God’s Relationship with the Created World

The passages in the syllabus relating to God’s Relationship with the Created World are: 1; 2.21–22; 96.1–5; 99; 114. These passages are about God’s relationship with creation, but each talk about that relationship in a distinctive way. It is not just about God giving human beings things for their sustenance, but humans need to give thanks in return and live their life remembering Him and doing what He has asked, which can be done in different ways.

Surah 1

Surah 1 says it is God who presides over judgment and controls the worlds. He is worthy of praise as he is the one who is the Sustainer, Cherisher and Master of mankind. He gives guidance to those who ask. He will preside over the day of judgement but as He is Merciful and Compassionate, humans have the hope that they can seek His forgiveness. He is the one to ask for help, and it is He who can grant it for anything. He is Master of all creation so only He is deserving of worship.

Surah 2.21–22

Surah 2.21–22 emphasises that God is the Creator of everything including what is for the benefit of humankind (guidance, fertile earth, shade and water from sky), so they should be grateful to God, and worship none other than Him. He is also Sustainer of all living things as He has made all necessary provisions for them to survive. It also suggests that humankind should not commit the greatest sin of associating partners or rivals with God, for He is the only Creator and Sustainer.

Surah 96.1–5

Surah 96.1–5 shows the link between humankind and God by emphasising the creation of humans, that He is their Creator and no one else. He then gave knowledge to humans, the tool for their learning. They in return should seek knowledge whenever they can as well as teaching it. God has also made provisions for fulfilling the intellectual needs of humans in addition to their physical and emotional needs.

Surah 99

Surah 99 says the earth is shaken, destroying what God created – He has the power to give life or death. Everything will be destroyed. He gives the earth a voice to say what has been done on her, from environmental abuse to neglect of resources. People will be responsible for their actions on earth and given their accounts; He will give people their accounts, which will take them to Heaven or Hell.

Surah 114

Surah 114 says that only God can help in times of need, in this case from jinn and men. Seek help only from Him. He created everything so controls everything, even mischief makers. It’s a warning to those who whisper evil or bad ideas to humans, and then disappear and leave them on their own. God is a protector from these things and it is one of the suras of protection.