school year 2026 - 2027
Grade 11 IS
I.S. / Values Education 11
2/25/202614 min read
Part 1: Introduction to the Qur'an (Page 17)
1. Define the word 'Qur'an'.
The Qur'an is the Arabic Speech of Allah which He revealed to Prophet Muhammad through Angel Jibreel in its precise meaning and exact wording. Literally, the word 'Qur'an' is a verbal noun meaning "the reading" or "recitation".
2. What are the different names of the Qur'an?
The text notes that Allah refers to the Qur'an by several names, including:
"the Qur'an"
the Book ("al-Kitaab")
the Criterion ("al-Furqaan")
the Reminder ("ad-Dhikr")
the Revelation sent down ("at-Tanzeel")
Other descriptive terms include an-Noor (the Light), Hudaa (Guidance), Rahmah (Mercy), Majeed (Glorious), Mubaarak (Blessed), and Nadheer (Warner).
3. Can you explain how the Qur'an is inimitable?
The Qur'an is unique, internally consistent, lacks any internal contradictions or discrepancies, and remains in full agreement with historical developments and scientific discoveries. Its matchless style is considered "Allah's style," which forms its miraculous character. The Prophet challenged critics to produce something comparable, and even elite Arabic stylists failed to do so. Furthermore, it is stated that if all men and jinn collaborated, they could not produce its like.
4. What are the three forms of revelation? How can the Qur'an be the highest form of revelation?
According to the text (citing 42:51), revelation takes place in three forms:
Direct revelation into the mind (wahy, or a quick suggestion into the mind).
From behind a veil.
By sending a messenger (like Angel Jibreel) to reveal whatever Allah wills by His permission.
The Qur'an is considered the highest form of revelation because it is the literal, uncreated Word of Allah revealed through the Holy Spirit (Angel Jibreel) in its exact wording and precise meaning, serving as the final, perfectly preserved message to mankind that sets out the eternal truth in its entirety.
5. The Qur'an is the essence of all former revelations. Discuss.
All teachings in former scriptures meant to have lasting value are included in the Qur'an. It preserves the core, essential message brought by all previous prophets—which was always to worship Allah alone and shun false deities. Because it preserves these eternal truths perfectly, the reader has no need to turn to older sacred scriptures that have undergone human alterations, additions, or deletions.
6. How and why has the Qur'an remained unchanged?
Why: It has remained unchanged because Allah took it upon Himself to guard it from corruption, as stated in Soorat al-Hijr (15:9).
How: Allah implanted the verses directly into the Prophet's memory. During his lifetime, the Prophet had his numerous Companions immediately write down each revelation and commit it entirely to memory. This preserved text was compiled into a single standard copy by Caliph Abu Bakr and later duplicated and distributed to major Islamic cities by Caliph 'Uthmaan.
7. How can you prove that the Qur'an is the final revelation of Allah?
Prophet Muhammad was the Last Messenger from Allah to mankind. Because he brought the final completed message, the Qur'an stands as the last of the Holy Scriptures. Its finality is also demonstrated by its absolute protection from change, its internal perfection, and its role in fully preserving and finalizing the truths of all previous revelations.
8. How did the revelation of the Qur'an begin? What do you know about the final and last revelations?
The Beginning: Revelation began in 610 CE during Laylat-ul-Qadr (the Night of Power) in the month of Ramadaan while the Prophet was in seclusion in the cave of Hiraa. The first five verses revealed were from Soorat al-'Alaq (96:1-5).
The Last Revelation: Many scholars agree that the final verse revealed was verse 281 of Soorat al-Baqarah ("And fear the day when you shall be brought to Allah..."). The Prophet passed away nine nights later. While some hold that Soorat al-Maa'idah (5:3) was the last verse, many scholars argue that it was actually revealed earlier during the Farewell Pilgrimage.
9. What do you think is meant by "Farewell Pilgrimage"?
Based on historical Islamic context implied in the text, it refers to the final pilgrimage performed by Prophet Muhammad before his passing away, during which significant concluding verses of the religion were delivered.
Part 2: Review of Qur'anic Concepts (Page 25)
10. The Qur'an was revealed in stages. What is Allah's wisdom in revealing it in this way?
The text details several significant reasons for this piecemeal revelation over 23 years:
To strengthen the heart of Allah's Messenger from time to time whenever guidance was needed.
Out of consideration for the Messenger, since receiving revelation was a very difficult and intense physical experience for him.
To gradually implement the commands and laws of Allah.
To make understanding, translation into real-life action, and memorization of the text easier for the believers.
11. The Qur'an had some form of arrangement in the lifetime of the Prophet. Explain.
The arrangement was a part of a divine scheme. Every verse or chapter (soorah) had a fixed, definite place assigned to it by the Prophet himself under the guidance of Angel Jibreel. Whenever a verse was revealed, the Prophet instructed his scribes exactly where to insert it. This arrangement was structurally necessary because the Qur'an was heavily relied upon for oral preservation and was routinely recited in order during daily congregational prayers.
12. Why did 'Umar feel the need to compile a standard written copy?
During the caliphate of Abu Bakr, many of the Qurraa (reciters who held the Qur'an entirely in their memories) fell in battle during the Battle of Yamaamah. 'Umar ibn Al-Khattaab feared that if more reciters died, portions of the text might be lost, making a compiled, standard written copy absolute necessary for historical preservation.
13. There is no English equivalent for the terms 'Sunnah' and 'aayah'. Discuss.
aayah: Often translated as "verse," this is inaccurate because the Qur'an is not poetry. Structurally, it means a "sign" or "Sign of Guidance," marking the shortest natural phrase or sentence division of the text.
Sunnah: Refers broadly to the specific prophetic model, encompassing the exact sayings, actions, and excellent living practices of the Messenger of Allah, which cannot be accurately condensed into a single English word.
14. Discuss the various divisions in the Qur'an. Also note the wisdom behind these divisions.
The Qur'an is divided structurally into several units to aid in reading and memorization:
Soorahs (114 chapters): Chapters of unequal length that serve as distinct thematic units.
Aayaat: The individual phrases/sentences (signs) within chapters.
Juz' (30 equal portions): Designed precisely so a believer can easily pace their reading to complete the entire book within the 30 days of a month.
Ruku: Paragraph-like subsections found within copies.
Ahzaab / Rub': Subdivisions of a Juz' into four ahzaab, and further into quarters (rub') for incremental pacing.
Manzil (7 equal parts): Structured so that a person wishing to complete the entire recitation in one week can neatly read one manzil per day.
15. Explain the term 'nadhm'.
Nadhm denotes coherence—the clear, logical connection of ideas, arguments, and sentences that bind a text together as an integrated whole. In the Qur'an, every soorah is a perfect unit revolving around a central unifying theme, and a distinct logical link/unity exists between the chapters as they follow one another, often appearing in complementary pairs.
16. Discuss in detail the purpose of the Qur'an.
The overriding objective is to serve as a book of guidance for mankind. It is aimed at guiding creation to understand Allah’s Oneness (tawheed), His Beautiful Names, and His Lofty Attributes. It maps out the straight path to attain His pleasure and Paradise, provides truth-seekers with moral courage, instills accountability, and guides human beings in every aspect of practical life—principally emphasizing good character, proper morals, and protection from evil.
17. Mention something about Allah's wisdom in including medical and other scientific miracles in the Qur'an although it is primarily a book of guidance.
Though it is not a textbook of science, including facts that could not have been known 1,400 years ago (such as details on embryology, pain receptors in the skin, and fingerprints) serves as conclusive evidence that the Qur'an is the literal Word of God. This points directly to the genuineness of Islam and acts as a powerful sign for truth-seekers, which has historically led many modern scientists to embrace the faith.
Part 3: Readings from the Qur'an (Page 29)
18. What is the wisdom of using the term 'readings' as compared to 'selections' as a title to this chapter?
The text states that using the term "selections" is inappropriate because it gives the false impression that what was omitted is somehow less adequate or secondary. In contrast, the Qur'an is entirely beautiful, complete, and sublime, making "readings" a more respectful title.
19. What do the attributes al-Hayy and al-Qayyoom mean?
Al-Hayy: The Ever-Living. He is the absolute source of all life, whose existence is underived, eternal, and completely independent of any creation.
Al-Qayyoom: The Ever-Lasting Sustainer. This intensive form means the One Who exists entirely by Himself while supporting, maintaining, and providing the means of subsistence for everything else in creation.
20. What is the meaning of the term Aayat-ul-Kursee? Mention the excellence of the aayah according to a hadeeth?
Meaning: It means the "Throne Verse" (Verse 2:255 of Soorat al-Baqarah), highlighting how His Throne extends over the heavens and the earth.
Excellence: Prophetic traditions establish it as the single greatest and most excellent aayah in the Book of Allah. A hadeeth notes that the verse has a tongue and two lips with which it praises the King (Allah) at the foot of the Throne.
Part 4: Concept of the Creator (Page 31)
21. What does the term Badee and Lateef mean?
Badee': The Originator. Applied to Allah, it means the One who produces or originates something magnificent out of absolute nothingness, without any prior template or earlier example.
Lateef: Subtle. It denotes a quality so profoundly fine, intangible, and unfathomable that He is completely above human comprehension, yet uniquely absolute.
22. Why is it insane to say or assume that Allah has a son?
The text explains that offspring are a requirement exclusive to mortal, weak beings who need future assistance. Furthermore, reproducing requires a female mate or consort of the same species. Because Allah is the unique, ultimate Originator of everything, has no physical equal, and has never had a mate, it is entirely illogical and blasphemous to attribute a son to Him.
Part 5: Signs of Allah (Page 33)
23. What does Allah expect from us instead of worshipping the sun and why?
Allah explicitly commands human beings not to prostrate to the sun or the moon, but instead to prostrate exclusively to Him. The reason is that the sun and moon possess no inherent power; they are merely created, concrete phenomena that follow a strict, divinely appointed orbit. Real power belongs solely to the Creator who brought them into being.
24. How does prayer timing aid us in avoiding sun worship?
The prescribed prayer times in Islam are carefully separated from the exact hours when historical sun-worshipping cultures offered homage. For instance:
Fajr is completed strictly before sunrise.
Dhuhr is offered only after the sun begins its post-noon decline.
'Asr occurs when the sun loses its midday brightness.
Maghrib is prayed directly after it sets.
'Ishaa' is observed only after its light has fully vanished from the sky.
25. Define the Arabic word khaashiatan. How will you relate it to the earth?
The word khaashiatan describes a state of being completely still, humbled, and lifeless. In the context of the earth, it refers to soil that is parched, barren, and starved of water—suspended in a quiet state between life and death before rainfall arrives.
26. What does Allah want us to know from the parable of reviving the earth?
First, it serves as a physical proof of His absolute power: the same God who can instantly stir a dead, barren wasteland into blooming vegetation can most surely resurrect human beings after death. Second, it serves as a spiritual message to believers never to lose hope, as hearts that currently deny the truth can be revived to grasp the message just like dead soil.
Part 6: Dominion and Majesty (Page 36)
27. Explain the verse 'To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth.'
This means that everything in existence is fully subject to Allah's absolute dominion, ownership, and control. While human beings are often deceived into thinking they own worldly possessions, true ownership remains His alone. He creates, destroys, gives life, and dispenses power or possessions in accordance with His Grand Plan.
28. 'The heavens almost break from above them.' What does this verse refer to?
The text provides two primary scholarly explanations for this verse:
The heavens are nearly rent asunder out of sheer awe, terror, and submissive recognition of the immense greatness, majesty, and physical presence of the Lord and His angels.
The universe shudders, quivers with abhorrence, and nearly bursts apart due to the severe anger and blasphemy of human beings falsely attributing a son to Allah.
Part 7: Soorat Al-Ikhlaas (Page 38)
29. What is the subject of Soorat al-Ikhlaas?
Almighty Allah Himself is the sole subject of this chapter. It focuses purely on defining His absolute Oneness, His unique nature, and the complete absence of any partners or equals.
30. Why is it considered as one third of the Qur'an?
According to scholars like al-Qurtubee, it is structurally equivalent to one-third of the Qur'an because it is the only chapter where two foundational, powerful attributes of Allah—al-Ahad and as-Samad—come together to provide a complete description of ar-Rahmaan (the Lord of Grace).
31. Define the terms al-Ahad and as-Samad.
Al-Ahad: Absolute and continuous unity, signifying a singular status that completely rules out the existence of any equals or partners.
As-Samad: The Everlasting Refuge. It implies the One who is fully independent (having no physical needs like eating or drinking), whose attributes are perfect, and upon whom all creation depends for their needs while He depends on no one.
Part 8: Soorat Al-Faatihah (Page 43)
32. Explain the two attributes of ar-Rahmaan and ar-Raheem. How are these two related?
Both attributes are derived from the root word rahima, signifying grace and mercy.
Ar-Rahmaan emphasizes intense, overflowing grace and mercy given freely to all creation (believers and disbelievers alike), carrying connotations of ultimate power and dominion.
Ar-Raheem emphasizes the constant, permanent availability of His mercy to creatures in all situations.
Relationship: They complement each other by demonstrating that Allah is simultaneously the Lord of supreme grace who sustains the physical universe and the Ever-Merciful refuge who responds to prayers.
33. How does the term rabb signify the Allah-man relationship?
The uniquely comprehensive term Rabb (often translated as Lord or Sustainer) masterfully combines supreme authority with deep love and concern. It establishes that the relationship is one of Rabb-Abd (Master-Servant). Allah is the ultimate nurturer, developer, and caretaker of human beings, meaning humanity owes Him complete, humble submission.
34. Explain the term ad-deen as used in the Qur'an.
The word ad-deen carries multiple contextual meanings in the Qur'an:
Religion and divine law
The law of the land
Obedience
Recompense, reward, or judgment (encompassing both reward for good and punishment for evil).
35. What is the 'Straight Path'? What is the significance of the word 'guide' in Verse 6?
The Straight Path (As-Siraat al-Mustaqeem): The easiest, shortest, and most clear way of living demonstrated by the prophets to achieve worldly success and eternal bliss in the hereafter.
Significance of 'Guide': Guiding means more than simply pointing out a direction. By asking Allah to "guide us," a believer is actively asking for the continuous spiritual light, daily strength, and personal support required to take every step of life's journey safely.
36. This soorah is in the form of a supplication. Discuss.
Soorat al-Faatihah is structurally unique because its style is not didactic (instructional). Instead of merely teaching a person how to pray, the words are beautifully revealed to flow naturally off the tongue as a spontaneous hymn, expressing the core of human nature. It functions as a complete prayer for light, guidance, and alignment with the righteous.
Part 9: Prophet Ibraaheem (Page 47)
37. What are the virtues of Soorat al-An'aam?
Though the chapter's generic structural virtues are implied by its placement, the text specifically highlights that it records divinely inspired, masterfully logical premises and arguments that successfully clear away doubts regarding the Oneness of Allah (tawheed).
38. Comment on how Ibraaheem tried to convince his people to worship Allah Alone.
Prophet Ibraaheem utilized an inductive, indirect line of reasoning to highlight the folly of polytheism without triggering immediate defensiveness. He looked at the celestial bodies his people revered:
First, he pointed to a brilliant star/Venus (kawkab), noting that because it sets and disappears, it cannot be a god.
He repeated this premise with the moon, and then the larger sun, showing that all these objects are bound by regular orbits, possess no independent free will, and vanish from sight.
By proving that these creations are dependent, he declared his innocence from polytheism and redirected worship to the sole Creator who brought the heavens into being.
Part 10: Prophet 'Eesaa (Page 49)
39. Enumerate the favours that Allah granted 'Eesaa.
As recorded in Verse 5:110, Allah granted Prophet 'Eesaa numerous miracles and protections:
Aided and supported him with the Holy Spirit (Jibreel).
Granted him the unique ability to speak clearly to people while still an infant in his cradle, as well as in maturity.
Taught him the Book, wisdom, the Tawraah (Torah), and the Injeel (Gospel).
Allowed him to form a bird out of clay, breathe into it, and transform it into a living bird by Allah's leave.
Blessed him to heal lepers and those born blind.
Allowed him to restore life to the dead by His leave.
Defended and protected him from the physical plots of the Children of Israa'eel.
40. What is the significance of the use of the term 'Kahl'?
The Arabic word kahl refers precisely to a person who is between the ages of 34 and 51. Because historical reports establish that Prophet 'Eesaa was raised to heaven at the age of 33, the use of this term serves as a clear linguistic indication that he will return to earth later in life, live out his days, and naturally reach that mature age group.
Part 11: Soorat Al-Kawthar (Page 51)
41. Who does the soorah address?
The three verses of this chapter are addressed first and foremost to the Messenger of Allah, and through him, to every believing Muslim man and woman.
42. Describe the pond of al-Kawthar.
According to sound prophetic traditions, al-Kawthar is a majestic river flowing in Paradise:
It features banks crafted of solid gold and runs over a bed of pearls.
Its water is explicitly described as being whiter than milk and sweeter than honey.
It feeds a massive pond where the Prophet’s followers will gather on the Day of Judgment, utilizing drinking vessels as numerous as the stars in the sky.
43. How does the word "Abtar" aptly describe the enemies of the Prophet?
The word abtar was used by pre-Islamic Arabs to insult a man who had no surviving male offspring, implying he would be forgotten after death. When the Prophet's infant sons passed away, his enemies taunted him with this word. Allah flipped the taunt back onto them: today, the exact lineage, memory, and social legacy of those enemies have been completely cut off from history, while the Prophet's profound impact and spiritual legacy continue to deepen worldwide.
Part 12: The Life of the Last Prophet (Page 59)
44. What importance did the Makkans attach to the incident of the Elephant?
The Makkans viewed the miraculous destruction of Abrahah’s army as an event of monumental historical importance. They used it as the definitive anchor point for their calendar, dating generations of events by saying things occurred "in the Year of the Elephant" or a specific number of years after it.
45. Mention the Prophet's parents. Who named him Muhammad?
Parents: His father was 'Abdullaah (who passed away in Madeenah at age 25 before the birth) and his mother was Aaminah.
Naming: His grandfather, 'Abdul-Muttalib, carried the newborn into the Ka'bah, offered a prayer of thanks, and chose the name Muhammad.
46. Why, do you think, the Arabs were surprised by this name?
The text states that the pre-Islamic Arabs were thoroughly unfamiliar with the name Muhammad, as it was not a common name used within their tribal lineages at the time.
47. Why did Haleemah finally take in baby Muhammad? What blessings did she enjoy?
Why: Haleemah initially hesitated because Muhammad was an orphan, and the wet nurses preferred a child with a living father who could provide rich financial rewards. However, because every other nurse in her party had secured a baby and she hated to return home empty-handed, she decided to take him in.
Blessings: Her breasts immediately overflowed with milk; her old, dry she-camel suddenly produced abundant milk; her previously crying, hungry biological son slept peacefully; her weak donkey outpaced the entire travel party on the journey home; and her barren land immediately sprouted lush grass, allowing her flock to return home full and satisfied every evening.
48. How can you say that the Prophet's chest was literally opened? What was the wisdom behind this?
Literal Event: The text cites a reliable tradition in Saheeh Muslim narrated by Anas ibn Maalik, who physically saw the lingering stitch marks on the Prophet's chest. The angel Jibreel physically laid the boy down, split open his chest, extracted his heart to remove a black blood clot, washed the heart with Zamzam water in a golden basin, and neatly sealed it back in place.
Wisdom: This physical intervention served as a profound sign of future Prophethood. The removal of the clot physically eliminated the "portion of Satan," purifiying the Prophet from the typical recklessness of youth and protecting him from ever bowing to idols or committing sins during his life in Makkah.