Islamic Studies Paper 2 Aug. / Spet. 2020

Question 1

  1. Write the first five verse of Sūratun-Tīn (Q.95), either in Arabic or transliteration.
  2. Translate them into English.
  3. Comment on them.

 

Observation

This question requires the understanding of the first five verses of Q.95, i.e. Suratut-Tin in Arabic or its correct transliteration. Those candidates who excelled are those who are familiar with Arabic text or the transliteration of the Surah.
However, those without the full knowledge of either Arabic or transliteration performed badly. Most of the candidates who answered the question performed well. The question demanded the candidates to attempt the question as follow:

 

  1. Arabic Text.

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

  1.  وَالتِّينِ وَالزَّيْتُونِ
  2. وَطُورِ سِينِين
  3. وَهَذَا الْبَلَدِ الْأَمِينِ
  4. لَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الْإِنْسَانَ فِي أَحْسَنِ تَقْوِيمٍ
  5. ثُمَّ رَدَدْنَاهُ أَسْفَلَ سَافِلِينَ

Transliteration

Bismillahir-Raḥmānir-Raḥīm

  1. Wat-Tīn waz-Zaytūn.
  2. Waṭūri sīnīn.
  3. Wahādha lbaladil ’amīn.
  4. Laqad khalaqnāl insāna fī ’aḥsani taqwīm.
  5. Thumma radadnāhu asfala sāfilīn.
  6. Translation

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

  1. By the Fig and the Olive.
  2. By Mount Sinai.
  3. And by this City of security (Makkah).
  4. Verily, We created man in the best stature.
  5. Then do We abase him (to be) the lowest of the low.

 


    Comments
  1. The Surah takes its name from a word in the first verse (at-Tīn) and contains seven verses.
  2. The Surah was revealed in Makkah.
  3. Mount Sinai is where Prophet Musa (A.S.) received Allah’s message.
  4. Allah swears only by some phenomena of great value and benefit to humanity.
  5. The objects of oath in this chapter are four- Fig, Olive, Mount Sinai and City of security (Makkah).
  6. These objects of oath and the swearing itself is a form of emphasis on the Divine message being passed.
  7. Man should avoid swearing by anything beside Allah.
  8. The significance of the City (Makkah) as a spiritual centre for the Muslim world is emphasized.
  9. Of all creatures of Allah, man is the best.
  10. Allah created him (Adam) in the best form and stature.
  11. Man is so created in a form that he can rise to the highest degree of eminence.
  12. Man should set before himself right principles and act upon them.
  13. Allah bestowed the gift of intellect on him.
  14. With this intellect, man can differentiate between good and evil.
  15. Allah also makes other creatures subservient to man.
  16. Man is also capable of descending low depending on how he lives his life.
  17. He can degrade himself to the lowest position among the creatures of Allah.
  18. If he is guided by the right principles, he would be elevated. 
  19. Man is expected to make use of his good qualities by following the right principles of his Maker and act upon them.
  20. If he fails to act upon Divine guidance, he would be debased.

Comment

  1. The Sūrah points to the significance of natural phenomenon such as forenoon and the night in the life of man.
  2. The Sūrah is a direct promise by Allah that He never forsakes the Prophet (S.A.W.).
  3. This promise extends to all faithfuls.
  1. The Sūrah teaches that the “morrow” of the righteous will always be better than their today.
  2. It also teaches that no sincere supplication will go unanswered by Allah.
  3. It teaches that Allah has solutions to all problems.
  4. The ability to guide aright is exclusively in the Hands of Allah.
  5. This can be seen through resumption of revelations.
  6. With the resumption of revelation, the Prophet (S.A.W.) was able to overcome his initial difficulties.
  7. His marriage to Khadijah solves his financial challenges and protection.
  8. Neither the poor nor the less privileged should be looked down upon.
  9. As much as possible also, we should assist those who need our help, support and assistance.
  10. Mankind should always appreciate the bounties of Allah through verbal confession backed with good deeds.
  11. The chapter demonstrates that the last 10 years were the most useful in the Prophet’s life.