Study Notes: Selected Verses — Surah al-Furqan (Q. 25:61–77)

Subject: Islamic Religious Education — Topic: Study of the Qur’an and Hadith
Subtopic focus: Surah al-Furqan (verses 61–77) — Ages: 15 (Kenyan context)

Specific Learning Outcomes
  1. (a) Explain the meaning of the selected verses for better understanding.
  2. (b) Describe the qualities of the servants of Allah (SWT) mentioned in these verses.
  3. (c) Examine how the teachings contribute to character building.
  4. (d) Apply the lessons from the verses in day-to-day life.
  5. (e) Acknowledge the role of these verses in personal character formation.
  6. (f) Focus on lessons: humility in walking, moderation in spending, modesty in speech, avoiding useless confrontation, not bearing false witness, and sexual morality.
Context (brief)

Surah al-Furqan (The Criterion) contrasts the behaviour of true servants of Allah with that of the heedless. Verses 61–77 describe Allah’s creation, then list the qualities and actions of the "servants of the Most Merciful" (often called Ibad ar-Rahman). These verses guide a believer’s behaviour in society and private life.

Meaning and Key Teachings (verses 61–77)

  • Verse 61: The heavens were decorated and set as guard — reminder of Allah’s power and order in creation.
  • Verses 63–74 (main description of the servants):
    • They walk humbly and do not stride arrogantly.
    • They speak gently and say words of peace (respond kindly).
    • They spend from what Allah has provided, in private and public, avoiding show-off and waste.
    • They avoid useless argument and do not answer ignorantly.
    • They act honestly: they do not bear false witness.
    • They guard their private parts (sexual morality) and keep faithfulness in relationships.
    • They call upon their Lord, seek forgiveness, and keep up prayer.
  • Verses 75–77: Confirm the reward for those who obey Allah and the warning for those who reject — stresses consequence and hope: mercy and forgiveness for the sincere.

Qualities of the Servants of Allah (visual)

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Humility in walking

Walk modestly; avoid arrogance when moving or showing off.

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Modesty in speech

Speak kindly, avoid harsh words and useless arguments.

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Moderation in spending

Give charity, avoid waste and show-off; share what you can.

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Avoid useless confrontation

Do not engage in meaningless fights or slander online or offline.

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Truthfulness — avoid false witness

Be honest in school, community, and court situations.

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Sexual morality

Guard chastity; honour relationships and boundaries.

How these verses build character

The verses provide a clear moral blueprint: inner humility, respect for others, self-control, generosity, truthfulness and sexual discipline. Practising these helps a young person develop trust, respect and strong relationships — important for school success, family life and community harmony in Kenya.

  • Humility reduces bullying and pride; helps students work well in teams.
  • Moderation in spending prevents debt and encourages saving or giving to needy neighbours.
  • Good speech reduces conflicts in classroom and online (social media).
  • Avoiding false statements builds reputation and prevents legal/social harm.
  • Sexual morality protects youth from risky behaviour and its consequences (pregnancy, STIs, broken trust).

Applying the lessons — Practical daily actions (age 15, Kenyan context)

  1. School: Walk calmly between classes; speak politely to teachers and classmates; avoid gossip; be honest in exams and assignments.
  2. Home: Share pocket money responsibly; help with chores without boasting; seek forgiveness from parents when wrong.
  3. Community: Give small charity (sadaqah) at mosque or to a needy neighbour; participate in community clean-ups as service (spreading good).
  4. Online / Social Media: Do not join or start insulting groups; avoid spreading rumours; pause before posting.
  5. Relationships: Respect boundaries between boys and girls; communicate respectfully; avoid secret relationships that harm reputation.
  6. When accused or provoked: Avoid shouting back; seek to resolve peacefully; report serious issues to trusted adults.

Suggested Learning Activities (classroom & community)

  • Group reading & paraphrase: Students read verses 61–77 (teacher provides translation) and put each short section in their own words.
  • Role-play: Two groups act out a school situation — one uses verses’ behaviours (calm, kind), the other shows opposite behaviour. Discuss outcomes.
  • Reflection journal: Each student lists one quality to improve (e.g., modest speech) and records daily progress for one week.
  • Community project: Small charity drive (food/soap) to practise spending in moderation and helping others.
  • Poster making: Create posters illustrating one quality (humility, truthfulness) for display at school and mosque.
  • Debate with rules: Hold a class debate but require respectful speech and no personal attacks — reinforce avoiding useless confrontation.
  • Case studies: Discuss local scenarios (peer pressure, cheating, online insults) and decide actions guided by the verses.
Reflection questions (for learners)
  1. Which quality from these verses is easiest for you to practice and which is hardest? Why?
  2. Give one real example from your life where modest speech would change the outcome.
  3. How can you practise moderation in spending with your pocket money this month?
  4. What steps would you take if a friend asks you to lie for them?
Assessment ideas
  • Short written quiz: Match verse themes to everyday examples.
  • Presentation: Students present one activity they did to practise a quality and reflect on results.
  • Self-evaluation checklist: Weekly score (1–5) on humility, truthfulness, speech, spending, and chastity behaviour.
Conclusion — Role in character formation

Surah al-Furqan (25:61–77) gives practical, everyday guidance for building upright character. For a Kenyan 15‑year‑old, practising these qualities helps create respectful relationships, trustworthy character, and a life balanced between worship, community service and personal responsibility. The verses are not only spiritual guidance but a roadmap for strong, moral citizenship.


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