Sixth Sura Of Islam Research Paper

Growing up in a “traditional” white, Christian home, my exposure to Islam was limited to say the least. I knew nothing of the beliefs, traditions, and cultures within the religion. In fact, it was rare that I even came across a Muslim stereotype. The influence of Islam in my life was virtually nonexistent. Coming to the University of Arizona, I was excited by the opportunity to learn more about a religion I knew so little about. Consequently, with this assignment, the sixth sura became a primary source of my knowledge of the religion of Islam. In reading the sixth sura, five major themes quickly became evident: God is the creator, He is All-knowing, He is guide, there are expectations in living a faithful life, and there is an Afterlife.

The first verse plainly states, God “created the heavens and the earth, and made darkness and light” (6:1). With this verse alone, it is clear that Muslims believe that the universe did not come about by chance, but was the result of the craftsmanship of a Supreme Being. Not only did this God make the planets and the stars, but He also created life. The Qur’an claims, “He is the one who created [people] from clay” (6:2). Along with further dispelling the possibility of a “big bang” type of creation, the verse shows that God not only generates elements such as clay, but He has control over them and uses his creations for larger purposes, such as to originate life. God is not a wasteful crafter. He “created the heavens and the earth for a true purpose” (6: 101). While this purpose may not be clear to us mere mortals, it is certain that God is not a absent architect. He is aware of His

Across the sura, it is revealed that God is “all hearing,” “all knowing,” “all wise,” and “all aware” (6:13, 73, 83, 115). It can be difficult for human minds to comprehend the ability to be conscious of all things at once. Our minds are comparatively narrow. Nevertheless, the sura states “no leaf falls without His knowledge nor is there a single grain in the darkness of the earth, or anything, fresh or withered, that is not written in a clear Record” (6:59). God sees all things, and keeps a clear record of what has happened. This includes what happen in the workings of our own lives. Though we may not be able to see God, He can most certainly see us. “He knows [our] secrets and… He knows what [we] do” (6:3). It is foolish to think that we could hide things from God. For the righteous, this will godly quality will work in their favor because “the Lord knows best who strays from His path and who is rightly guided” (6:117). Luckily, God does not leave us to find the path on our own; He gives