CSS 2009 Solved Islamiat Past Papers | The recitation and learning of the Quran by heart
The following question of CSS Islamiat 2009 is solved by Miss Ayesha Irfan, the highest scorer in CSS Islamiat. Moreover, the question is attempted using the same pattern taught by Sir Syed Kazim Ali to his students, who have scored the highest marks in compulsory subjects for years. This solved past paper question is uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Question Breakdown
This question demands a critical evaluation of a widespread issue in Muslim societies: the ritualistic and superficial engagement with the Qur’an, where recitation and memorisation are emphasised, but understanding and practical application are neglected. The examiner expects a diagnosis of this contradiction and Islamic as well as modern educational solutions for reforming the mindset of Muslims to reconnect with the Qur’an meaningfully. The question implicitly touches upon themes of education, accountability, and revivalism.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-Mere Recitation vs. Command to Understand the Qur’an
3-Qur’anic Injunctions to Reflect and Act
4-Causes of Negligence Toward Qur’anic Understanding
5-Consequences of Neglecting the Qur’an’s Message
6-Methods of Reformation: Islamic and Contemporary Solutions
- Revival of Qur’anic Education with Tafsir
- Emphasis on Translation and Contextual Meaning
- Role of Scholars and Preachers
- Media and Digital Platforms
- Curriculum Reform
7-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
The Qur’an is the final revelation from Allah, revealed as complete guidance for all aspects of human life. However, in many parts of the Muslim world today, it is unfortunately reduced to a book of rituals, read during ceremonial events, memorized by children, and decorated in homes, but rarely opened with the intention of understanding and transformation. This superficial relationship with the Qur’an contradicts the purpose for which it was revealed: to shape character, reform society, and establish divine justice on Earth.
Mere Recitation vs. Command to Understand the Qur’an
The modern Muslim’s engagement with the Qur’an often centres around melodious recitation and memorisation, especially in the month of Ramadan or during religious ceremonies. While these acts are praiseworthy and highly rewarding, they become spiritually hollow when not accompanied by comprehension and application. Many Muslims are able to recite the Qur’an fluently without knowing the meaning of a single verse. This ritualistic approach creates a disconnection between the form and the substance of the revelation. As a result, the moral, social, and legal teachings of the Qur’an remain unimplemented in individual and collective life.
Qur’anic Injunctions to Reflect and Act
Allah repeatedly commands believers to ponder over the Qur’an. In Surah Muhammad, He asks, “Do they not then reflect on the Qur’an, or are there locks upon their hearts?” (47:24). Likewise, Surah Sad declares, “This is a blessed Book that We have revealed to you, that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded” (38:29). The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also emphasized practical engagement with the Qur’an when he said, “The best among you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it” (Bukhari). Learning here implies not just words but meaning, purpose, and lifestyle transformation.
Causes of Negligence Toward Qur’anic Understanding
There are multiple causes behind this negligence. First, the language barrier: a majority of Muslims do not understand Arabic, and religious education often doesn’t focus on translation and Tafsir. Second, religious teaching in many institutions emphasises rote memorisation without teaching the philosophy, ethics, and law embedded in the Qur’an. Third, many cultural traditions prioritise outward displays of religiosity while sidelining intellectual and moral reform. Finally, modern educational systems often segregate religious knowledge from secular disciplines, leaving no room for Qur’anic thought in real-world problem-solving.
Consequences of Neglecting the Qur’an’s Message
When Muslims disconnect from the true spirit of the Qur’an, their societies suffer. Corruption, injustice, sectarianism, and identity crises become prevalent. Individuals may be spiritually active in rituals but morally passive in everyday life. This leads to the very condition the Prophet (PBUH) warned about, “A time will come when nothing will remain of Islam except its name, and nothing will remain of the Qur’an except its script” (Baihaqi). The Qur’an’s transformative potential is lost when it is not lived by.
Methods of Reformation: Islamic and Contemporary Solutions
- Reformation Through Educational Reform
One of the most effective reform methods is restructuring Qur’anic education. Tafsir and translation should be introduced at the school level, not limited to religious seminaries. Children and adults alike should be taught to understand the Qur’an in their native language, with proper context. Memorization programs (Hifz) must include thematic understanding. Islamic Studies syllabi should integrate Qur’anic ethics, sociology, economics, and political thought so that students see the Qur’an as a practical guide, not a ceremonial book.
- Role of Ulema, Preachers, and Mosques in Reconnecting People
Mosques and religious scholars have a crucial role in this reformation. Instead of focusing solely on fiqh-based lectures or ceremonial addresses, sermons (khutbahs) should become Qur’an-centric, discussing themes like justice, family ethics, compassion, honesty, and governance. Scholars must make Qur’anic discourse relevant to contemporary issues, youth dilemmas, gender justice, economic challenges, and spiritual crises, so that people can see the Qur’an as a living solution. Dars-e-Qur’an sessions in every locality can revive the lost tradition of community-based Qur’anic reflection.
- Media and Technology as Tools for Qur’anic Understanding
In the modern digital age, technology offers an unprecedented opportunity to reconnect Muslims with the Qur’an. Social media, YouTube, apps, and podcasts can provide easily accessible Tafsir sessions in various languages. Influential scholars like Nouman Ali Khan, Yasir Qadhi, Mufti Menk, and many others have successfully reached millions with relevant Qur’anic content. Pakistan’s Al-Huda International and Bayyinah TV are examples of how Qur’an education can be modernized. These platforms must be expanded, localized, and integrated into daily learning routines, especially for youth.
- Revival Through Seerah and the Sahaba’s Qur’an-Centered Lives
The best model for Qur’anic reformation is the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who implemented every verse of the Qur’an in his personal, political, and social life. Aishah (RA) famously described him, “His character was the Qur’an” (Musnad Ahmad). Similarly, the companions would not move past ten verses until they had understood and acted upon them (Musnad Ahmad). Caliphs like Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) implemented Qur’anic justice and welfare economics in governance. Their lives offer timeless templates for applying divine guidance to modern challenges.
Conclusion
To reform the current negligence toward the Qur’an, Muslims must revive its true purpose: not mere recitation, but comprehension and implementation. Through educational reforms, mosque-based Qur’an programs, scholarly leadership, and digital innovation, the Ummah can reconnect with its divine constitution. As the Qur’an itself proclaims, “Indeed, this Qur’an guides to that which is most just and right” (Surah Al-Isra, 17:9). Therefore, true success, individually and collectively, lies in holding firmly to its message in both belief and action.
“Indeed, this Qur’an guides to that which is most just and right.” (Surah Al-Isra, 17:9)
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