Compilation of the Holy Quran

Past Paper Questions and Marking Scheme

Part ‘b’ (4 Marks Question)
Students are required to demonstrate understanding of their significance in the teachings of
Islam and in the lives of Muslims in part ‘B’

1. How does the Qur’an in written form help Muslims around the world?
2019 – Oct Nov – 11
2. What is the significance to Muslims today of having the Qur’an in the form of a book?

Marking Scheme:
Candidates could mention that having the Qur’an in book form ensures a standard copy.
Having a standardised copy also lessens the likelihood of it being reproduced with mistakes. They
could also mention that if the Qur’an had not been collected into book form, parts may have been
lost. It also suggests unity between Muslims, e.g., they use the same book, they read it in its
original language even if that language is not their own. The practical benefits include those copies
can be carried by individuals, and referred to with ease. To achieve higher levels candidates must
refer to the relevance of the Qur’an to people’s lives today, how it is used in their daily lives.
Candidates can be credited for mentioning other points not mentioned above as long as they are
relevant and insightful.

3. Explain why the first community of Muslims thought it was necessary to compile the
Qur’an. 2010 – May/June –
01
Marking Scheme:
For this part, candidates should mention why Abu Bakr and ‘Umar, and later ‘Uthman, feared the
Qur’an would be lost and the implications of not compiling it or ensuring its authenticity. They
should be able to discuss the implications of the initial compilation to the modern world, and how
it has remained the same since.

4. Memorising the Qur’an is no longer important because the Qur’an is preserved as a book.’
Discuss whether you agree or disagree with this statement, giving reasons for your
answer. 2015 – Oct Nov – 12
Marking Scheme:

Candidates can offer an opinion that they agree or disagree with the statement, but have to provide
reasons for their answer. They could say for example, that it is no longer important to memorise it
because having a book means that you can have reference to it any time, and there are now so
many books printed or available online that it is unlikely that there will be any mistakes in the printed
copies. Or they could say for example, that it is still necessary to memorise the Qur’an as this was
the traditional way of ensuring that there are no inaccuracies in the Qur’an, whereas it is possible
that some printed copies could contain errors

Note: Points mentioned in marking scheme for part ‘b’ are given as reference. Candidates
are required to include their own point of view and elaborate them for higher mark
 Past Paper Questions and Marking Scheme
Part ‘b’ (4 Marks Question)
Students are required to demonstrate understanding of their significance in the teachings of
Islam and in the lives of Muslims in part ‘B’

5. Do you think, for Muslims nowadays, having the Qur’an in a written format outweighs
the benefits of having the oral tradition? Give reasons for your answer.
2017 – Oct Nov – 12
Marking Scheme:

Candidates can offer a variety of answers to this question, but marks should be given for the
quality of the reasoning given for their answer. Candidates could say that yes it does outweigh the
oral tradition because e.g. it gives Muslims around the world access to the Qur’an that they would
not otherwise have if they are not in a position to memorise it. Or that old Qur’anssuch as the one
that was found in Birmingham, allow Muslims to authenticate that the written copies of the early
Muslims are the same as the ones now. It gives a greater sense of connection to the faith when
you can see things from that time. As Islam has spread, the written Qur’an can be read by those
whose first language is not Arabic. Candidates could say that no it does not because the oral
tradition was how the Qur’an was revealed and passed on in the beginning and this is a more
authentic way of ensuring accuracy. Or Candidates could say that both are equally beneficial for
Muslims now because e.g. they both have a role to play now that Islam has spread and covers
many different regions and languages. The written tradition gives access to people where they
are no longer able to memorise or prefer to read, and the oral tradition gives access to people in
places where education is scarce and learning orally from a hafiz also gives them a direct
connection back to the Prophet (pbuh).

6. ‘The Qur’an should not have been compiled in written form because it did not take
place during the Prophet’s lifetime.’ Agree or disagree with this statement, giving reasons
for your answer. 2016 – May June – 11

Marking Scheme:

Candidates can agree or disagree but they have to give valid reasons for why they have chosen
that answer. If they agree, they could say, e.g., that Muslims should not do something that the
Prophet had not done as it sets a precedent for the future where Muslims can do things that were
not done at the time of the Prophet. If they disagree, they could say, e.g., that Muslims benefit
from the written Qur’an as not everyone is able to memorise it easily, or that Abu Bakr was the
rightly guided caliph and so his decision is not against the teachings of the Prophet. It was written,
but was not against the recited entity. Whatever they say, they should be credited as long as they
are able to give reasons for their answer.

Note: Points mentioned in marking scheme for part ‘b’ are given as reference. Candidates
are required to include their own point of view and elaborate them for higher mark.

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7. In your opinion, were the two stages of the preservation of the Qur’an equally
important? Give reasons to support your answer. [4] October/November 2021 - 22

Marking Scheme:

Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant information must be
credited.

Candidates who agree with the statement that the compilation of the Qur’an both in the time of
Abu Bakr and ‘Uthman was equally important could say that had it not been preserved in Abu
Bakr’s time there was a danger of it being lost or forgotten as were the earlier books.

Qur’an’s preservation in ‘Uthman’s time was equally important as it resulted in the unity of the
umma in reciting the Qur’an in one way and all generations of Muslims agreeing on its wording.

If the candidates disagree with the statement, they will need to support their view with sound
reasons

Note: Points mentioned in marking scheme for part ‘b’ are given as reference. Candidates
are required to include their own point of view and elaborate them for higher mark.

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