophet(s)
translated in human behavior; developing concepts like “Zuhad”, being
“indifferent”] [b.4. Importance of this vital theme is to develop true “Zuhad” in
our daily lives as Prophet(s) said “Be indifferent (Practice Zuhad) to the
world Allah will love you and be indifferent to what the people have and the
people will love you” (Mishkat). This is visible from the Arabic word
“fa-aghna” derivative of word “Ghani”]
9. Therefore, do not treat the orphan with harshness,
10. Nor drive the beggar away; 11. But tell about the bounty of your Lord! [a.5. theme visible is a rule (Sunnah) of Allah that
addressee outwardly in the revelation have been the prophets however all such
normative teachings are sent for whole mankind through them. Same way here also
the address is mankind through the Prophet(s), as he was an epitome of mercy,
21:107. Thus reminding mankind to treat needy and destitute with special care
and kindness the hallmark of Islam] [b.6. Last theme carries
great importance in our daily lives that we must try our utmost to be of
service to our fellow beings as Prophet(s) said, “Best person is the one who is
a source of benefit to other persons” (Mishkat) This is visible from last
instructions in Arabic word “Fahadis”, meaning to carry forward all bounties of
Allah bestowed upon us by sharing it with our less fortunate fellow brothers,
as Allah says you can not attain piety unless you spent from what you love the
most, (3:92)]
15. Surah Al-Kausar
(108)
Allah’s Messenger
1. To you have We granted abundance. 2. So pray to your Lord and
sacrifice. 3. For he who hates you, he will be cut off.
1. To you have We granted abundance [a.1. Prophets are always granted special bounties from
Allah; when Prophet(s) lost two of his sons in infancy, ignorant Arabs started
using this too a way to torture the Prophet(s) saying there is no male
offspring to carry his name. Allah revealed this Surah giving glad tidings to
the Prophet(s) about numerous spiritual blessings granted to him e.g. the grant of a special Fountain “Kausar” in
Paradise beside numerous other unique blessings] [b.1. This theme has great importance for
us in our daily life that we must have a great sense of gratitude towards
Allah, our only benefactor for the innumerable blessings all around us. This is
visible as the Surah was revealed when Prophet(s) lost two of his sons, reminded
through the Arabic word “Kausar” from word “Kasrat” meaning here the abundant
blessings]
2. So pray to your Lord [a.2. Another theme visible is the rule, (Sunnah) of Allah
that addressee outwardly in the revelations have been the prophets however all
such teachings are sent for mankind. “Rissalah” is channel of communication
between Allah and mankind hence all Quranic message has normative meanings for
all times to come.] [b.2. Importance here is that when we develop a deep sense of
gratitude by realization of limitless blessings of Allah, it automatically
draws us to the true submission, completing Haqooq Allah through sincere
worship, visible from Arabic word “Fasalayh” meaning Salah and worship in its
broader meanings.]
and sacrifice. [a.3. Another
them is Prophets have been the source of guidance as it is through Prophet(s)
Allah reminded the importance of “Haqooq-al-Abad”, the real expression of the
realization of limitless blessings of Allah] [b.3.
The importance here is that we must be ready to
forgo and spend all our resources for the welfare of our fellow beings as Quran
reminds, “you can not attain to piety unless you spend from what you love the
most” (3:92) This is visible from Arabic word “Wanhar”]
3. For he who hates you, he will be cut off [a.4. Last most vivid theme is that those who hate prophets
of Allah are bound to be wiped out of the pages of history; this is about those
who thought Prophet(s) having lost sons had no one to carry his(s) name. Fact
is millions of people are praising him(s) not only Muslims but all educated
people around the world. Besides Allah & His angels shower blessings on
Prophet(s) and all the believers have been commanded to offer best of
salutation onto the Prophet(s) (33:56)] [b.4. Importance of this theme in our daily life today is that we
must not be disturbed if any one has negative feelings about us, rather we must
extend the message of love and peace as Prophet(s) said, “Feed and greet people
irrespective of whether you know them or not”. This is visible from Arabic word
“Abtar”, meaning one cut off from the roots, which the pagans were calling
Prophet(s) in their utter ignorance when he lost two sons in infancy]
