The Qur'an teaches Muslims about their relationship with God. Write about this relationship using the passages you have studied.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2018). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] These passages are about God's relationship with creation, but each talk about that relationship in a distinctive way. They all 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, which can be done in different ways.
2. [10] Sura 1: Talks about humankind being created to worship God and that can be done in many ways, prayer, following the sunnah, 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 in return should ask Him for help to remain guided. Asking for help is important which is why this is used as a prayer.
3. [10] Sura 96.1-5: This shows the link between humankind and God by emphasising the creation of humans, and that 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.
4. [10] 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. That could be related to how well they followed God and His Messenger (pbuh), how they fulfilled their obligations, or how they 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.
5. [10] 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.
6. [4] Having given guidance (through the Qur'an and sunnah, etc.), God wants knowledge to be used to learn about life and to live lives in a good way.
7. [4] Without learning, humans would not know about their rights and responsibilities or about their potential as human beings.
8. [4] In order to respond to what God wants or what is of benefit to themselves or others, they have to learn how to respond.
9. [4] God is full of mercy and love, He is guiding people so they benefit in this life and in the next.
10. [4] The most beneficial knowledge would be that which helps a person fulfil their rights towards God, fellow humans, and to develop themselves.