Quranic Passage 8

Surah 96.1–5 (Al-Alaq)

ٱقْرَأْ بِٱسْمِ رَبِّكَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ

خَلَقَ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ

ٱقْرَأْ وَرَبُّكَ ٱلْأَكْرَمُ

ٱلَّذِى عَلَّمَ بِٱلْقَلَمِ

عَلَّمَ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ مَا لَمْ يَعْلَمْ

Translation

1. Read! in the name of your Lord, who created, 2. Created man out of a clot of congealed blood: 3. Proclaim! And your Lord is most bountiful, 4. He who taught by the pen, 5. Taught man what he did not know.

Main Theme(s)

The main themes are: God as Creator; God as the Most Generous; the first revelation/knowledge.

This passage is from the theme of God’s relationship with the creation. God as Creator is shown in this surah through the way humans were created from a clot. He gives creation what they need, in this case, knowledge of God. This is the first revelation, it was the beginning of Islam and prophethood, and there’s an emphasis on seeking knowledge to learn about faith and God. The Holy Qur’an says:

“And He taught Adam the names of all things…” (2:31, Al-Baqarah)

Importance of these Themes in a Muslim’s life today

The importance of this surah is that it allows humans to understand how God created them, and how He bestows knowledge upon them. Seeking knowledge is encouraged and so humankind should try their best to learn throughout their lives, especially religious knowledge so they can get to know their Lord. The Holy Qur’an says:

“It is He Who has taught the Qur'an.” (55:2, Ar-Rahman)

Each subject, Religious Education, science, etc. has a value to it and can help humans get closer to God. It also helps Muslims understand how prophethood and Islam started, and they should reflect upon what God has sent down for them to help them live their lives. So, humans should be grateful to God.