Articles of Faith

4 (a) Outline the Muslim teaching about the belief in the oneness of God (tawhid).
[10][M/J/2013]

Candidates could begin their answer by stating that belief in the oneness of God is the
fundamental teaching of Islam. Without believing in the oneness of God one cannot be a
Muslim. Some candidates may well discuss the three aspects of tawhid, which are
Oneness of the Lordship of God; Oneness in worship of God; and Oneness of the
names and qualities of God. Quotes from the Qur’an in reference to these three aspects
of tawhid could also be given.

(b) Why is associating partners with God (shirk) regarded as a great sin? [4]

Shirk in Islam is regarded as a great sin because it signifies ascribing the divine
attributes of God to others besides Him. It is believing that the source of power, harm
and blessings comes from others besides God and goes against the most fundamental
teaching of Islam, tawhid. There must be evaluation in the answer, not just a statement.

[ER]

Question 4
Confident answers were given by the candidates to this question. Candidates quoted
from Sura Ikhlas and Ayat ul Kursi to build their answer upon. Many went on to describe
the three aspects of tawhid. Some named each one of them individually and then
expanded their answers.

In Part (b) again some good answers were given and evaluation was offered. In a few
responses there was repetition from Part (a). In these answers candidates again quoted
Sura Ikhlas and explained it. What was being looked for in the answer was evaluation
and not statements, candidates could have, for example, said that shirk is regarded as a
great sin because it is the opposite of tawhid.

5 (a) Muslims believe that God alone is Lord, that He alone should be worshipped
and that His names and attributes are unique to Him. Outline Muslim beliefs in the
oneness of God. [10] [M/J/2016]

Muslims believe in one God, Allah. This belief in the oneness of God is known as
tawhid. This belief is the core of Islam and all creation has to recognise the Creator,
which is God, and submit to his will. Tawhid has three aspects: Oneness of the Lordship
of God; Oneness in Worship of God; and Oneness in the names and qualities of God.
In this answer, candidates need to name these three aspects of Tawhid and explain them:

Oneness of the Lordship of God:

There is only one Lord for the entire universe, that is God. He is the Creator, Sustainer,
Lawgiver and Master of the universe. He is neither the father nor the son of anyone. The

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main statement that every Muslim makes is ‘la ilaha illa Allah’, ‘there is no God but
Allah’. Candidates could give quotes from the Qur’an to expand on this aspect of tawhid.

Oneness in Worship of God:

Since God is the Creator, he is the only one worthy of worship. It is man’s primary duty
and obligation to worship none other than him. Muslims must only pray, invoke, and ask
him for help. ‘You alone we worship and You alone we ask help from.’ (Ikhlas 112:2-3)

Oneness in the Names and Qualities of God:

The belief includes:
We must not name or qualify God except with what he and his Messenger have named or
qualified him with.
None can be named or qualified with the names or qualifications of God.
Muslims must believe in all the qualities of God which he has stated in his Book or
mentioned through his Messenger; Muslims believe in the divine attributes of God; these
attributes are only inherent in God and this belief is integral to Islam. Muslims are unable
to describe God; however, the existence of God can be realised through his
manifestations and through his attributes as told by his messengers. Again, candidates can
quote from the Qur’an to develop the point further.

(b) Why has God repeatedly warned Muslims against committing shirk? [4]

An evaluative and personal response is needed to answer this question. It could be said
that God has warned Muslims against committing shirk as it signifies ascribing partners
to him or suggesting that another could share his divine attributes. It has been termed as
the most unforgivable of sins for which one will not be forgiven by God.

[ER/2/1]

Question 5
Again, a clue to what was being looked for in the answer was given in the first part of the
question. Many candidates went on to write about the three aspects of tawhid quite
clearly and distinctly, whilst others did cover at least two of these aspects.Good responses
were seen for this question and it was a popular one.
In Part (b) again candidates gave competent responses to why God warns Muslims from
committing shirk.

2 (a) Write about the relationship between God and two of the prophets you
have studied in the Qur’an (not including the Prophet Muhammad). [10][M/J/2013]

(b) Why do prophets go through difficulties in their lives? [4]

Part (a) tests AO1, and part (b) tests AO2.

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(a) Candidates can choose any two messengers before the Prophet Muhammad that
they have studied through the prescribed passages in the syllabus [though not
exclusively]. They should mention who the prophets are and might give reference to the
suras they have studied. They could talk about God’s relationship with that prophet,
which is mentioned in the Qur’an, teachings that God gave them, and any miracles they
were given. Better candidates could be able to give references to other suras in the
Qur’an where they are mentioned. Candidates should give a description of the prophet’s
experience, where usually they go through adversity and God helps them. It should be
mentioned that God defends them against their enemies.[Verses in the syllabus -
2.30-37; 6.75-79; 5.110; 93; 108]

(b) Candidates could mention that God tests his prophets in different ways, that they go
through hardships to deal with the difficulties of their mission, especially as many will
face opposition from their communities. They also go through difficulties to strengthen
their faith which will in turn help them to carry on their mission. Overcoming adversity
and strengthening your faith helps you get closer to God, which is a lesson for all
Muslims.

[ER]

Question 2
(a) The most popular prophets that candidates discussed were Adam and Ibrahim,
though some mentioned Isa, Yusuf or Nuh. The accounts were reasonable with the
relevant information regarding the miracles and God’s protection. Good candidates gave
a good narration of the stories of the prophets highlighting the relationship between them
and God such as Isa’s miraculous birth and rescue from crucifixion, Prophet Ibrahim’s
search of the true God and readiness to sacrifice his son, Prophet Adam’s higher status
because of his knowledge and ultimate forgiveness. Some candidates got the names of
the prophets mixed up where they discuss the miracles granted to Isa but give the name
of Musa. The best responses commented specifically on the prophet’s relationship with
God.

(b) There were some thoughtful and perceptive answers to this question which evaluated
the importance of the prophets’ responses to difficulties, particularly those experienced
as they attempted to spread God’s message in their communities. Most acknowledged
that the challenges strengthened faith and saw the prophets as a role model for Muslims.
Some of the best answers analysed the reasons why God might test humans.

2 (a) Write about the experiences of two prophets you have studied in the Qur’an
(not including the Prophet Muhammad). [10][O/N/2013]

(b) What lessons can Muslims learn from these stories? [4]

Part (a) tests AO1, and part (b) tests AO2.

(a) The suras which are in this section of the syllabus are Sura 2.30-37, Sura 6.75-79,
Sura 5.110, Sura 93, Sura 108. Candidates do not have to use these suras, there are
other passages that talk about the lives of the prophets.

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Candidates should choose at least two prescribed passages from the syllabus, or other
passages, to write about. They can reference other passages to support their answer,
but it is not necessary to be able to gain high levels.
Candidates could write about the prophets Adam, Jesus or Abraham, from the syllabus,
or other prophets they may have studied from the Qur’an. They should give a detailed
narrative about what difficulties they faced, their relationship with God, and how they
were helped by Him. Better answers will give specific and accurate details as well as
some quotations.
(b) Good answers here will give a thoughtful insight as to how these experiences can
provide examples for Muslims. Saying that Muslims, e.g., depend on God and should be
patient, is not enough, candidates should expand on these ideas and say why or how
they could be patient, giving concrete examples. Any relevant answers should be
credited as long as they provide evaluation.

[ER] Question 2
(a) This question focused on the experiences of two prophets that the candidates
have studied. It was a generally well answered question, with candidates giving a
lot of information about the two prophets they had chosen to write about as well
as the relevant quotations and references to these stories in the Qur’an.
Candidates needed to include details, not mix up the stories of the prophets they
had chosen and know the names of the prophets they were writing about.

(b) Most candidates gave answers related to being patient and having faith in
God. Better answers were able to relate the prophet’s experience to the
experiences of Muslims, e.g. “Similarly a true believer is never left by God…best
example is Muslim missionaries who retain hope when rejected.”

2 (a) From the Qur’anic passages you have studied, outline the relationship
between God and two of His messengers who were sent before the Prophet
Muhammad [10] (M/J/11)

Candidates can choose any two messengers before the Prophet Muhammad that they
have studied through the prescribed passages in the syllabus [though not exclusively].
They should mention who the prophets are and talk about God’s relationship with that
prophet, how it is mentioned in the Qur’an, teachings that God gave them, and any
miracles they were given.
Better candidates could give references to other suras in the Qur’an where they are
mentioned. Candidates should give a description of the prophet’s experience, where
usually they go through adversity and God helps them. It could be mentioned that God
defends them against their enemies.

(b) Explain why God sends his revelations through messengers. [4]

Candidates should be able to talk about the revelations given to all messengers not just
the Prophet Muhammad. They should talk about mankind’s need for guidance and
inspiration, and why messengers/humans were the best way to send that guidance, e.g.

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it was sent to different nations in different languages so it would be universal and the
messengers convinced through strength of character and moral example.
Question 2 [ER]

(a) To answer this question it was important to know about the relationship between
Allah and His Prophets. Some candidates answered this question very well.
Most candidates wrote about Adam, Ibrahim or Isa, with a significant number writing
about Musa. A few mentioned the stories of other prophets such as Nuh and Yusuf. A
small minority of candidates wrote about angels. Candidates can write about passages
that are not in the current syllabus, but marks are awarded for the quality of their answer
and their ability to answer the question. Most candidates gave information about the
lives of the messengers they chose to talk about rather than answering the question in a
clear and concise way. The important thing was to link their stories with their relationship
with God, and there was little mention of any teachings God gave them, for what
purpose they were given teachings, or the fact that God helps them through
difficulties. Those candidates who answered the question well were able to say in which
sura the messenger is mentioned (from the syllabus), how God gave them their
important status, e.g. Isa was given the ability to cure the sick/bring the dead to life; that
the messenger was trying to bring people to the path of God; that he went through
difficulties but God helped him, showing that he was loved by God; and that he was
forgiven/helped by God due to the close nature that prophets have with God.
Passages from the syllabus were quoted as well as other relevant passages from the
Qur’an that emphasised the relationship of God with that prophet.

(b) Most candidates talked about God sending messengers for guidance. Candidates did
not write about the need for prophets in human form, i.e. that humans were the best
example for humans to follow and that they could be role models for mankind.

5 (a) Give a full account of the Muslim belief in prophets. [10] [O/N/2011]

Prophets were sent from God to all peoples with his message is a basic belief of all
Muslims. The level of marks attained would depend upon the amount of detail given in
the answer. Who were they? Why were they chosen? Who were they sent for?
Details like they were all men, they were sinless and that they conveyed the same
teachings from God could be given in a basic answer. Additional information like they
were sent to specific communities and that their message was for the guidance of the
people could be included in better answers. It is however a comprehensive answer
showing thorough knowledge which could include the number and names of prophets,
the finality of the prophet Muhammad and beliefs such as all prophets should be
respected equally that will reach the higher levels.

(b) Briefly explain why Allah revealed different books from time to time [4]

Answers could explain how different books were sent from time to time for the guidance
of humanity telling people what they should or should not do. Stronger answers will give
the names of the revealed books and discuss how the message sent was lost or
distorted creating a need for a new book and how the Qur’an is the last in the line of
revealed scriptures and why it is last.

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Question 5 [ER]
This was a popular question and many candidates included all aspects concerning
prophets. It was important to cover the three main aspects of who they were, why they
were chosen and who they were sent to, they were sent to specific communities and
their message was for guidance. Reference to Prophet Muhammad was clearly given
and was relevant to the question.
In Part (b) it was important to state that the message in the revealed books had become
distorted and thus needed to be given again. Some answers conveyed this point well.

4 (a) Give an account of Muslim belief in prophets and the messages they
preached. [10] [O/N/2013]

Belief in all the prophets sent by God is a part of every Muslims faith. Muslims believe
that the line of prophets started from Adam and finished with Prophet Muhammad
(pbuh). They could also say that Muslims believe in all the prophets that came before
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and believe that some amongst them were nabis and some
were rasuls. Answers may also include that Muslims consider all the prophets to be
sinless and not more than human and also that they were all men of exceptional morals
and character. The answers could include that the Qur’an states that there were many
prophets and a Hadith of the Prophet gives the number at 124,000. Prophets were
endowed with miracles and some were sent with books to guide humanity. The
development in the answer could perhaps detail what the miracles of some of these
prophets were and could also include the names and characteristics of some of the
prophets and name the books that were revealed to them as well as write about the
belief that each prophet was sent for a specific community except Prophet Muhammad
(pbuh) who was sent for all humanity. Qur’anic teaching about respecting all prophets
equally could also be given in the answer. In answering this question candidates also
need to write how the message of all the prophets has always been the same, that is,
belief in the oneness of God, tawhid, good conduct and life after death.

(b) How are these prophets and their messages important for Muslims? [4]

In answer to this question the candidates need to bring out the importance of all the
prophets and the message they brought. They could in their answers say that the
prophets and their message always taught the unity of God and so reinforce Muslim
belief in tawhid. They all spoke of the need to treat fellow human beings with kindness
and taught their communities the importance and need for good conduct and that was
the primary teaching of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as well which makes Muslims
realise that Islam is a continuation of God’s earlier message, his completion of that
message and not a new religion etc. All valid responses must be credited.

[ER]

Question 4

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This question was very popular with the candidates, with many getting the higher levels.
Almost everyone who attempted this question picked up on the two parts i.e. an account
of the belief in prophets and the message they preached.

There were good responses to part (b) overall with candidates making a good attempt at
evaluation.
4 (a) Belief in all the prophets is one of the articles of faith in Islam. Write about
this Muslim belief in detail [10] [O/N/2016]

Belief in all the prophets sent by God starting from Adam to Prophet Muhammad
(pbuh) is an integral part of every Muslims faith. Muslims believe that some of these
prophets were nabis and others were rasuls. Answers could say that Muslims believe
that all the prophets that came were men of outstanding moral character, sinless and
preached the word of God. It is believed that there were 124 000 prophets in all, the line
ending with the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). All of these prophets were endowed with
miracles and some were given books to guide mankind. Candidates could develop their
answers by giving the names of some of these prophets and also the books that were
revealed to them. They could write about the importance of believing in all of them and
giving respect to all and writing about the finality of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as the
seal of prophets.

(b) How is the message brought by these prophets important for Muslims today?
[4]

It could be said that the message brought by all the prophets was of belief in the one
God; good conduct and belief in resurrection and the Day of Judgment. This message is
important to Muslims today just as it was important to Muslims of the past ages and will
be to those of the future because it reiterates tawhid and accountability which if a person
bears in mind will lead to good conduct and prosperity in this world and the next. It
teaches Muslims tolerance for other revealed faiths and makes them realise that Islam is
a continuation and culmination of the other revealed faiths. The unity of the message will
foster better relations between Muslims and other believers etc. Not all the points
mentioned above need to be written about and discussed to get to the higher level
marks.

[ER/22]
Question 4
Candidates were expected to write about Muslim belief in prophets. Content, backed up
with detail and development was the key to getting high marks. Candidates who noted
important information such as they were all men, sinless, of high moral character
received high marks. Some candidates were unable to mention any names of prophets
or of books revealed to them which lost them top marks.
In Part (b) the candidates needed to write about how the message brought by all the
prophets was important for Muslims today. Many focussed their answer on the message
brought by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) only and the teachings of the Qur’an. Such
answered earned a mark or two depending on the content but could not get to levels 3 or
4. Answers could have focussed on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and the
Qur’an but not exclusively as the question had a wider scope. The message of all the
prophets taught about unity of God, Day of Judgment, accountability, a sound moral

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code of conduct and hence fostered better relations amongst people of different faiths,
taught religious tolerance knowing all revealed faiths were from the same God etc.

5 (a) Write about Muslim beliefs in prophets. [10] [M/J/09]

Some candidate’s answers may give evidence of basic knowledge of the character of
prophets. Others might go on to describe the main characteristics of the prophets e.g.
they were all chosen by Allah to deliver his books and each was sent to a specific
community except Muhammad who was sent for all humanity. Good answers will go on
to give a full account of the beliefs, with the names of the prophets and refer to Qur’anic
teachings in support of points made e.g. answers could say that the Qur’an names many
prophets including Adam, Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, ‘Isa and Muhammad. Muhammad was
sent as the last prophet, yet the Qur’an says that they should all be respected equally.

(b) Explain how this belief influences the daily living of a Muslim [4]

The answer may attempt to apply the belief e.g. that Muslims must respect all prophets,
but without evident understanding. Some answers will show that the candidate has
applied the belief with reasonable success, but without clearly showing how it affects
conduct. Good candidates will give a fair explanation of how this belief is worked into
daily life and show a reasonable understanding of its effects and may even support
points with quotations and references from the Qur’an and Hadiths.

Question 5 [ER]

This was also a very popular and generally well answered question. Part (b) was again
disappointing as candidates were not able to give a fair explanation of how belief in
prophets influences the daily living of Muslims. For a good part (b) answer candidates
could have linked their answers to contemporary issues and given practical examples.
References to interfaith relations could also have been made in answering this part of
the question.

3 (a) What are the main features of the belief in the line of messengers (rusul) who
were sent before the time of the Prophet Muhammad? [10] [M/J/07]

(b) What does a Muslim believe by the words ‘And Muhammad is the messenger of
God’? [6]

(a)
• Messengers were sent throughout history.
• They had the task of giving messages revealed to them by God.
• They are all chosen by God.
• They were all human beings.
• They were guided by the angel Jibril.

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• They were sent to particular communities.
• Their messages were for the guidance of their people.
• Their messages contained the same teachings.
• These were later lost or changed by their communities.
• The Prophet Muhammad said that the line numbered maybe 124,000.
• According to the Qur'an major individuals include Abraham, Moses, David and Jesus
(only award a mark if at least three names are given).
• Among the revelations they brought are the Tawrat/Torah, Zubur/Psalms and
Injil/Gospel
(1 mark for naming two or more revelations).
• All messengers are equal in status.
• All messengers are morally perfect.
[1 mark for relevant quotations from the Qur'an]

(b)
• Muhammad was the last in the line of prophetic messengers.
• His message was the same as previous ones,
• but it was for all humankind.
• God has protected this message from change and corruption.
• So Muhammad and his message sum up every preceding prophet and their message.
• Muhammad is the perfect example of human conduct.
[1 mark for points about what a seal is, or for suitable quotations]

Question 3 [ER]

This was popular with some Centres, and in general it was well answered. Part (a) asked
for descriptive answers about the main beliefs concerning the line of prophets, and part
(b) asked about the meaning of the second part of the Declaration of Faith.
Good answers to part (a) would have detailed the main characteristics of the prophets,
such as their humanity and sinlessness, their being chosen by God, being sent to
particular communities, and being given particular scriptures. Marks were given for
naming some of the best known prophets and the scriptures they delivered.
The candidates who answered this part usually gave full answers, and included most of
the relevant points. This kind of question, that may seem easy and straightforward,
requires accuracy in describing and care in ensuring the main points are included.
Candidates should always take time to plan their answers because they risk not gaining
relatively easy marks if they do not include the main points.

Good answers to the less straightforward part (b) would have related the Prophet to the
line of messengers before him, as one of the line but also its end and climax, and would
have commented on the universality of his message and its continuing relevance today.
The best answers might also have explained the significance of his title ‘The Seal of the
Prophets’. There were fewer good answers to this part than to part (a). Candidates
tended to miss the differences between the Prophet Muhammad and preceding
prophets, and did not take proper care to bring out the s have been lost or distorted, his
remains the guide for Muslims. Again, a pause for thought and some planning might
have enabled some candidates to gain valuable extra marks.

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Question 3 [M/J/03/ER]

Most candidates who attempted this question appeared to grasp what was being asked
in part (a), and gave full accounts of the main shared characteristics of the line of
prophets, including their human status, their sinlessness, their being chosen by God
rather than themselves, their being sent to one community, and so on. Better answers
named a number of them, and also the books named in the Qur’an as revealed to some
of them. The best answers referred to the need for new revelations following the
corruption suffered by earlier revelations. Some candidates, however, wrote at length
about the supremacy of the Prophet Muhammad, even though the question specifically
asked for discussion of prophets “before the time of Muhammad”. Their failure to
observe the limits set is one of the examples referred to above of not reading the
Question Paper properly.

Many answers to (b) lacked the clarity of answers to (a), as though candidates were
unable to explain exactly what this part of the Shahada means. The best answers
mentioned the universality and finality of the Prophet’s message and his relation to
previous prophets as being to confirm, complete and conclude their work. They also
referred to his character as an example for Muslims to follow. Answers that simply said it
is important to believe in Muhammad, or Muhammad was the Seal of the Prophets,
without any further explanation, showed this lack of clarity and were not given marks.

3 (a) Write a descriptive account of the Muslim belief in:

(i) Prophets [4] (O/N/05)
(a) [Remember this is a descriptive question.]

• They were sent from God to all peoples.

• They brought messages from him.
• These messages contained instructions and teachings from God.
• There may have been 124,000 of them.
• [1 mark for more than one name.]
• They were all human but sinless.
• Muhammad was sent as the last prophet [Seal of the Prophets].
• All prophets should be respected equally.

4 a (iii) [M/J//04)

• These were humans chosen by God to deliver his books.

• Each was sent to a specific community,
• Except Muhammad who was sent to all humankind.
• The Qur'an names almost 30 of them, including Adam, Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa,
Dawud, ‘Isa and Muhammad. (give 1 mark for any three named - not only
those listed here)
• Their duty was to proclaim God's word.

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Question 4[ER]

Part (a) proved a popular choice, and it was generally well answered, with some
candidates obtaining full marks. The best answers began each of the three
sections with general accounts of the characteristics of angels, books and
prophets, and then giving examples of the best known of each, including their
names. It was clear from many answers that most candidates had been fully
prepared on the topic of the Articles of Belief.

2 (a) Trace the main stages in the compilation of the Qur'an in the time of the
caliphs Abu Bakr and `Uthman. [10] [S/P/09]

L1 for mention of the main outline, including the part played by Abu Bakr, ‘Umar,
‘Uthman and Zayd Ibn Thabit
L2 for further detail, including the parts played by Musaylima, Hafsa, and the
Companions who worked with Zayd
L3 for adding the reasons why Abu Bakr and ‘Uthman ordered collections
L4 for a full account of all the above details, together with references to the methods
used by Zayd and his colleagues

(b) Discuss the most important features of the Qur'an teachings about the
Messengers of God. [4]

L1 for names of some Messengers, or their qualities

L2 for both of these, and extra details, e.g. the names of scriptures they brought
L3 for references to their roles as warners and instructors from God to their
communities
L4 for mentions of the agreement between their scriptures on the central
teaching of tawhid

3 (a) Give an account of the Prophet's first experience of receiving revelation.[10]

[S/P/09]

L1 for a bare account of the basic outline

L2 for a fuller account, including names of e.g. Jibril, Khadija and Waraqa
L3 for a full and accurate account including the Prophet’s threefold crushing and the
dialogue between him and the presence
L4 for a full account that includes quotations from the Qur’an (esp. Sura 96.1-5 in full)
and allusions to the Hadith which contains the account

(b) Explain the meaning of the title ‘Seal of the Prophets’. [4]

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L1 for saying the Muhammad was the last of the prophets
L2 for adding that he was the end and climax of the line of prophets
L3 for adding that his prophethood was universal whereas earlier prophets were sent to
single communities
L4 for explaining the metaphor of a seal that closes and confirms something that is sent

3 (b) Explain the meaning of the title ‘Seal of the Prophets’. [4]

Answer 1

Almighty Allah sent Hazrat Mohammad to be the last prophet on this earth. He delivered
to us the holy Qur’an which he completed. The Qur’an contains everything to guide
Muslims in their life on this earth. The holy Prophet also gave his example for us to
follow so that we can live good lives for Allah.

Level: 1
This answer is largely irrelevant. It makes one statement about the significance of the
Prophet Muhammad at the beginning, but all that follows does not answer the question.

Answer 2
Our Prophet Muhammad came into the world at a very important time when the world
needed a prophet. He was the last Prophet whom Allah had sent, and he completed the
line of Allah’s prophets that had begun with Hazrat Adam. He was the last in this line and
there was no prophet after him because he completed the line.

Level: 2
There is a clear indication here that Muhammad was the last prophet, and some
awareness that there was no need for any prophet after him. The answer is, however,
very repetitive.

Answer 3
Hazrat Muhammad was sent by Allah to the whole world. He was the last of the prophets
sent by Allah, and he completed the line of messengers that had started with Hazrat
Adam. Hazrat Adam and the other prophets such as Hazrat Abraham and Hazrat Musa
were sent to their own communities to teach them. But our prophet Hazrat Muhammad
was sent to all the world.

Level: 3

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This candidate clearly realizes the difference between Muhammad and other prophets,
and brings out his universal relevance against their local relevance quite clearly. He also
gives suggestive hints about knowing the names of individuals in the line of prophets.

Answer 4
Hazrat Muhammad is called the Seal of the Prophets in the holy Qur’an because he
came at the end of the line of prophets sent from Allah and he completed this line. A seal
is used on a letter to close it firmly. This is why our Prophet is called the seal of the
prophets. Hazrat Muhammad came after Hazrat Adam, Hazrat Ibrahim, Hazrat Musa,
Hazrat Isa and the other prophets. They were sent by Allah to their communities, but our
Prophet Muhammad was sent to everyone in the earth. This is why he is called the Seal
of the Prophets, because he ended the line of prophets and was for the whole earth.

Level: 4
This answer not only refers to the Prophet in relation to earlier prophets, some of whom
it names, and explains clearly the difference between him and predecessors, but it also
gives some explanation of the metaphorical nature of the title itself. It is a confident
response to a question that requires careful thinking.

3 (a) Give an account of Muslim belief in the following:

(i) angels; and
(ii) prophets. [10] [O/N/12]

The answer should not be marked in two parts, i.e. 5 marks for angels and 5 marks for
prophets. Instead the answer needs to be read as a whole and detail and development
will dictate the level awarded. A descriptive account of belief in angels could include
some of the following; angels are God's servants and are made of light; their sole
purpose is to obey, serve and worship Allah; their service as messengers; names and
tasks of angels could be given in detailed answers. On prophets things to look out for
are that they were sent from God to all peoples; they brought messages from Him which
contained instructions and teachings; it is believed that there are 124,000 prophets in all
and that they should all be respected equally; Muhammad is the seal of the prophets.
Supporting quotations could be given for both parts (i) and (ii) and should be credited
where valid.

(b) Explain the importance of the Day of Judgment in Muslim belief. [4]

This world is seen by Muslims as a temporary abode. Every Muslim believes in life after
death when humankind will be presented in the court of God on the Day of Judgment to
account for their deeds in this world. It is the fear of this day and its accountability that
makes Muslims fearful of doing wrong and keeps them on the path of righteousness
fulfilling the obligations of the creator and their fellow beings. Candidates need to include
explanation of the importance of the Day of Judgement in their answer and not just
describe the belief.

Question 3 [ER]

13
This was a very popular question. It was a straight forward question which was well
answered by most, especially Part (a).
In Part (b) many went on to describe the Day of Judgment in great detail but needed to
offer evaluation to achieve the higher levels. Candidates could have written about the
importance of the Day of Judgment in Muslim belief being that on this day Muslims will
have to give an account of their worldly deeds to God and on the basis of how they have
lived their life God will grant them paradise or hell. It is important that candidates
understand the topic they are studying to a degree that they can confidently offer
evaluation for Part (b) answers and not simply write descriptive answers.

3 (a) Write a descriptive account of the Muslim belief in: [O/N/05]

(i) prophets; [4]

(ii) resurrection and the last day. [4]

(b) Explain the importance to the community of Muslims of:

(i) mosques [4]
(ii) the annual pilgrimage. [4]

(a) [Remember this is a descriptive question.]

(i)
• They were sent from God to all peoples.
• They brought messages from him.
• These messages contained instructions and teachings from God.
• There may have been 124,000 of them.
• [1 mark for more than one name.]
• They were all human but sinless.
• Muhammad was sent as the last prophet [Seal of the Prophets].
• All prophets should be respected equally.

(ii)
• An angel will blow the last trump.
• Everyone will be resurrected from the dead at the end of time.
• All will have to face judgement before God.
• Actions performed during one’s lifetime will be examined.
• The consequence will be either paradise or hell.
• [1 mark for supporting quotations.]

(b) [Remember this asks for explanations not descriptions. It concerns the
communal aspects of faith.]
(i)
• They are centres especially dedicated for collective worship.
• They enable the community to meet together.
• They provide facilities for education and joint learning.

14
• By their appearance they remind the community that it is united.
(ii)
• This is a way of showing dedication to Islam, by performing one of the
Pillars.
• It enables Muslims to meet one another from across the world.
• So it provides a means for sharing news and learning.
• It inspires Muslims by reminding them of the strength of their faith.
• It reminds them of many teachings of Islam (e.g. equality).

Question 3 [ER]
This was by far the more popular of the two optional questions.
(a) As said above, in descriptive answers candidates should be accurate and complete.
It is very easy to lose marks by leaving out a basic fact or putting something wrongly.
Here, many candidates scored highly, but a noticeable minority lost marks in section (ii)
by writing only about the judgement people will face and the chaos that there will be on
this day, without mentioning anything about the resurrection and the blowing of the
trumpet. Overall this section was very well answered, particularly section (i).

(b) This part proved less easy than (a) because it asked for some evaluation. Again,
most candidates gave a descriptive account of what happens in a mosque, and in
particular how to pray in a mosque, and during the annual pilgrimage. The purpose
of this part of the question was to encourage candidates to think about the ways in
which going to the mosque or for Hajj is beneficial to the wider community. Good
answers are always those that are able to relate the experiences to current events
or personal experiences. Some of the best answers gave accounts of equality, unity
and education being promoted at the mosque, and how the annual pilgrimage brings
Muslims together where they learn about each other and strengthen their faith which
encourages them to return to their communities with the aim of educating and
helping others.

(a) What do Muslims believe about the Day of Resurrection and Judgment? [10]

In answer to this question candidates need to write what Islamic teachings about the Day
of Judgment are. They could say that all Muslims believe that the world as we know it
will one day come to an end after which mankind will be raised again to answer before
God. Development in the answer of how life will end on the appointed day and
everything in this universe will be destroyed could be cited. Candidates may well say that
this day is called qayama and quote from the Qur’an on events of this day. The blowing
of the second trumpet and of resurrection of all life including humans, jinns, angels etc.
could be given followed by an account of the final judgment when humankind will be
presented in the court of the almighty to give an account of their deeds. The virtuous
ones will receive their book of records in their right hand and the sinners in their left
hand. The reward and punishment will be meted out justly in God’s court and those who
will emerge successful in this judgment will enter paradise and those who are
condemned will enter hell. Again quotes from the Qur’an can be given by candidates to
support their answer and add detail and development to it.

15
(b) How does this belief affect the daily living of Muslims? [4][M/J/2015]

Candidates need to give their reasons for how they think this belief affects the everyday
lives of Muslims. In the answer they could say that because they know they will be
presented before God and will have to account for their every deed they will lead their
lives in a God conscious manner, they could say that in order to attain a place in
paradise they will shun vices and live their lives according to Islamic teachings. All valid
responses need to be credited.

[ER/22]
This was a popular question, very well answered by those who were well prepared. Most
candidates managed a fairly good response. Answers quoted Sura Zilzaal and Sura
Qariah to develop their answer, quite a few able candidates wrote about the lesser
judgment as well as the final judgment before God.

In part (b) there were some excellent responses. Candidates very effectively wrote
about how this belief makes Muslims God-conscious and how, because they know they
will have to account before God, they try to lead more righteous lives.

4 (a) What are Muslim beliefs about angels? [10] [M/J/2010]

Angels are the servants of God. Some answers could go a bit further and state that they
are made of light and their sole purpose is to worship, obey and serve God. Better
answers will elaborate on the duties of angels, by perhaps saying that an important
aspect in the duties they perform is their service as messengers e.g. Jibril took
messages to prophets, including Muhammad and he also took God’s message to Mary.
Answers could also include a description of the roles of other angels e.g. they record
good and bad deeds; inquire of the dead in the grave; will sound the trumpet on the last
day etc. An excellent answer may even mention some of these angels performing
specific duties by name.

(b) Why is the belief in resurrection important to Muslims in their daily living?[4]

Muslims believe in life after death, which is known as the Hereafter, al-Akhira. If Muslims
are obedient to Allah they will be rewarded and if they go against his teachings they will
be punished. This belief guides them to live their lives righteously. The more able
candidates may well mention the questioning in the grave and the fact that on the Day of
Resurrection they will be brought before Allah to be judged and according to their deeds
receive heaven or hell. This world, then is seen by Muslims as a temporary place where
their actions and behaviour will determine what will become of them in their next life.

Question 4 [ER]

16
This was the most popular of the non-compulsory questions, attempted by the majority
and one in which most who attempted it did well. One or two interesting points which
were not given in the mark scheme were made by the candidates which were relevant
and showed good teaching. One of them was that it is a Muslim belief that angels
strengthen the hearts of Muslims as they did at the battle of Badr. One of the
advantages of levels marking is that the Examiner is not bound by the point system and
if facts are given in answers which give it more substance then the candidate is credited
for it.
In this Part (b) answer the candidate needed to answer the all important WHY. The belief
in resurrection is important as it makes Muslims obedient to Allah for they know that they
will be accountable to Him in the Hereafter and will get reward or punishment on the
basis of their deeds. The points being made should have been supported with evaluation
as given above by way of a simple example. As with all Part (b) answers
more practise is needed in classrooms. Some candidates however had no idea about
what resurrection meant.

4 (a) What does the statement ‘There is no ability or power except through
Allah’ tell you about Muslim belief in Allah’s predestination and decree?
[10] [M/J/2011]

Some candidates could say that belief in divine decree and predestination is
mentioned in the Iman-e Mufassal, it is an article of faith without which a Muslim’s
faith is incomplete. The above statement strengthens this belief and in order to
secure higher levels candidates must refer to it in their answer. Good answers
will also talk about human responsibility for what they do.

(b) To what extent does this belief affect the daily living of Muslims? [4]

By making Muslims realize that Allah is the most supreme this belief makes them
humble and makes them turn to Allah at all times. Examples from everyday life
could be given by candidates in answer to this part of the question. All valid
answers need to be credited.

Question 4 [ER]
This question was attempted by a number of candidates. For some it proved to be a
challenge; some, on the other hand, gave very thoughtful answers. The question
required candidates to discuss or write about human responsibility. Generally speaking,
part (b) of this question was more successfully attempted by candidates. To attain the
higher levels, it was important to write about how this belief affects Muslims by
making them humble and obedient to Allah, and how it helps them to accept their fate.
The importance of praying to Allah should also have been touched upon in answering
this question for, as the Prophet said, a humble invocation can alter destinies.

4 (a) Give an account of the Muslim belief in angels and God’s predestination and
decree. [S/P/09][10]

17
(b) Explain the importance to the community of Muslims of congregational prayers
on Fridays and pilgrimage. [4]

(a) L1 for a basic account of one Article of Belief

L2 for a basic account of both
L3 and above for increasingly detailed descriptions of both

(b) L1 for purely descriptive accounts

L2 for some attempt to address the issue of importance
L3 and above for increasingly detailed discussions of the social dimensions of these
activities.

4 (a) Give an account of the Muslim belief in angels and God’s

predestination and decree. [10] (S/P/09)

Answer 1

Muslims are asked to beli eve in angels. They are the servants of Allah and they
perform his commands. They are his messengers and they bring Allah’s
commands to his creatures. They are made of light. Muslims believe that Allah is
one. He can have power over all things. When we die he will judge us and he will
reward the people with good deeds by sending them to janna, but he will punish
the people with bad deeds by sending them to the fire.

Level: 1

This is a basic answer that covers some of the information about angels but does
not go beyond generalities. It has little to say about predestination. There is a hint
that the candidate knows about divine omnipotence, but appears to understand
this in terms of the final judgement. Ideas are not developed here.

Answer 2

Belief in angels is part of Muslim beliefs, and we must all believe in them. Angels
are made of light and they are the servants of God. They bring messages to this
world, as Hazrat Jibril brought the holy Qur’an to our Prophet. Other angels
perform tasks at the command of Allah. The predestination and decree of Allah
means that Allah wills everything in this world, and nothing happens unless he
commands it.

Level: 2

18
There is a little more development in this answer, especially over angels. The
candidate has given some detail about the function of angels, and has also
hinted that angels are part of the Articles of Belief. The comment on
predestination is correct, though it does not go very far.

Answer 3

All Muslims must believe in angels because we are told to. Angels are the
servants of Allah, and they are made of light. They do not eat or sleep, and they
do not have their own wills, but they just obey the commands of Allah and serve
him. There are some important angels, such as Hazrat Jibril who brought the
revelation of the Qur’an to the holy Prophet and brought other books to the
earlier prophets. Also there are angels that ask questions in the grave when you
die.
Predestination means that everything is willed by Allah. Creatures cannot do a
single thing that is outside Allah’s will, because he has decreed all that will
happen in this life. But creatures perform the bad things by themselves. That is
why they will be judged for doing this, and they will be rewarded for doing good.

Level: 3
The part on angels here is more developed that in the L1 and L2 answers, with
the nature ofangels and the duties of specific individuals given some detail. The
part on predestination also reaches a new level, with the paradox of God’s
omniscient predestination and human responsibility being referred to. The
candidate clearly has a grasp of the implications of the teaching.

Answer 4

Belief in angels is one of the Articles of Belief. So all Muslims must believe in
them. Angels are Allah’s servants, and they do not have their own wills, they
exist only to serve Allah. They are not like humans because they do not eat or
sleep, and they are made of light. Muslims believe in Hazrat Jibrael who was the
angel who brought the Qur’an to Hazrat Muhammad (SAW), and also brought the
news of a son to Hazrat Maryam. There are many other angels as well. Hazrat
Israfil will blow the trumpet at the end of the world, and Munkir and Nakir will
question the Muslims in their graves. There are also angels on a man’s right
shoulder and left shoulder to record his good deeds and his bad deeds. Muslims
believe that Allah is powerful over all things that happen in the world, and nothing
happens unless he wills it. All the things you do are because of Allah’s will and
power. But not the bad things, because Muslims believe that Allah only wills the
good things, but men carry out

19
the bad deeds themselves. So Allah will reward the good deeds at the last
judgement, but he will condemn the bad deeds and will punish the bad-doers by
sending them to the fire. The holy Prophet said, This world is a seed-bed for the
world hereafter. He meant that the actions that we perform ourselves will give us
reward or punishment.

Level: 4

This is a well-developed answer in both its parts. The belief in angels is

described both in general and specific terms, with a number of individual beings
and their duties named. And predestination is explained in detail, with the
candidate showing keen awareness of the balance between divine omnipotence
and human responsibility. This is underlined by his quotation and brief discussion
of the Hadith.

3 (a) Write a descriptive account of the Muslim belief in: [M/J/05]

(i) angels; [4]

[Remember this is a descriptive question.]

• Angels are entirely obedient to God.
• They are created
• And are made of light.
• They have particular tasks.
[Give 1 mark for one example of an angel performing a task, e.g. Jibril bringing
revelation to Muhammad.
Give 1 extra mark for another example of a different angel performing a task.]

(ii) God’s predestination and decree. [4]

• God is powerful over everything.

• He knows everything that happens.
• He has planned all that happens to people.
• Nevertheless, people have responsibility for what they do.

(b) Explain the importance to the community of Muslims of:

(i) congregational prayers on Fridays; [4]

• They give an opportunity for the Muslim men in a vicinity to come together.
• The worshippers can see the strength of their numbers.
• They have a chance to learn about their faith from the sermon.
• They can exchange thoughts and news.
• They are reminded that all Muslims should be united under God.

20
(ii) almsgiving. [4]
• This helps to reduce inequalities in wealth.
• It reminds givers and receivers of their ties to each other.
• It makes those ties stronger.
• It reminds all Muslims that they are responsible for others besides themselves.

Question 3 [ER]

This was by far the more popular of the two optional questions, though it was only
answered well by a handful of candidates. (a) Many candidates wrote well about angels,
making some general points about their nature, and adding details about individual
angels and the duties they perform. However, few candidates wrote accurately about
God’s predestination and decree. Some mistook this article of faith for belief in the
oneness of God, tawhid, and others mistook it for belief in final judgement. Good
answers described the all-powerful and all-knowing character of God, which means that
he controls and knows beforehand all that happens in the created world. They went on
to talk about human responsibility and the consequences of human actions.

(b) This part was not well answered. Candidates were asked to explain the importance of
Friday prayers and alms-giving, but many simply described what is involved in the
observance of these Pillars of Islam. Good answers explained how congregational
prayer brings Muslims together, enables them to learn from the sermon and allows them
to discuss matters of common concern; and how alms-giving reduces inequalities in
wealth, ties givers and receivers to one another and reminds Muslims that they are
responsible for one another. As said above, teachers should help candidates to
understand the difference in the wording of the two parts of questions such as this, so
that they can know how to answer them properly.

4 (a) Write short accounts of Muslim beliefs in the following:

(i) angels, (ii) books and (iii) prophets. [3 x 4] [M/J/04]
(b) Explain the relationship between these three Articles of Belief. [4]

(a) (i)
• Angels are God's servants.
• They are made of light.
• Their sole purpose is to worship, obey and serve God.
• An important aspect is their service as messengers.
• Gabriel took messages to prophets, including Muhammad, and also to Mary.
• Other angels record good and bad deeds, inquire of the dead in the grave, and
will sound the trumpet on the last day.
(a) (ii)

21
• These contain God's will and guidance for humankind.
• They were given from God to humans by a succession of prophetic
messengers.
• They include the Suhuf, the Tawrat, the Zubur, the Injil and the Qur'an. (1 mark
for two or more of these, 2 marks for four or more)
• Each was meant for a particular community,
• except the Qur'an which was meant for the whole world.

(a) (iii)
• These were humans chosen by God to deliver his books.
• Each was sent to a specific community,
• Except Muhammad who was sent to all humankind.
• The Qur'an names almost 30 of them, including Adam, Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa,
Dawud, ‘Isa and Muhammad. (give 1 mark for any three named - not only
those listed here)
• Their duty was to proclaim God's word.

(b) [Answers must link all three in a relationship, i.e. the angels delivered the message,
this was later contained in a book, and the prophet proclaimed the message to his
listeners. Give up to 3 marks for an account of the relationship. Give the 1 remaining
mark for a full answer that shows how the process of revelation is understood in Islam.
There is a risk of repetition of simple facts from part (a). So only give marks for clear
indications of what the relationship between any two or all three is.

Question 4 [ER]
Part (a) proved a popular choice, and it was generally well answered, with some
candidates obtaining full marks. The best answers began each of the three sections with
general accounts of the characteristics of angels, books and prophets, and then giving
examples of the best known of each, including their names. It was clear from many
answers that most candidates had been fully prepared on the topic of the Articles of
Belief.

(b) was more searching in that it required a clear explanation of the relationship between
angels, books and prophets. The best answers would have mentioned the part played in
the revelation from God of each of the three, and explained clearly how they were
interlinked. Many candidates succeeded in doing this, and gained full marks. In all this
was generally a high-scoring question.

4 (a) Write a descriptive account of the Muslim belief in revealed books. [10]
[O/N/2010]

Books contain the revelations given by Allah to his messengers and were revealed by
Jibra’il, could be seen as a basic answer. In addition it could be added by some
candidates that books are the chief way in which humans know Allah’s will for them and
that they were meant for different communities. The good answers will draw attention to
the fact that the teachings in all of them are the same and that unlike other books only
the Qur’an is universal in scope. Strong answers could give additional information by
saying that none except the Qur’an has survived in its original form and that Allah has
himself taken the responsibility of safeguarding the Qur’an against any corruption.

22
Names of books given in the Qur’an like suhuf (Abraham and Moses), Tawrat (Moses),
Zabur (David), Injil (Issa), Qur’an (Muhammad) could be given in the answer.

(b) Discuss the importance of Jibra’il in comparison to other angels. [4]

Candidates could give a basic answer saying that angels have a particular job to do
which is assigned to them by Allah. Jibra’il is the arch angel who had the all important
duty of bringing the word of Allah to his chosen messengers. Good answers will point out
that he was sent by Allah to announce the birth of Hazrat Issa to Hazrat Maryam, to
deliver the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad and also to conduct him on the mi’raj.
Answers could also discuss the duties of other angels and compare them with Jibra’il’s
and draw conclusions.

Question 4 [ER]
This was also a very popular question and was attempted by the majority. Candidates’
knowledge was good, as was their understanding of this Muslim belief. Better answers
looked at belief in revealed books in general rather than writing specifically about the
Qur’an. Also, better answers were able to match books to the prophets.

In part (b) most candidates wrote about Jibra’il being important because of his task of
bringing revelations to Prophet Muhammad, there were answers which also listed the
jobs done by other prominent angels. To improve answers reference to the other tasks
that Jibra’il performed, for example escorting Prophet Muhammad to mi’raj, also his
announcement to Hazrat Maryam could have been mentioned.

3 (a) Describe the Muslim belief in: [O/N/08]

(i) angels [4]

• Angels are God's servants.

• They are genderless.
• They are made of light.
• Their sole purpose is to worship, obey and serve God.
• Every angel is allocated a specific task.
• Gabriel took messages to prophets, including Muhammad, and also to Mary; other
angels record good and bad deeds, inquire of the dead in the grave, and will sound
the trumpet on the last day. [1 mark only for names and functions of angels]

(ii) books. [4]

• These contain God's will and guidance for humankind.

• They were given from God to humans by a succession of prophetic messengers.
• They include the Suhuf, the Tawrat, the Zubur, the Injil and the Qur'an. [1 mark for
two or more of these, 2 marks for four or more]
• Each was meant for a particular community
• except the Qur'an which was meant for the whole world.
• All previous books have been corrupted except the Qur’an which has been protected.

23
(b) Explain the importance to Muslims of:
[Remember this asks for explanations not descriptions. It concerns the communal
aspects of faith]

(i) Mosques [4]

• They are centres especially dedicated for collective worship.
• They enable the community to meet together.
• They provide facilities for education and joint learning.
• Their presence symbolises the community’s unity and strength.
• Muslims sometimes withdraw to mosques for the conclusion of Ramadan.

(ii) ‘Eid al-Adha. [4]

• Muslims celebrate this by slaughtering an animal.
• They do this in order to remember Ibrahim's readiness to sacrifice his son.
• In doing this together the community is united.
• His example of selfless obedience to God can inspire Muslims to do the same.
• ‘Eid al-Adha marks the culmination of the pilgrimage.

Question 3 [ER]

(a) Overall, this question was answered very well and was the most popular to be
answered out of the two.
Candidates were able to mention many points related to (i) angels, e.g. that they are
God’s servants, they have no free will, they have different tasks, and were able to name
a number of key angels. Some candidates, however, did mix up the names of angels
and the tasks they perform.
For part (ii) books, again most candidates were able to give full answers, e.g. that they
were given for guidance to humans, that they were sent to various prophets, for specific
people, and were able to mention the names of the books.

(b) Both parts (i) and (ii) were not very well answered. For part (i) good answers were
able to talk about the community aspect of mosques, that they were where
congregational prayers were held, people in the community would meet there for Eid or
funerals etc., that they were educational centres and that they showed the unity of a
community by being present amongst it. Not many candidates were able to give all these
answers and only mentioned that people pray in a mosque which is better than praying
at home. Good answers in part (ii) talked about the meaning of this Eid, what the
community does on this day and that they do it to remember the Prophet Abraham.
Few candidates mentioned that it marked the end of Hajj, and some confused it with Eid
al-Fitr.
3 (a) Write a descriptive account of the Muslim belief in books. [8][O/N/07]

• Books contain the revelations given by God to his messengers.

• They are the chief way in which humans know God’s will for them.
• They were meant for different communities,
• But they all contained the same teachings.
• None except the Qur’an has survived in its original form.

24
• The Qur’an names the following books: suhuf (Abraham and Moses), Tawrat (Moses),
Zabur (David), Injil (Jesus), Qur’an (Muhammad) (allow 1 mark for two names, 2 marks
for three or more names)
• Only the Qur’an is universal in scope.
• All books were revealed by Jibra’il.

(b) How do the following Pillars of Islam help keep the community united:
(i) prayers (salat); [4]

Question 3 [ER]

Of the two optional questions, this was the most popular amongst candidates.
(a) As mentioned above, in descriptive answers candidates should be accurate and
complete. It is very easy to lose marks by leaving out a basic fact or spending too much
time on facts that are not relevant to the question. Here, many candidates scored highly,
but some lost marks through repetition, or by spending more time explaining why the
Qur’an is protected and that it is the last revealed book. Overall, however, this section
was answered well.

than (a) because it asked for some evaluation. Again, most candidates gave a
descriptive account of what happens in a mosque, and in particular how to pray in a
mosque, and during the annual pilgrimage. The purpose of this part of the question was
to encourage candidates to think about the ways in which going to the mosque or for
Hajj is beneficial to the wider community. Good answers are always those that are able
to relate the experiences to current events or personal experiences. Some of the best
answers gave accounts of equality, unity and education being promoted at the mosque,
and how the annual pilgrimage brings Muslims together where they learn about each
other and strengthen their faith which encourages them to return to their communities
with the aim of educating and helping others.

(a) Name the revealed books mentioned in the Qur’an, giving the names of the
messengers they were revealed to and the message they contained.
[10] [O/N/2014]

The candidates in their answer could mention:

The Zabur (Psalms) revealed to Dawud (David);
The Tawrat revealed to Musa (Moses);
The Injil (Gospel) sent to Isa (Jesus) and
The Qur’an revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
Some candidates may well say that the Qur’an also mentions the Suhuf (scroll) of
Ibrahim.
All the divine books invited the people to worship one God, they contained belief in
prophethood, the Day of Judgment and accountability before God on the Last Day. Along
with these teachings the revealed books contained a code of conduct, a code of morality
and justice, but the books besides the Qur’an were not comprehensive enough to
contain a complete code of life for all times. The Qur’an is the most comprehensive book
sent by God. It deals with every aspect of life: social, economic, moral, legal. God says,
‘This day I have perfected your religion for you and completed my favours upon you and

25
chosen for you Islam as your religion’. (Al Maidah 5:3). Some candidates could add that
none of the revealed books besides the Qur’an are in their original form today.

(b) All revealed books were sent by God. What in your opinion makes the Qur’an
unique? [4]

In this part as in other Part (b)s we are looking to find out the candidate’s views, and all
valid answers need to be credited. The following is a guidance as to what may be written
by the candidates. It could be said that Qur’an is different from other revealed books as it
is the only book revealed to all humanity for all times. God Himself has promised to
protect its message. It could be said that the language of the Qur’an is very much alive
today and spoken by millions unlike those of the other revealed books. These and other
valid responses need to be awarded marks on their own merit.

[ER][22]

Question 5
This question asked the candidates to do two things, namely, to give the names of the
messengers and the books they received, and to write about the message the books
contained. For the first part, the majority knew the names of the books but, on occasion,
mixed up the names of the prophets they were revealed to. As for the message they
contained, the majority of candidates wrote that the message contained was that of
tawhid and elaborated on that theme. A small minority went on to say that the message
was also about the Day of Judgement and resurrection, accountability before God on the
Last Day, and that the revealed books contained a code of morality and justice. For top
levels, the candidates needed to have accuracy and detail and development in the
answer.
What makes the Qur’an unique in the Part (b) question was something that brought out
strong, good answers and the candidates wrote confidently about the reasons they felt
the Qur’an was unique.

5 (a) Belief in prophets and the revealed books are essential to Islam. Write an
account of these two articles of faith. [10] [O/N/2015]

For this answer candidates need to give an account of Muslim belief in prophets and
the revealed books. They could say that prophets were sent as guidance to humankind
and in turn were guided by God Himself. The prophetic line starts with Adam and ends
with Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). That all prophets preached Islam and invited people to
worship the one God, that they spoke the language of their people, they were all normal
human beings, chosen by God and endowed with miracles and books, were obedient to
God etc., are all points that could be raised and developed in the answer amongst other
points. Names of some of the prophets could be given and linked to the second part of
the answer which asks about revealed books. Their names could be given and
candidates could say which book was revealed to which prophet. They could go on to
say that all divine books invited people to worship God, and contained belief in
prophethood, the Day of Judgement, accountability before God, a code of morality and

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justice. Answers could also talk about the finality of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and
the Qur’an being the last universal and most perfect book of guidance sent by God to
humankind for all ages.

[b] The Qur’an describes itself as a confirmation of earlier revelations. Does the
Qur’an differ in any significant way from earlier revealed books? [4]

Here again, an evaluative response is being looked for. Candidates could give their
reasons for how the Qur’an is similar to other revealed scriptures and where it differs
from them. The language of the Qur’an could be one of the points of difference; that all
the earlier books have been corrupted could also be a point raised by the more able
candidates. All valid responses need to be credited.

E/R/2/2
Question 5

There were some very strong responses to this question. For Part (a) detailed responses
were provided for the two articles of faith given in the question. Some candidates even
wrote about the miracles that were given to some of the prophets whilst others gave
quotes from the Qur’an where reference to a particular prophet was made. In Part (b)
responses were mixed. Some candidates argued that the Qur’an was not different to the
earlier books as the message was basically the same of tawhid, belief in the Day of
Judgment and good conduct whilst others said it was different as it was universal, for all
times had a living language.

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