Write about how God describes Himself so humans can know Him using: (i) Sura 2.255 (Ayat al-Kursi) (ii) Sura 114 (Ikhlas).

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2022). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] 2(a) Write about how God describes Himself so humans can know Him using: (i) Sura 2.255 (Ayat al-Kursi) (ii) Sura 114 (Ikhlas).
2. Use the AO1 Levels of Response.
3. Candidates should include some of the following points. All other relevant points must be credited.
4. Both these passages are considered to be concise descriptions of God, both expressing His Oneness (tawhid) but in different ways. The language and descriptions used are there for humans to understand aspects of the nature of God in ways that would be understandable and relatable, as the reality is that God is far beyond a human being's comprehension.
5. Sura 2.255: Ayat al-Kursi is considered to symbolise the authority, power, and Oneness of God (tawhid) – the first statement says there is no God but Him.
6. He is self-subsisting, so He depends on no one, but everyone depends on Him.
7. He is eternal so He was always there and will exist forever.
8. He does not get tired, nor does he sleep - God is using examples that humans can relate to, to show how He can never be unaware nor become negligent in His duties.
9. Everything is owned by Him showing His control and power.
10. No one can appeal to God, or intercede, without His permission.
11. His knowledge is all encompassing, knowing everything before and after them. No one will gain knowledge unless He allows it.
12. The Kursi is His Throne and encompasses many meanings, including His power, His dominion and His Knowledge. And in all this there is no fatigue, with His attributes being beyond human understanding.
13. Sura 114: Ikhlas (sincerity) is also referred to as Sura Tawhid as it encompasses the message of monotheism in it.
14. Ahad in used in the Qur'an only for God, to describe His Oneness.
15. Samad is considered one of God's perfect attributes, which encompasses many different qualities in one word – The Eternal Refuge, The Self-Sufficient, The Absolute, and the One on Whom all depend and to Whom all creation turns to for their needs. So while everyone needs Him, He is in need of no-one.
16. He was not born, nor did He give birth, again this is a way of showing how God is unlike creation using attributes they can relate to.
17. He is beyond comparison, so there is nothing in the heavens or earth like Him.
18. This Sura gives a summarised description of the Oneness of God and the perfection of His attributes.
19. [4] 2(b) How can Muslims use the verses from part (a) to connect to God in their everyday lives?
20. Use the AO2 Levels of Response.
21. Candidates could say that these passages are short and so can easily be recited on a daily basis.
22. They are regularly recited in the daily prayers and so that offers a connection with God.
23. They are also often recited before bed to aid sleep and offer protection.
24. Pondering upon their meaning will help a Muslim grow in awareness of their Lord and in turn help them to develop a connection with Him.
25. Candidates can give other examples and all relevant answers should be credited.