2058/12 · May/June 2024
Download PDFChoose any two of the following passages from the Qur’an. (i) Sura 2.255 Allah. There is no God but He, the living, the self-subsisting, eternal. No slumber can seize Him nor sleep. His are all things in the heavens and on earth. Who is there can intercede in His presence except as He permits? He knows what is before or after or behind them. Nor shall they compass any of His knowledge except as He wills. His Throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them for He is the Most High, the Supreme. (ii) Sura 114 1. Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of mankind, 2. The King of mankind, 3. The God of Mankind, 4. From the mischief of the whisperer who withdraws, 5. Who whispers into the hearts of mankind, 6. Among jinns and among mankind. (iii) Sura 2.30–37 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.
Briefly explain the main theme(s) in each passage.
Briefly explain the importance of these themes in a Muslim’s life today.
Describe the way the Qur’an was compiled and standardised into one book.
In what ways is it beneficial for Muslims to have a written Qur’an?
Give an account of the main events of the Pledges of Aqaba and the details of the pledges made.
In your opinion, what is the best way for Muslims to welcome those who move into their communities? Give reasons for your answer.
Give an account of the Battle of the Trench (Khandaq).
What good leadership skills can Muslims adopt from the Prophet’s example in the Battle of the Trench?
Give an account of the lives of three of the following Blessed Companions during the lifetime of the Prophet (pbuh): • ʿUmar ibn al-Khattab • Talhah ibn ʿUbaydullah • Zubayr ibn al-ʿAwwam • ʿAbd al-Rahman ibn ʿAwf • Saʿd ibn Abi Waqqas.
Many new converts were persecuted for their beliefs. To what extent can their responses help Muslims in their daily lives now?