1.1 God in Himself

2026 📋 Syllabus Objectives

  1. Candidates should explore the major themes of the Qur'an that appear in the set passages related to this theme, and the importance of these themes in the lives of Muslims today.
  2. Candidates should study the passages in a recognised English translation, but with reference to the original Arabic text. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of the original as well as the translation.

📖 Main Content

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Overview: What Is This Topic About?

This topic focuses on how the Qur'an describes Allah SWT — who He is, what He is like, and why He alone deserves worship. The five set passages together build a complete and powerful picture of Allah SWT's nature. The central theme running through all five passages is Tauhid — the absolute Oneness of Allah SWT.

Passage 1: Ayat-ul-Kursi

Reference: Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:255

The Passage (exact translation):

"Allah! There is no deity but He (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Ever living, the One Who sustains and protects all, neither over takes Him slumber nor sleep, To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth, who is there that could intercede with Him except by His Own permission. He knows all what is in front of them and also what is hidden from them and they cannot comprehend anything of His knowledge except what He wills. His kingdom extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding them both, and He is the most High and the most Great." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:255)

Key Teachings of Ayat-ul-Kursi:

🔹 1. The Oneness of Allah SWT (Tauhid)

  • The verse opens by declaring that there is no god except Allah SWT.
  • This directly rejects every form of polytheism — the worship of multiple gods.
  • Allah SWT is One, Absolute, and Supreme. He does not share His power or authority with anyone.

🔹 2. Allah SWT Is Ever-Living and Ever-Watchful

  • Allah SWT is described as Al-Hayy — the Ever-Living. He has no beginning and no end.
  • He is also Al-Qayyum — the One who sustains and protects everything in existence.
  • Unlike humans, Allah SWT never sleeps or feels drowsy. He is always fully awake and in control of everything.

🔹 3. Everything Belongs to Allah SWT

  • Everything in the heavens and the earth is owned exclusively by Allah SWT — not by any person, nation, or power.
  • This teaches Muslims that true ownership belongs to Allah SWT alone. Humans are only trustees of what they have been given.

🔹 4. No Intercession Without His Permission

  • No one — not even the greatest prophets AS — can intercede with Allah SWT on someone's behalf unless Allah SWT Himself gives permission.
  • This teaches that no one should place their full trust in any created being. All hope and prayer should be directed to Allah SWT alone.

🔹 5. Allah SWT Is All-Knowing (Omniscient)

  • Allah SWT has perfect, complete knowledge of everything — past, present, and future.
  • He knows what is visible and what is hidden. Nothing is hidden from Him.
  • Human beings can only know what Allah SWT chooses to share with them.

🔹 6. Allah SWT Never Tires

  • Although Allah SWT sustains and guards the entire universe — including billions of galaxies, stars, and planets — He never feels tired or fatigued.
  • This highlights His unlimited power and ability.

🔹 7. Rejection of False Beliefs

This verse directly challenges several incorrect beliefs:

  • Christianity's Holy Trinity — the idea that God exists as three persons. Ayat-ul-Kursi confirms that God is One alone.
  • Zoroastrianism (Magians) — the belief in two gods (one of good and one of evil). This verse rejects the idea of any second god.
  • Polytheism — the worship of many gods and goddesses.
  • Atheism — the belief that the universe came about by accident, with no creator.

Importance in the Lives of Muslims Today:

  • Ayat-ul-Kursi is recited daily by Muslims — after prayers, before sleeping, and in times of fear or difficulty.
  • It reminds Muslims that they are always under the protection and watch of Allah SWT.
  • It strengthens a Muslim's faith by giving a clear, powerful description of who Allah SWT truly is.
  • It protects against dangerous false beliefs that could weaken a Muslim's Tauhid.

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