Using the set passages you have studied, write about God's relationship with the created world.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2023). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] Candidates should write about the relationship between God and His creation showing how the relationship is brought out specifically in that passage. The passages allow humankind to see the link between them and God. 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. Sura 1, talks about humankind being created to worship God and that can be done in many ways: praying, following the sunna, making dua etc. It emphasises that He is the creator and controller of all that is in the heavens and the earth, and that He will judge over humankind. They should keep this in mind when they do anything. In return they should ask Him for help to remain guided. Sura 2.21-22, this passage shows that God provides sustenance for His creation. He gives so that they can have shelter, food and drink. They should therefore look after their environment and protect the things that God has provided for them. God wants humans to acknowledge that He is the one who provides them with this, and not anyone else, and so they should not seek to praise others for what they have been given by God. Sura 96.1-5, this 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. Sura 99, this shows that the earth is created for humankind's benefit and that they will be judged at the end of time according to how they lived their lives on it. It also shows how God can destroy what He created. That humans will also be judged if they followed God and His Messenger (pbuh), fulfilled their obligations, or looked after the earth which was created for their benefit. They have a responsibility for their actions, so although God provides for humans, they have to do good to show God that they are grateful. Sura 114, this passage warns humans that there are those looking to lead them astray by trying to influence their actions. God wants humans to know that only He is the Lord, King and God over all humankind and so everyone should turn to Him for help in difficult times, and that protection comes from Him.
2. [4] Some of the passages describe how God has made various things for the benefit of humans - the earth, the rain/water, food and drink, resources and they have been given rules and regulations for how they live their lives. They will give an account of their deeds and the earth will testify as to what humans have done. This will be their good deeds and bad deeds, but also how they have looked after all these provisions. Humans are therefore not just encouraged to pray and fast and worship God, but also to do good actions, including those relating to looking after the soil from which their crops grow, the water which helps them grow, the animals that they rear etc. Candidates can give other points but should make reference to what is mentioned in some of the suras that suggests humans should care for the environment.