I AM AN O LEVEL ISLAMIYAT SENIOR TEACHER IN BEACONHOUSE SCHOOL SYSTEM.
I am writing a new research based book of o level islamiyat for teachers & students named " IDEAL ISLAMIYAT "
CIE O Level Islamiyat Guide for Students and Teachers
1. University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE)
O’ Level
Islamiyat
(2058)
For
Students & Teachers
BY
Mukhtar Ahmad Owaisi
(Senior Subject Specialist O’ Level Islamiyat)
Beaconhouse School System
JTGC, Lahore 03314816239
fb:mukhtarowaisi@yahoo.com, mukhtarowaisiolevel@skype.com
2. 1-ALLAH IN HIMSELF:
1: Sura, 2.225(Ayat ul Kursi)
(a). Theme of this longest verse of the Quran is Allah in himself. It’s a verse of sura al-Baqarah, a Madni
sura.The main theme of this passage is Tawheed which means the oneness of Allah. It begins with the
expression of the first part of shahada (declaration of oneness of Allah) and then elaborates various
aspects of unity of Allah that make him matchless.God is fee from all weaknesses and limitations, has
perfect knowledge of all times, is not dependent on anyone for his survival and enjoys autonomy in
exercising His authority. It is also said in Holy Qur’an, “It is He who knows what is open in speech and
what you hide (in your hearts)” (21:110). His authority and his rule encompass the entire universe. The
throne represents how great His power & knowledge is. It declares the Power to control everything on
earth & heavens & knowledge of everything that happens.
This makes God not only unique but also elevates him to the heights, we just can’t imagine and that is
mentioned in the Quran as: “then he established himself on the throne” (10:3, 13:2)
(b). This passage tells Muslims to believe in Tawhid in terms of God’s uniqueness, majesty and glory. To
believe in oneness of Allah is the fundamental article of faith.The faith of a person is of no use is there is
no belief in Tawheed of Allah.The theme is important for Muslims as it crystallizes the belief of Tawhid
and trains them to condemn shirk which is the opposite of tawheed. Allah says in the Quran, “Allah
would never forgive the one who associates with Allah, but He may forgive any one else”. There is
repetitive mention of God’s authority, unlimited knowledge and powers in order to strengthen the faith
of its readers. For example, it says “He is exalted in power, Wise. He created the heavens without any
pillars”31:9-10, luqman) and “but God is the one free of all wants “(35:15,Fatir). The objective is to
remind Muslims that God alone is to be worshipped and no authority can be compared with him. Many
Muslims recite this verse regularly to reiterate God’s power and high position as compared to any
3. worldly authority.Regarding benefits of recitation Abu Ummah Al Bahili ( رضی اللھ عنہ ) reported: TheHoly
Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The one who recites it let each of the obligation prayers, then
death will be the only thing preventing him from entering Paradise”. [ Ibn Hibban]
Check list for Ayat al Kursi [2:255]
A- This discuss about the theme “Allah in himself & Verse of Throne”.
The main theme of this verse is Tauheed. Allah is unlike other beings.
Allah doesn’t have any relation.
Allah has the greatest knowledge, both of the manifest and of the hidden.
It is also said in Holy Qur’an (21:110), “It is He who knows what is open in speech and what you
hide (in your hearts)”.
The throne represents how great His power & knowledge is. It declares the Power to control
everything on earth & heavens & knowledge of everything that happens.
B- Merits of Allah & His attributes are recognized in it.
One virtue of it is that more reward is obtained from reciting it than any other verse.
We should always proclaim the Tauheed of Allah and should not associate any creature in His
attributes.
Regarding benefits of recitation. Abu Ummah Al Bahili ( رضی اللھ عنہ ) reported: The Prophet
صلی اللھ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) ) said: “The one who recites it let each of the obligation prayers, then death
will be the only thing preventing him from entering Paradise”. [Ibn Sunni, Ibn Hibban]
Believers must realize that all powers belongs to Allah so turn only towards Him only for help &
support in daily lives.
Man must never be proud of his knowledge and talent but always thank His creator who is the
source of all knowledge.
2:Surah: 6. 101—103 (Al-An’aam)
(a). Theme of this passage is God in Himself. It is a makki surah.It elaborates some of the fundamental
aspects of unity of God (Tawhid). It refutes the claim of unbelievers with reference of that Allah has no
wife or partner from whom His children could be. Even Christians don’t dare to relate Hazrat Maryam
(A.S) (God Forbid) as Allah’s wife. Latif means here so fine to be invisible to man. It is He who can see
anything but man’s eye isn’t rewarded with the power to see Him though will be rewarded in life
hereafter. Khabir means one who understands the finest mysteries. He knows everything where He is
4. inaccessible to human comprehension.It describes His oneness in Being, nature and attributes that of
what He created entire universe solely. “To Him belong all that is in the heaven and on earth, For verily
Allah- He is free of all wants, worthy of praises.” (Al-Hajj 22:64)
It describes God as the originator of universe and rejects any kind of misconception of God having any
family. It also refers to His unbounded knowledge, power and grasp on His created world. The passage
further stresses on the sublime nature of God and inability of human imagination to encompass God’s
person, though He himself can see to the unfathomable depths, as endorsed elsewhere in the Quran:
“for God is He Who understands the finest mysteries” (22:63).
(b). This passage is important for Muslims to clearly understand the doctrine of Tawhid in terms of God’s
nature and powers. Muslims need to learn that though God is too sublime to be perceived, He is
everywhere and all powerful. It points out that the original Creator of the universe is Almighty Allah. So
the doctrine of Tawhid explains Allah’s immense power & unlimited knowledge.So it demands us to
demonstrate our firm belief by boning down before Him in all submission and worship like the other
creations.
The Quran reminds Muslims this repeatedly: “and He is with you where ever you are” (57:04, Al-hadid),
and “for We are nearer to him (man) than his jugular vein” (50:16, Qaf). The passage also categorically
negates the false belief of God having any wife or children and thus, it strikes at the roots of shirk
(associating partners with God). Muslims, in this way, develop a clearer concept of tawhid and feel
themselves bound to adore God only. They remember that shirk is the only unpardonable sin in the sight
of God. Man should utilize the amazing human mind to understand the purpose of life, his beginning, his
end, the glamour of this short lived life and then he reaches to the creator of all these.
Check list for Al-Anaam [6:101 – 103]
A- Allah in himself is discussed in this Passage.
This was revealed in Makkah.
It tells us about His Tawhid, absolute unity and authority over all universe.
It describes His oneness in Being, nature and attributes that of what He created entire universe
solely. “To Him belong all that is in the heaven and on earth, For verily Allah- He is free of all
wants, worthy of praises.” (Al-Hajj 22:64)
It elaborates His oneness in Existence, when He alone created entire universe amazingly, why
does He needs support of children or grandchildren?
It highlights His attribute of being so fine and subtle as to be invisible to physical eye &
imperceptible to the senses.
B- It points out that the original Creator of the universe is Almighty Allah.
So the doctrine of Tawhid explains Allah’s immense power & unlimited knowledge.
So it demands us to demonstrate our firm belief by boning down before Him in all submission
and worship like the other creations.
It negates any form of Shirk by any of our action of daily life.
Man should utilize the amazing human mind to understand the purpose of life, his beginning, his
end, the glamour of this short lived life and then he reaches to the creator of all these.
Thus the creator should be regarded original & eternal & be truly worshipped alone as (He &)
His attributes beyond His creations imagination.
3:Sura 41.37(Surah Fussilat)
5. (a). This verse is from sura FussilatHa-Mim, an early makkan sura, it describes the theme of God in
Himself. It mentions some of the signs and phenomena of nature that reflect God’s unity and majesty. It
refers to the cycles of day and night as evidence of divinity. The Quran supports it elsewhere as:
“behold! In the creation of the heavens and earth; in the alternation of the night and the day….are
signs for the people who are wise’’ (2:164). The passage commands us to worship the Creator of the
sun and moon and not the creations themselves because the Creator is always superior to the creations.
(b). Theme of this passage urges Muslims to observe various objects of nature that reflect God’s
presence, majesty and glory. Since humans cannot afford to see God physically, they are asked to
identify the real creator through his creations that bear witness to is existence. Such observation
encourages Muslims to develop a strong belief in Tawhid in all its aspects. The Quran, for this reason,
frequently refers to the need of pondering and observing: “verily, in the alternation of the night and
the day, and in all that God has created in the heavens and the earth, are signs for those who fear
Him” (30:40, Al-Rum). So, Muslims should express their gratitude to God for enabling them to see and
think deeply.Muslims will thus avoid Shirk that the earlier communities fell victim to, and worship one
Supreme God.
Check list for Surah Fussilat
A- This Passage is also related to the topic “Allah in himself”.
This revelation shows some of the signs of Allah which signifies His Wisdom, Glory & Power.
The signs are shown to men to bring their attention towards their Creator so they worship Him
alone and praise Him. His kingdom will not diminish if the disbelievers do not believe in Him, nor
will it be extended if many people believe in Him.
On the contrary, the disbelievers will lose, and the believers will gain, but Allah is above all of
that. Qur’an says,“ but if any deny faith, Allah stands not in need of any of His creatures.”
(3:97).
Lastly the revelation discusses another unique power of Allah to raise men again after death just
as He gives life to barren land by pouring rain.
B- All sources, objects and activity in the universe are under the supreme control of Allah and are
evident witness of His supremacy.
Believers are bound to worship Allah alone in order to appreciate His Creative power.
6. It is unlawful to prostrate before anything/anyone else besides Allah, whether the intention is to
worship that thing/person or serve respect as these types of prostration are clearly prohibited in
Islam.
Prostrations were permitted to previous nations to pay honour & respect and were a symbol of
respect and honour, but now for Muslims prostration is only reserved for Allah.
It creates fear of Allah but abolish fear of worldly status etc.