Appendix Questions for 14 marks from Oct/Nov 2024

to June 2015
1. a) Write about how God describes Himself using:
(i) Sura 6.101–103 (Al-An’am)
(ii) Sura 41.37 (Fussilat)
(iii) Sura 42.4–5 (Shura)
Candidates should include some of the following points. All other relevant
points must be credited.
God describes Himself in various passages in the Qur’an so that humans
can know Him. Many of the passages have similar themes, especially about
God’s Oneness, but often they will describe the themes in a particular way.
Sura Al-An’am, 6.101–103 – through this passage God emphasises His
Oneness, first by saying (How can He have children when He has no wife)
for the child is the offspring of two compatible spouses. Allah does not have
an equal, none of His creatures are similar to Him, for He alone created the
entire creation. How can He have a wife from His creation who is suitable
for His majesty, when there is none like Him? And then in the next verse
stating that there is no God but Him. God is stressing that He knows
everything and that He is your Lord and not anyone else. In this passage
God also describes Himself as the Creator/Originator, saying He created
everything from nothing. He is also the only one deserving of worship.
He also has all power, in this case to determine/decide the affairs of
everyone. He reminds humans that whilst no one can see Him nor
comprehend Him, he sees everyone and everything and He is aware of
everything that happens.
Surah Fussilat, 41.37 – through this passage God tells humankind that He
is the creator of everything, in this case He mentions the sun and the moon
which follow an order and cycle due to His power. It’s a strong message of
tawhid, that no one should be worshipped other than Him, and particularly
not the sun and the moon, even though humans can be in awe of them. They
are reflective of His ultimate power. God describes himself as the creator
and controller of the universe, hence commands humans to prostrate before
Him.
Surah Shura, 42.4–5 – through this passage God tells humans that He is
the one who is in control of everything because everything belongs to Him.
He also emphasises His greatness/His glory, and this greatness is what
almost causes the heavens to burst apart. The angels, a creation of God, are
in praise of Him and they also pray for the forgiveness of those on Earth.
 God is telling everyone that although He is the most high, forgiveness and
mercy lie with Him and He is the most forgiving and the most merciful.
b. In your opinion, how can the knowledge God gives about Himself
help Muslims in times of hardship?
Candidates can give other examples and all relevant answers should be
credited.
There are different ways the passages can help Muslims in times of
hardship. When Muslims are going through hardships related to their
sustenance, they can feel reassured by these passages that God has
provided for them. Whatever He has created is for the benefit of humans,
whether for their sustenance and survival or for their education and
knowledge. If anyone feels doubt about God then these passages could help
them understand that God exists and He has created everything in order
and He maintains it. If people have been hurt or let down by others, these
passages can help them understand that they do not have to look up to
people who may disappoint them, but God will not disappoint as He tells
humans He is the all-knowing and the most merciful. Sometimes people
make mistakes that worry them. These passages tell Muslims He forgives
when mistakes are made and God often emphasises He is the most forgiving
so humans should turn to Him.

2. a. Using the set passages you have studied, write about God’s
relationship with the created world.
Answers may include some of the following ideas, but all valid material must
be credited.
There are five passages from which they can choose: 1, 2.21–22, 96.1–5,
99, and 114. Candidates should write about the relationship between God
and His creation showing how the relationship is brought out specifically in
that passage.
The passages allow humankind to see the link between them and God. It is
not just about God giving human beings things for their sustenance, but
humans need to give thanks in return and live their life remembering Him
and doing what He has asked, which can be done in different ways.
Surah 1, talks about humankind being created to worship God and that can
be done in many ways: praying, following the sunna, making dua etc. It
emphasises that He is the creator and controller of all that is in the heavens
and the earth, and that He will judge over humankind.
They should keep this in mind when they do anything. In return they should
ask Him for help to remain guided.
Surah 2.21–22, this passage shows that God provides sustenance for His
creation. He gives so that they can have shelter, food and drink. They
should therefore look after their environment and protect the things that
God has provided for them. God wants humans to acknowledge that He is
the one who provides them with this, and not anyone else, and so they
should not seek to praise others for what they have been given by God.
Surah 96.1–5, this shows the link between humankind and God by
emphasising the creation of humans, that He is their creator and no one
else. He then gave knowledge to humans, the tool for their learning. They in
return should seek knowledge whenever they can as well as teaching it.
Surah 99, this shows that the earth is created for humankind’s benefit and
that they will be judged at the end of time according to how they lived their
lives on it. It also shows how God can destroy what He created. That
humans will also be judged if they followed God and His Messenger (pbuh),
fulfilled their obligations, or looked after the earth which was created for
their benefit. They have a responsibility for their actions, so although God
provides for humans, they have to do good to show God that they are
grateful.
Surah 114, this passage warns humans that there are those looking to lead
them astray by trying to influence their actions.God wants humans to know
that only He is the Lord, King and God over all humankind and so everyone
should turn to Him for help in difficult times, and that protection comes
from Him.
b. What do these passages teach Muslims about responsibility
towards their environment?
Answers may include some of the following ideas, but all valid material must
be credited.
Some of the passages describe how God has made various things for the
benefit of humans – the earth, the rain/water, food and drink, resources and
they have been given rules and regulations for how they live their lives.
They will give an account of their deeds and the earth will testify as to what
humans have done. This will be their good deeds and bad deeds, but also
how they have looked after all these provisions.
Humans are therefore not just encouraged to pray and fast and worship
God, but also to do good actions, including those relating to looking after
the soil from which their crops grow, the water which helps them grow, the
animals that they rear etc. Candidates can give other points but should
make reference to what is mentioned in some of the suras that suggests
humans should care for the environment.
3. a) Using the set passages you have studied, outline the
relationship between God and his Messengers: Adam and Abraham.
Answers may include some of the following ideas, but all valid material must
be credited. God chose His Messengers mainly to make Himself known and
to guide human
beings. All of them were tested and all of them were given blessings and
guidance to draw them closer to God. They were also asked to submit to
God completely.
From passage 2.30–37 we learn that God’s relationship with Adam was
one of creator and the created, teacher and student. God was also merciful
and forgiving. Candidates may use the following points when they write
about this relationship:
Adam was the first human to be created by God and was given special
status by God. When God spoke to Adam, He taught him and gave him
knowledge of things that the angels did not know. This shows the
superiority of humans over angels due to what they know and that God
gave Adam the knowledge
he needed to live on earth. God gave Adam instructions not to touch a
specific tree, without explaining why – so God tested Adam from the
beginning. Part of this test was when Satan came to tempt Adam and his
wife into eating from the tree.
God sent Adam and his wife to live on Earth. Adam realised his mistake and
through this event turned to God for forgiveness. And God, because He is
the most merciful, turned towards Adam, meaning He forgave Him. It is
the nature of humans to sin and God wants them to turn to Him for
forgiveness.
This passage shows that God gave Adam what he needed, tested him as He
tests all humans, and wanted Adam to turn back to Him after making a
mistake.
From passage 6.75–79 we learn that God’s relationship with Abraham
(Ibrahim) was one of being a guide and a teacher. God gave Ibrahim
knowledge and understanding of the created world. Ibrahim accepted and
trusted in God’s guidance. Candidates may use the following points when
they write about this relationship:
Ibrahim was given knowledge of God through the law and order of the
heavens and the earth. God inspired him through His signs, and Ibrahim
turned towards Him, turning away from thinking that created things were
his lord.
 Through these events he turned himself to believe in God and did not
associate partners with Him. Ibrahim used his intellect and reasoning to
decide that none of them can be the Supreme Being.
Their relationship is shown through the creation of God, with Ibrahim
waiting to be guided by God, and in return God inspired Him through the
blessings of the sun and the moon to see His order, His Unity and His
control over creation. God does not change unlike the things He has
created. God showed Ibrahim how to see Him through His signs in
creation, without believing those signs are God Himself.
b. How can Muslims use the Qur’an to develop a closer connection
with
God?
Answers may include some of the following ideas, but all valid material
must be credited.
Candidates could say that the Qur’an is the word of God so it gives
Muslims a connection to God.
It contains guidance from God, so it lets them know what God wants and
expects from them.
There is a communication with God through the Qur’an, whether it is
through reciting it or using certain passages as supplications.
Reading it, memorising it, teaching it to others all have benefits and may
allow Muslims to increase their connection to God.

4. a. Write about how God describes Himself so humans can know Him
using:
(i) Sura 2.255 (Ayat al–Kursi)
(ii) (ii) Sura 114 (Ikhlas).
Candidates should include some of the following points. All other relevant
points must be credited. Both these passages are considered to be concise
descriptions of God, both expressing His Oneness (tawhid) but in different
ways. The language and descriptions used are there for humans to
understand aspects of the nature of God in ways that would be
understandable and relatable, as the reality is that God is far beyond a
human being’s comprehension.
Surah 2.255: Ayat al–Kursi is considered to symbolise the authority,
power, and Oneness of God (tawhid) – the first statement says there is no
God but Him. He is self-subsisting, so He depends on no one, but everyone
depends on Him. He is eternal so He was always there and will exist
forever. He does not get tired, nor does he sleep – God is using examples
 that humans can relate to, to show how He can never be unaware nor
become negligent in His duties.
Everything is owned by Him showing His control and power. No one can
appeal to God, or intercede, without His permission. His knowledge is all
encompassing, knowing everything before and after them. No one will gain
knowledge unless He allows it. The Kursi is His Throne and encompasses
many meanings, including His power, His dominion and His Knowledge.
And in all this there is no fatigue, with His attributes being beyond human
understanding.
Surah 114: Ikhlas (sincerity) is also referred to as Sura Tawhid as it
encompasses the message of monotheism in it. Ahad in used in the Qur’an
only for God, to describe His Oneness. Samad is considered one of God’s
perfect attributes, which encompasses many different qualities in one word
– The Eternal Refuge, The Self-Sufficient, The Absolute, and the One on
Whom all depend and to Whom all creation turns to for their needs. So
while everyone needs Him, He is in need of no-one. He was not born, nor
did He give birth, again this is a way of showing how God is unlike creation
using attributes they can relate to. He is beyond comparison, so there is
nothing in the heavens or earth like Him. This Sura gives a summarised
description of the Oneness of God and the perfection of His attributes.
b. How can Muslims use the verses from part (a) to connect to God
in their everyday lives?
Candidates could say that these passages are short and so can easily be
recited on a daily basis. They are regularly recited in the daily prayers and
so that offers a connection with God. They are also often recited before bed
to aid sleep and offer protection. Pondering upon their meaning will help a
Muslim grow in awareness of their Lord and in turn help them to develop a
connection with Him. Candidates can give other examples and all relevant
answers should be credited.

5. a. Using passages from the syllabus, write about the duties of

humankind towards God and the created world.
Candidates may include some of the following information. All other
relevant information must be credited.
There are five passages from which they can choose: 1, 2.21–22, 96.1–5,
99, and 114. Candidates can interpret the passages in their own ways to
describe duties of mankind however, some of the following points may be
present.
Surah 1, talks about humankind being created to worship God and that
can be done in many ways: praying, following the sunnah, making dua, etc.
• It emphasises that He is the creator and controller of all that is in the
heavens and the earth, and that He will judge over humankind. They
should keep this in mind when they do anything.
• In return they should ask Him for help to remain guided.
Surah 2.21–22, this passage shows that God provides sustenance for His
creation. He gives so that they can have shelter, food and drink.
• They should therefore show thankfulness and look after their
environment and protect the things that God has provided for them.
• God wants humans to acknowledge that He is the one who provides them
with this, and not anyone else, and so they should not seek to praise others
for what they have been given by God.
Surah 96.1–5, this shows the link between humankind and God by
emphasising the creation of humans, that He is their creator and no one
else.
• He then gave knowledge to humans, the tool for their learning.
• They in return should seek knowledge whenever they can as well as
teaching it.
Surah 99, this shows that the earth is created for humankind’s benefit and
that they will be judged at the end of time according to how they lived their
lives on it hence humans have to be mindful of God’s enormous powers
over the universe and be humble.
• Accountability to God is also highlighted in this passage.
• Humans are expected to keep a watch over their actions and do as many
good deeds as possible.
Surah 114, this passage warns humans that there are those looking to
lead them astray by trying to influence their actions.
• God wants humans to know that only He is the Lord, King and God over
all humankind and so everyone should turn to Him for help in difficult
times, and that protection comes from Him. It also shows humans’
responsibility to acknowledge and rely on God’s assistance not only for
physical sustenance but also in emotional and spiritual matters.
The candidates will be expected to elaborate on the point made. Better
candidates will talk about responsibilities towards God as well as
environment.
b. What do Muslims have to consider when looking after their
environment?
Candidates may include some of the following information. All other
relevant information must be credited.
God has given humans a responsibility on earth, so they should reflect on
this and what impact their actions might have. They should consider their
responsibility to other creatures, human beings and animals, e.g. keeping
pathways clear for neighbours or treating animals well by feeding them or
providing shelter.
 They should think about how they can look after the land and natural
environment that God has given them for their sustenance and benefit.
This can take many forms:
At a basic level they can pick up their own litter and keep their own area in
good condition. They could grow their own food which has many benefits to
the environment.
They should also consider ethical farming, whether they are farmers or
consumers, where animals and crops are treated in a way that has the least
impact on the environment.
Reducing consumption, reusing items for longer, and recycling are also
aspects that have to be taken into account to help the environment.
Finding a way to reduce waste is an important consideration for the future
of the planet.
Candidates can give other responses but they should say why their answer
is important to consider.

6. Using passages from the syllabus write about what God says
about His relationship with two of His Messengers.
The passages in the syllabus relating to God and His Messengers are:
2.30–37, 6.75–79, 5.110, 93 and 108.
Candidates can use any number of passages to write about, but they should
write with some detail about the relationship and not merely give general
comments/themes about them.
God chose His Messengers mainly to make Himself known and to guide
human beings. All of them were tested and all of them were given blessings
and guidance to draw them closer to God. They were also asked to submit
to God completely.
Adam was the first human to be created by God and was given special
status by God. When God spoke to Adam, he taught Him and gave him
knowledge of things that the angels did not know. This shows the
superiority of humans over angels due to what they know.
God gave Adam instructions not to touch a specific tree, without explaining
why – so God tested Adam from the beginning. Part of this test was when
Satan came to tempt Adam and his wife into eating from the tree.
God sent Adam and his wife to live on earth. Adam realised his mistake and
through this event turned to God for forgiveness. And God, because He is
the most merciful, turned towards Adam, meaning He forgave Him. It is
the nature of humans to sin and God wants them to turn to Him for
forgiveness.
Ibrahim/Abraham was given knowledge of God through the law and order
of the heavens and the earth. God inspired him through His signs, and
Ibrahim turned towards Him.
 Through these events he turned himself to believe in God and did not
associate partners with Him. Ibrahim used his intellect and reasoning to
decide that none of them can be the Supreme Being.
Their relationship is shown through the creation of God, with Ibrahim
waiting to be guided by God, and in return God inspired Him through the
blessings of the sun and the moon to see His order, His Unity and His
control over creation. God does not change unlike the things He has
created.
Jesus/Isa was given special guidance and miracles to realise God’s status
as Creator and his status as a prophet.
God gave Jesus these miracles, relevant to his time, as a sign of His power
over all things: the holy spirit which allowed him to speak to the people as
a child and when he was older, the Law and the Gospel to teach the people
how to live their lives in accordance to God’s laws, giving life to the dead
and healing the sick.
God helps his prophets and those close to Him, and these favours were
given to help Jesus call people to God.
God saved Jesus from execution, which showed God’s love and protection
for him.
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) faced hardships like the other prophets,
but God reminds him that he gave him blessings in this life and the next,
which relieved the Prophet and gave him reassurance that God was looking
after him.
God gave him shelter, guidance and independence, and also gave him
blessings in the form of Kawthar, a river in paradise. The Prophet (pbuh) is
told to believe in God and tell his people about Him so they can also turn to
Him when in need.
The Prophet (pbuh) is asked to pray, do good and look after the poor and
needy.
b. How might Muslims use the Qur’an to have a closer connection
with God?
Candidates could say that the Qur’an is the word of God, so it gives
Muslims a connection to God.
It contains guidance from God, so it lets them know what God wants and
expects from them.
There is a communication with God through the Qur’an, whether it is
through reciting it or using certain passages as supplications.
Reading it, memorising it, teaching it to others all have benefits and may
allow Muslims to increase their connection to God.
Other valid responses should be credited.

7. Using three passages you have studied from the syllabus, write
about God’s relationship with His created world.
There are five passages from which they can choose: 1, 2.21–22, 96.1–5,
99, and 114. Candidates should write about the relationship between God
and His creation showing how the relationship is brought out specifically in
that passage and what particular aspect of relationship is discussed. The
passages allow humankind to see the link between them and God. It is not
just about God giving human beings things for their sustenance, but
humans need to give thanks in return and live their life remembering Him
and doing what He has asked, which can be done in different ways.
Surah 1, talks about humankind being created to worship God and that
can be done in many ways: praying, following the sunnah, making dua etc.
• It emphasises that He is the creator and controller of all that is in the
heavens and the earth, and that He will judge over humankind. They
should keep this in mind when they do anything. • In return they should
ask Him for help to remain guided. Asking for help is important which is
why this is used as a prayer. • It also shows that perfect guidance is
provided by God, humans should seek it and follow it.
Surah 2.21–22, this passage shows that God provides sustenance for His
creation. He gives so that they can have shelter, food and drink. • They
should therefore look after their environment and protect the things that
God has provided for them. • God wants humans to acknowledge that He is
the one who provides them with this, and not anyone else, and so they
should not seek to praise others for what they have been given by God. •
Humans should also show humbleness to God as the real provider.
Surah 96.1–5, this shows the link between humankind and God by
emphasising the creation of humans, that He is their creator and no one
else. • He then gave knowledge to humans, the tool for their learning. They
in return should seek knowledge whenever they can as well as teaching it.
• While highlighting the teacher-student relationship, candidates can talk
about how God has made provisions for fulfilling the intellectual needs of
humans in addition to their physical and emotional needs.
Surah 99, this shows that God is not only the creator of everything, but He
can also destroy His creation with ease. This passage talks about God’s
power as the Destroyer, the vulnerability of humans and their surroundings
as well as God’s power of judgement. • That could be related to fact that
those who followed God and His Messenger (pbuh), fulfilled their
obligations and will be rewarded, while those who disobeyed will be
condemned to Hell by God. • Humans have a responsibility for their
actions, so although God provides for humans, they must do good to show
God that they are grateful and not be forgetful of their accountability.
Sura 114, this passage warns humans that there are those looking to lead
them astray by trying to influence their actions. • God wants humans to
know that only He is the Lord, King and God over all humankind and so
everyone should turn to Him for help in difficult times, and that protection
comes from Him. Candidates do not have to quote the verse they are
writing about, a reference to it is enough.
b. How might teachings from these passages encourage people to
take care of their environment?
Some of the passages describe how God has made various things for the
benefit of humans – the earth, the rain/water, food and drink, and that the
earth will have a voice to say what humans have done whilst living on it.
This will be their good deeds and bad deeds, but also how they have looked
after all these provisions. Humans are therefore not just encouraged to
pray and fast and worship God, but also to do good actions, including those
relating to looking after the soil from which their crops grow, the water
which helps them grow, etc. Candidates can give other points but should
make reference to what is mentioned in some of the suras that suggests
humans should care for the environment.

8. a. Using the Qur’an passages set for special study in the

syllabus, outline the relationship between God and two of His
Messengers:
• Adam,
• Abraham,
• Jesus.
A comprehensive answer will provide an account of two prophets, focusing
on their relationship with God, not on an explanation of the verses
referenced.
Candidates may include some of the following points. All other relevant
points must be credited.
Adam (2.30–37):
• God is the creator and prophet Adam was His first creation. God
bestowed special status on Adam by making him first human and the first
prophet.
• God’s relationship with Adam was that of a teacher and student. He
granted him knowledge that shows the superiority of humans over angels
due to what they know.
• God required obedience from Adam and tested him by forbidding him
from touching a specific tree, without explaining why – so God tested
 Adam from the beginning. Part of this test was when Satan came to
tempt Adam and his wife into eating from the tree.
• Adam’s disobedience led to his expulsion from Paradise.
• God sent Adam and his wife to live on earth. Adam realised his mistake
and through this event turned to God in repentance for forgiveness. And
God, because He is the most merciful, turned towards Adam, meaning He
forgave Him. It is the nature of humans to sin and for God to forgive.
Abraham (6.75–79):
• God gave Ibrahim knowledge of Himself through the law and order of the
heavens and the earth. God guided him through His signs, and Abraham
turned towards Him, turning away from thinking created things were his
Lord.
• Abraham used his intellect and reasoning to work out that there was one
unseen God and rejected the idols.
• Their relationship comes through the created order with God showing
Abraham, through this order, His Unity and His control over creation.
• Once Ibrahim found who his creator was, he stayed firm. Jesus (5.110):
• Jesus/Isa was given special guidance and miracles to realise God’s status
as Creator and his status as a prophet.
• God gave Jesus miracles as a sign of His power and to support him: The
Holy Spirit allowed him to speak to the people as an infant and give life to
the dead and heal the sick.
• God gave knowledge of the Law and the Gospel to Jesus to teach the
people how to live their lives in accordance to God’s laws.
• Gods helps his prophets and He saved Jesus from execution, which
showed God’s love and protection for him.
b. God’s Messengers experienced trials. How can their responses
help Muslims face difficulties in their own lives?
God sends trials to everyone, including prophets who are closest to Him.
So Muslims should realise that going through hardships does not mean
that they are far from God, but that being tested means they have an
opportunity to become closer to Him.
Trials are also sent to teach people, so Muslims should try to reflect upon
what God is trying to teach them. Candidates can give examples such as
being steadfast in difficulty, not turning away from God, showing patience
and having hope of something good coming from their hardship

9. a. The Qur’an teaches Muslims about their relationship with

God. Write about this relationship using the passages you have
studied.
These passages are about God’s relationship with creation, but each talk
about that relationship in a distinctive way. They all allow humankind to
see the link between them and God. It is not just about God giving human
beings things for their sustenance, but humans need to give thanks in
return and live their life remembering Him, which can be done in different
ways.
Surah 1: Talks about humankind being created to worship God and that
can be done in many ways, prayer, following the sunnah, making dua, etc.
It emphasises that He is the creator and controller of all that is in the
heavens and the earth, and that He will judge over humankind. They in
return should ask Him for help to remain guided. Asking for help is
important which is why this is used as a prayer.
Surah 96.1–5: This shows the link between humankind and God by
emphasising the creation of humans, and that He then gave knowledge to
humans, the tool for their learning. They in return should seek knowledge
whenever they can as well as teaching it.
Surah 99: This shows that the earth is created for humankind’s benefit
and that they will be judged at the end of time according to how they lived
their lives on it. That could be related to how well they followed God and
His Messenger (pbuh), how they fulfilled their obligations, or how they
looked after the earth which was created for their benefit. They have a
responsibility for their actions, so although God provides for humans, they
have to do good to show God that they are grateful.
Surah 2.21–22: This passage shows that God provides sustenance for His
creation. He gives so that they can have shelter, food and drink. They
should therefore look after their environment and protect the things that
God has provided for them.God wants humans to acknowledge that He is
the one who provides them with this, and not anyone else, and so they
should not seek to praise other for what they have been given by God.
Surah 96.1–5: This shows the link between humankind and God by
emphasising the creation of humans, that He is their creator and no one
else. He then gave knowledge to humans, the tool for their learning. They
in return should seek knowledge whenever they can as well as teaching it.
b. God gave humankind guidance and teachings.’ Why does the
Qur’an lay emphasis on the need to gain knowledge?
Having given guidance (through the Qur’an and sunnah, etc.), God wants
knowledge to be used to learn about life and to live lives in a good way.
Without learning, humans would not know about their rights and
responsibilities or about their potential as human beings.
 In order to respond to what God wants or what is of benefit to themselves
or others, they have to learn how to respond.
God is full of mercy and love, He is guiding people so they benefit in this
life and in the next. The most beneficial knowledge would be that which
helps a person fulfil their rights towards God, fellow humans, and to
develop themselves.

10. a. Choose two from the following passages and write in detail
about the various ways in which God describes in them how He is
unique: 6.101–103, 42.4-5, 112, 41.37.
Candidates must choose two of the passages mentioned in the question
and should be able to say in some way what God’s uniqueness is, showing
how His uniqueness represents itself in that particular sura, avoiding
general answers that could be relevant to any sura.
Surah 6.101–103 talks about His uniqueness through His Oneness and His
full knowledge of everything He has created; whilst humans cannot see
Him or comprehend His being, He sees everything that happens and is
aware of everything that is done, whether it is said or thought (omniscient).
Surah 42.4–5 talks about God’s uniqueness through the immense power He
has over the heavens and the earth. The revelation He sends is so great
that its power almost tears the heavens apart. He is also unique in His
forgiveness as He is ready to forgive.
Surah 112 describes God’s uniqueness in the most concise way; He is
perfect in His attributes and action, therefore he is One and Only. He does
not give birth nor die nor leave any inheritance, so He does not have a
beginning or end. He cannot have anyone equal to Him so He does not
have any partners or any offspring, as He cannot share His uniqueness or
authority with anyone.
Surah 41.37 describes God’s uniqueness through His ability power and
control over everything He has created. He is unlike the things that He has
created, so is unlike the sun and the moon because He does not change,
rise or set. The things that He has created are there to show humans how
to recognise and worship Him. Better candidates will be able to expand on
the suras and be able to cross reference them; e.g. they may say that God’s
uniqueness is shown in
Surah 2.255 through His knowledge – it is similar to sura 6.101–103, which
also mentions His complete knowledge of everything, the first giving detail
about their past, present and future and that their knowledge is limited to
what God gives them.
b. In your opinion, why should Muslims try to understand God’s
attributes? Give reason(s) for your answer.
Candidates can give a range of answers but must give a reason for their
answer. The more detail there is in the reasoning the higher the marks will
 be. They could say e.g. because Muslims are becoming detached from God
and by learning about God’s attributes allows them to have an
understanding of Him which increases their understanding of the world
around them, or their faith, etc. Or they could say e.g. that because God is
beyond humankind’s knowledge/perception, understanding Him through
what He says about Himself in the Qur’an allows humans to know why God
is important to them in their lives. Whatever they say they should be
credited as long as they are able to give reasons for their answer.
11 a. From the Qur’an passages set for special study in the
syllabus, describe the ways in which God gave knowledge of
Himself to His Messengers.
The relevant passages from the syllabus are 2.30–37, 6.75–79, 5.110, 93
and 108. These passages mention the prophets Adam, Ibrahim, Isa and
Muhammad. Candidates could say that God gave Adam knowledge about
Himself through the things he was taught the names of, and the lessons he
learnt in obedience to God. Adam was taught the names of all the things in
creation, and because of his status near God, the angels were asked to bow
to him. Iblis refused, and was banished. He vowed to lead Adam and his
future generations astray. He did this by making Adam approach the tree
he had been forbidden from.
Adam realised his mistake and through this event turned to God for
forgiveness. Through these events Adam learnt about God’s creation, His
Knowledge and His forgiveness. Ibrahim was given knowledge of God
through the law and order of the heavens and the earth. He was searching
for his Lord, and looked to the stars and the moon and the sun, which
people at his time worshipped. God inspired him to realise that the things
in creation that do not last cannot be the things to be worshipped as God
does not change.
Through these events he turned himself to believe in God and did not
associate partners with Him. God showed Ibrahim His Unity, and His
control over creation. Isa was given special miracles which helped him
understand the power of God. He was given the holy spirit which allowed
him to speak to the people as a child and when he was older. He was also
taught the Law and the Gospel to teach to the people. He was also able to
give life to the dead and heal the sick, by the will of God. This all showed
Isa the favours he was given by God which allowed him to believe in Him
and follow Him. The Prophet Muhammad faced hardships like the other
prophets, but God reminds him that He gave him blessings in this life and
the next, which relieved the Prophet and gave him reassurance that God
was looking after him. God gave him shelter, guidance and independence,
and also gave him blessings in the form of Kawthar, which some say is a
river in paradise, or offspring. He learns about God through His generosity,
mercy and guidance.
 Candidates should expand on the above points and better candidates will
write about at least two of the prophets mentioned. Candidates should not
merely describe stories, but relate it to knowledge of Himself.
b. ‘Undergoing hardships brings a person closer to God.’ Agree or
disagree with this statement, giving reasons for your answer.
Candidates could agree and say, e.g. that all prophets were tested which
allowed them to get closer to God, likewise humankind now can get closer
to their Lord through their hardships, as long as they reflect and
understand that God is testing them. Also, by remaining patient and
steadfast, and not leaving their worship, they will gain rewards and
understanding. Prophets were tested and remained steadfast, so Muslims
should also expect to be tested and they should also remain steadfast. They
could say they don’t agree, e.g. because not everyone goes through the
same hardships, that people are different so they may react differently to
hardships so they may not necessarily know they are being tested, but
remaining true to prayer, fasting and the Five Pillars is more important and
more likely to get a person closer to God.
11 a. Using Qur’an passages you have studied from the syllabus,
describe how God guided His messengers to increase their belief in
Him. Refer to at least two messengers in your answer
The relevant passages from the Qur’an are 2.30–37, 6.75–79, 5.110, 93
and 108. These passages mention the prophets Adam, Ibrahim, Isa and
Muhammad. Candidates could say that Adam was guided by God through
the knowledge he was given, which even the angels were not given. He was
taught the names of all the things in creation, and because of his status
near God, the angels were asked to bow to him. Iblis refused, and was
banished. He vowed to lead Adam and his future generations astray. He did
this by making Adam approach the tree he had been forbidden from. Adam
realised his mistake and through this event turned to God for forgiveness.
Ibrahim was guided to the truth through the law and order of the heavens
and the earth. He was searching for his Lord, and looked to the stars and
the moon and the sun, which other people worshipped. God inspired him to
realise that the things in creation that do not last cannot be the things to
be worshipped as God does not change. Through these events he turned
himself to believe in God and did not associate partners with Him.
Jesus/Isa was given special miracles which helped him understand the
power of God. He was given the holy spirit which allowed him to speak to
the people as a child and when he was older. He was also taught the Law
and the Gospel to teach to the people. He was also able to give life to the
dead and heal the sick, by the will of God. This all showed Isa the favours
he was given by God which allowed him to believe in Him and follow Him.
The Prophet Muhammad faced hardships like the other prophets, but God
reminds him that he gave him blessings in this life and the next, which
relieved the Prophet and gave him reassurance that God was looking after
him. God gave him shelter, guidance and independence, and also gave him
blessings in the form of Kawthar, a river in paradise. So he is told to
believe in God and tell his people about Him so they can too turn to Him
when in need. Candidates should expand on the above points and should
write about at least two of the prophets mentioned, giving quotes and
examples.
b. God sends humankind messengers from amongst their own
communities. Explain why this is significant.
Candidates could say that prophets sent from amongst a community will be
able to understand the needs and condition of the people which will make
it easier for him to teach the message to them in a way that suits them.
Also, if he is from the community the people are more likely to be able to
relate to him as they can see that he is the same as them and he is also
able to practise and benefit from the teachings he is giving. If angels were
sent as opposed to humans, then people may not have been able to see that
they can practise the message in their everyday lives, or they may have
started to worship the angels instead.
11. a. Using Qur’an passages from the syllabus, describe what the
Qur’an teaches about God’s responsibility to His creatures and their
duties towards Him.
The suras which are in this section of the syllabus are Surah 1, Surah
2.21–22, Surah 96.1–5, Surah 99, Surah 114.
Candidates should choose themes from at least two prescribed passages
from the syllabus to write about. They can reference other passages to
support their answer, but it is not necessary for them to be able to gain
high levels. Candidates should give reference to the suras and how they
talk about God’s creation. They could mention how the suras that they have
studied allow humankind to see the link between them and God.
This link can be talked about in different ways, e.g. what God has given
humankind and what God expects from humans in return. They should be
able to give specific examples, e.g. God giving knowledge to humans; God
judging humankind for their actions.
They could also say that the passages teach Muslims about the provision
God has given them, as well as the fact that they have a responsibility to
God and fellow creation and they will be accountable for their actions.
These passages should help Muslims to remember their Lord and be
grateful for what they have been given. Candidates should elaborate on
these points using examples.
b. ‘The Qur’an teaches that humans should be responsible towards
the environment.’ Give reasons to agree or disagree with this
statement.
Candidates can choose to agree or disagree but they have to give a reason
for their choice. If they agree they could, for example, say that God has
given humankind everything it needs for its survival and comfort, and they
should not abuse this privilege by being ungrateful or wasteful. If they
disagree they could say, e.g., that everything has been provided by God
and it is there to use for humans’ benefit therefore there is no sin in using
it how they please, or that everything is known by God therefore humans
do not need to worry about how they act, as God can restore whatever is
depleted.