Religion of Islam

Sample Qur’an Paper

Lonely and Lost with Livestock

I find myself alone and lost in the seemingly lifeless desert of Arabia. The barren land that surrounds me is silent and unwelcoming, unrecognizable from my isolated village near Mecca. My family and those in generations before us were taught to worship multiple deities, and our social standing and future prospects are entirely determined by the family into which we are born. However, I am now left alone in the middle of the uninhabited and desolate desert free of pre-existing social hierarchies and idolatry, forced to rely upon the only tangible item I have found in this parched land: the Qur’an. The Meccan sura titled “Livestock” has various teachings and lessons that challenge my pre-existing polytheistic beliefs and urge me to consider a new way of life. The five separate and distinct themes of Sura 6 that illuminate several core values of the Islamic religion are that God is singular and has no partners, God is all-powerful and wise, disbelievers will be punished in the afterlife, prophets and their messages are essential, and God serves as a guide.

The concept of monotheism permeates Sura 6 and is at the foundation of all of its teachings. The notion that polytheism should be abandoned in favor of the belief in one God is a core theme of Sura 6, as well as the Qur’an as a whole. While discussing God’s unmatched ability to bear witness to one’s actions, sura 6 states, “...He is only one God, and I disown whatever you join with Him…” (Q 6:19). This line not only explicitly conveys that there is only one God, but it also suggests that people should denounce any deities or Gods who were previously worshipped and thought to be partners of Allah. This notion is solidified with the verse, “...Judgement is for God alone: He tells the truth, and He is the best of judges” (Q 6:57). Given that the singular God, Allah, presides over all people on Earth, He is the one to make judgements based on the deeds that one has performed throughout their life. He is singular, both in His nature and in His ability to dictate and decide upon the afterlife of human beings. The importance of monotheism within this sura is further developed as the Qur’an reads, “It is those who have faith, and do not mix their faith with idolatry, who will be secure, and it is they who are rightly guided” (Q 6:82). This verse summarizes the significance of monotheism within the Islamic religion, conveying that the dissent of other deities and the acceptance of one true God is a primary necessity to be a believer.

Sura 6 not only establishes that God is singular, but it also places emphasis upon His all-powerful and all-knowing nature. With a short and simple verse, the Qur’an conveys this notion: “All that rests by night or by day belongs to Him. He is the All Hearing, the All Knowing” (Q 6:13). Thus, only one God exists and he holds unparalleled power over all humans, both believers and disbelievers. Even when one may think that God is not present, the Qur’an states, “...He knows the seen and the unseen: He is the All Wise, the All Aware” (Q 6:73). God is unmatched in his understanding of humans and their actions, and it is He who holds power over life. God’s power is further expounded upon when the Qur’an reads, “It is He who first produced you from a single soul, then gave you a place to stay and a resting place…” (Q 6:98). Thus, sura 6 conveys that God is present from our birth to our death, and He has the unequalled power and knowledge to determine our fate based upon our actions throughout life. His power extends over all beings, and His all-knowing nature enables Him to ensure that believers and disbelievers are treated accordingly, whether they are rewarded or punished, respectively. Given the all-powerful and wise nature of Allah, I know that He is here in this barren land with me. His presence surrounds me and guides me, so long as I choose to follow His teachings and live a devout life. Although I practiced polytheism, in accordance with my ancestors, I now turn to this all-powerful God seeking mercy on my path to my family, knowing that He is aware of all my struggles and action due to His incomparable influence and precedence over human life.

Furthermore, Sura 6 expounds upon those who do not recognize this singular, all-powerful God and examines the repercussions that they will be faced with in the afterlife. The Qur’an conveys the ignorance of disbelievers in a simple line: “Those who reject Our signs are deaf, dumb, and in total darkness...” (Q 6:39). The Qur’an assures readers that those who choose to live a life of polytheism and idolatry will be recognized and treated accordingly, conveying, “...He will certainly gather you on the Day of Resurrection which is beyond all doubt. Those who deceive themselves will not believe” (Q 6:12). Not only does the Qur’an suggest that disbelievers are unintelligent and foolish for their actions, but it also explicitly elucidates the punishments that they will be faced with in the afterlife, stating, “...Such are those who are damned by their own actions: they will have boiling water to drink and a painful punishment, because they used to defy [God]” (Q 6:70). Therefore, the Qur’an conveys the ignorance and stupidity of disbelievers while shedding light upon the repercussions they will face after their death. This particular theme within sura 6 sparks fear and pity within me for those who have not opened their eyes to the teachings of Islam. According to the Holy Book, they will be punished gravely for their lives of temporary fulfillment in the afterlife, where they will face the consequences for their dispassionate and misguided actions. When I reach my village, I can only hope that my husband and children will be willing to accept the teachings of Islam, for I fear their future will result in atrocity if they remain disbelievers as I once was.

In addition to these themes, sura 6 also focuses upon prophecy in great detail. While recognizing prophets that came before Muhammed, the Qur’an reads, “Other messengers were disbelieved before you, and they bore their rejection and persecution steadfastly until Our aid arrived…” (Q 6:34). Not only does this verse acknowledge prophets who came before Muhammed, but is specifically focuses upon the repudiation and animosity that these figures and their messages faced from disbelievers. Moreover, the Qur’an directly addresses disbelievers in God’s prophets and their teachings by stating, “...Did messengers not come from among you to recite My revelations to you and warn that you would meet this Day?...” (Q 6:130). This verse suggests that those who do not believe in the prophets sent by God to humanity will regret their actions in the afterlife, and that the teachings of Muhammed and other prophets who came before him are essential to believers of the Islamic faith. While illuminating the merciful nature of Allah, the Qur’an further expounds upon prophecy: “Every prophecy has its fixed time to be fulfilled: you will come to realize this” (Q 6:67). Thus, the Qur’an suggests that Muhammed and previous prophets each had specific messages for certain groups of people at distinct times all dictated by the all-knowing and singular God, Allah. These prophets and their messages were not random nor aimless, but were rather purposeful and meticulous. Moreover, their teachings combine to create a more accurate representation of the singular Allah and his desires for humankind. As I find myself lost and alone in this desert, I come to the realization that the prophet Muhammed and his teachings have found me. His revelations have reached me at a time of extreme weakness, helping to give me strength and to illuminate my journey home.

Lastly, sura 6 focuses upon the concept that God and His teachings serve as a guide for humankind. Towards the end of the sura, a common theme of guidance emerges as specific actions are condemned while others are encouraged. For example, the Qur’an states, “Avoid committing sin, whether openly or in secret, for those who commit sin will be repaid for what they do” (Q 6:120). Furthermore, the Qur’an expounds upon these sins in a later verse: “...Do not ascribe anything as a partner to Him; be good to your parents; do not kill your children in fear of poverty…” (Q 6:151). With these specific statements, the revelations of Muhammed encourage believers to live with a belief in monotheism and with a kind and empathetic heart towards others. In addition, the Qur’an illustrates how muslims should manage their encounters with disbelievers, saying “...Do not follow the whims of those who have denied Our revelation, who do not believe in the Hereafter, and who set up equals with their Lord” (Q 6:150). By directly stating what actions believers should and should not perform to be devout followers of the faith, the revelations of Muhammad are a direct representation of God’s role as a guide and teacher in the lives of humans. While Allah gives distinct rules in regards to some topics such as children and food, He leaves others open to interpretation, simply stressing the importance of kindness and understanding within human life. These teachings from Allah give me comfort, knowing that I can turn to them in times of desperation or need. When I reach my village, I know I will be faced with more disbelievers than believers, including my own family. I can only hope to open their eyes to the Islamic faith and the teachings of Allah, however, I will not be swayed by their polytheistic tendencies nor by their ignorance of the Qur’an and its lessons. Ardeleanu 6 As I see my village in the distance, I am going home a new person with new ideals and beliefs that center upon Allah and the Islamic faith. The common themes of monotheism, God’s all-powerful nature, the atrocious future of disbelievers, the importance of prophets, and God’s role as a guide within sura 6 of the Qur’an all compile to convey Muhammad’s revelations to mankind. I will replace the trivial and plentiful deities that I once worshipped with a belief in the singular and all-knowing God, Allah, in hopes of a fulfilling and rewarding afterlife.