Quranic Passages

(6-10)
Surah Fatiha:-
a). Main Theme:
This early Maki surah is known as Fatiha because it is the opening
chapter of the Quran. It discusses the fundamental Quranic theme of
God’s relationship with the created world. God is the Lord of all that
exists even the things which humans cannot see. Surah includes
affirmation of Tawhid in all its various categories: i.e., unity of Allah’s
Lordship, Worship, Names, and Attributes. God is the Most Merciful
and He presides over judgment and forgives His creatures. The
straight was ‘Sirat-ul-Mustaqeem” is the path based on
righteousness. Allah leads humans on the path of his obedience
which is given in the Quran and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet(P.B.U.H).
The Quran says:
“verily! Right guidance is the guidance of Allah.”
If humans follow their own way, they may go astray.
b). Importance of Main Theme:
Al-Fatiha is actually a prayer. Through this, humans communicate
with God, and He is replying to each verse. The recitation in five daily
prayers commences with it. The Holy Prophet(P.B.U.H) said:
“ No prayer is accepted without Fatiha.”
The recitation of Tasmiah (Bismillah) brings Allah to mind before
every action. Muslims use this to ask for guidance (given in Quran
and Sunnah), mercy, and help, even outside the prayer, Submitting
to God brings humbleness into lives. The passage reminds Muslims
about the Day of Judgment on the final day by Allah. This grows
awareness for the preparation for the final day to face Allah.
Muslims pray to be guided on the straight path by implementing the
teaching of the Quran and Hadith in their lives.

Surah Baqarah:-
a). Main Theme:
These verses from Surah Baqarah, a Madni Surah, discuss the theme
of God’s relationship with the created world. These are based on the
concept of piety which is achieved by the constant remembrance of
Allah. God is the creator of all mankind, and the purpose of creation
is obedience to His commands. He not only created humans but also
made arrangements for their sustenance. Allah’s bounties of fertile
Earth, shade, and water from the sky are recounted to emphasize
that God alone be praised and worshipped. Quran says:
“praise be to Allah, cherisher and sustainer of the worlds.”
It also suggests that mankind should not commit the greatest sin of
Shirk, i.e., associating partners with Allah.
b). Importance of Main Theme:
Through these verses, humans understand the relationship with God
is that of the Lord and the slaves who should pray to Him alone for
all their needs. The physical life is symbolized by the sky to
emphasize that both physical and spiritual life depends upon Allah.
These verses also inculcate a sense of gratitude to God for His
countless bounties. Muslims realize that only He deserves all our
praise and worship, and we should show gratitude for his favors
through obedience and acts of worship, i.e., salat, fasting, or
pilgrimage. Through this passage, Muslims reflect upon the natural
world and the benefits it holds for them. They can also see this from
the guidance that came from Prophets in the form of divine books.

Surah Alaq:-
a). Main Theme:
These verses of Surah-al-Alaq, a Maki Surah, present the
fundamental Quranic theme of Allah’s relationship with the created
world. This passage was the first revelation to the Holy
Prophet(P..B..U.H). It mentions God’s power to create and ensure the
survival and growth of mankind. It gives the message to acquire
knowledge by reading and writing. Humans and animals have the
same origin, a ‘clot of congealed blood’, but Allah has blessed
humans with a high destiny by giving them the ability to use the Pen.
It dignifies God as 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 the Created places in creation to
understand His mercy, Wisdom, and Power.
b). Importance of Main Theme:
These teachings help Muslims see God’s power, which is seen in how
He can create humans. After creation, He shows care for His
creatures by sending revealed scriptures that they are not left alone.
Knowledge is a link between man and God. Pen implies reading,
writing, books, study, research, etc. Seeking knowledge is
encouraged, 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.

Surah Zilzal:-
a). Main Theme:
Surah Zilzal, a Madni Surah, presents the fundamental Quranic
theme of God’s relationship with the created world. It depicts the
last day and the end of time when everything known will be
destroyed by a tremendous and more far-reaching convulsion than
any earthquake that is known. The Quran says:
“When the earth is flattened out and throws out whatever it contains
and gets empty.”
On the day of resurrection, the dead will be raised from their graves
and justice will be done in the light of truth. In this world, good and
evil are mixed. But on that day, each grade of good and evil will be
sorted out. People will be responsible for their actions on earth and
given their accounts; God will give people their accounts, which will
take them to heaven or hell.
b). Importance of Main Theme:
This Surah is a warning for people to give up their lives of sin and be
obedient to Allah. The last day creates a fear of accountability,
reminding Muslims to stay on the straight path. It reminds them of
resurrection and the last day, an article of faith in Islam. Good deeds
will be rewarded encouraging Muslims to do good at all times, e.g.,
praying, being honest, and helping others. It keeps them away from
sins, e.g., lying, cheating, gossiping, not fasting, etc. It helps Muslims
understand the temporary nature of the world which stops them
from being distracted by worldly things, fashion, money, etc.

Surah Naas:-
a). Main Theme:
Surah Nass, a Maki Surah, concludes the Quran. It describes the
theme of God’s relationship with the created world. This Surah was
also revealed with Surah Falaq in Madinah to protect the
Prophet(P.B.U.H) from the evil effects of black magic. This Surah
describes three Attributes of Allah the All-Mighty. He gives
sustenance to mankind, He is Sovereign, and He is Worthy of
Worship. All things are created by Him, possessed by Him, and
subservient to Him. It is a warning against the secret whispers of the
evil Stan within the hearts, who whispers evil/bad ideas into them,
and then disappears leaving them on their own. Since God is All-
Powerful and the provider of all necessities and protection,
therefore, only He can protect human beings from all evils, especially
the internal ones i.e., Satan and jinn’s, It is one of the Surahs of
protection (quls) along with Surah Falaq, Surah Ikhlas, and Surah
Kaffirun. Allah created everything, so He controls everything, even
mischief makers. Refuge has to be sought with Allah from all evils,
including Satan, jinns, and men. Quran says:
“I suggestion from Satan assails your mind, seek
refuge with Allah”
b). Importance of Main Theme
Through these verses, Muslims get to know the kinds of evil/mischief
they have to be wary of. This means that they should be aware of
what is happening to them so they can recognize the signs of
mischief. Praying and doing good deeds strengthens reliance on God.
Holy Prophet(P.B.U.H) used this Surah, along with Surah Falaq, as a
means of shielding himself from Jinns and to ward off the attacks and
effects of evil eye or black magic. Hence, a Muslim should get into
the habit of reciting this chapter every day. God is the King so it is
Him whom people should seek refuge with and should not look to
others for refuge as it leads to Shirk. Evil leads humans astray when
they fall victim to satanic guiles. So as long as they put themselves in
God’s protection and have trust in Him, evil cannot affect them.

Do’s and Don’ts for ‘a’ Part:-

Do’s Don’ts
You can rephrase the Do not directly copy text from
translation. any of the translations.
Following words can be used Do not use: Should, Must, We,
from narrator’s(your) They, Muslims (directly). Refrain
perspective: Tells, Teaches, from using pronouns directly.
Shows, Explains, Highlights,
Reflects, Discusses, Stresses, and
Emphasizes.
Reference from Quran. Do not use a quote from the
Surah being attempted (e.g., if
Surah Naas is being attempted,
do not use reference from Surah
Naas).
Explain the Theme of passage in
a single line before going into
depth.
First line (or first two lines)
should include name, origin, and
single line theme of the surah.
Do’s and Don’ts for ‘b’ Part:-
Do’s for part ‘a’ are don’ts for part ‘b’. Don’ts from part ‘a’ are do’s
for part ‘b’.
In ‘b’, the benefits of the Surah are to bee listen with relation to how
we can use them in day to day life and their relevance.