1 Choose any two of the following Hadiths, and: (a) describe their teaching about what Muslims believe; [4] (b) explain how Muslims can put these teachings into action. [4] (i) A man asked the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and give him peace): Do you think that if I perform the obligatory prayers, fast in Ramadan, treat as lawful that which is lawful and treat as forbidden that which is forbidden, and do nothing further, I shall enter paradise? He said: Yes. (ii) Every person’s every joint must perform charity every day the sun comes up: to act justly between two people is a charity; to help a man with his mount, lifting him onto it or hoisting his belongings onto it is a charity; a good word is a charity; every step you take to prayers is a charity; and removing a harmful thing from the road is a charity. (iii) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and give him peace) said: ‘Whom do you count to be a martyr among you?’ They said: O Messenger of Allah, whoever is killed in the way of Allah is a martyr. He said: ‘In that case the martyrs of my community will be very few! He who is killed in the way of Allah is a martyr, he who dies a natural death in the way of Allah is a martyr, he who dies in the plague in the way of Allah is a martyr, he who dies of cholera in the way of Allah is a martyr.’ (iv) Modesty produces nothing but good. … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …

1(a) describe their teaching about what Muslims believe; Use the AO1 Marking Grid (i) The teaching given in this Hadith is that the minimum requirement for entering paradise is the fulfilment of the Pillars of Islam and by staying away from what God has made forbidden to humankind. Zakat and Hajj are two Pillars that are not mentioned in the Hadith as they are compulsory only for those who have the means to fulfil them. The important message of the Hadith is that Islam is a simple religion to follow and believers should not over burden themselves and should engage in optional ibadah as much as they comfortably can. (ii) The all-important teaching given in this Hadith is for Muslims to show compassion and care in society and to perform acts of charity. In this Hadith the Prophet (pbuh) has given a few examples of acts of charity (sadaqa) that Muslims can perform every day. The term charity is not just restricted to giving money to the needy but has a broader meaning which encompasses small acts of kindness that would make the community stronger and increase awareness of God and His bounties. An important teaching of this Hadith is that worship of God is not restricted to fulfilling the Pillars of, say, salat or fasting but everyday acts of kindness also come under worship when they are performed with the intention of pleasing God. (iii) This Hadith broadens the scope of martyrdom and gives the believers the important teaching that God considers all those Muslims who live righteous lives trying to seek His pleasure and die whilst so doing are given the status of a martyr. Candidates can develop their answer by discussing the various ways in which martyrdom can be achieved. The core teaching that needs to be brought out in the answer is that God loves His creation and rewards all those who are obedient to Him. (iv) Modesty is of both body and mind and helps create a morally pious and respectful society. By being modest, a believer will not promote their interest or position but will consider themselves as a part of a community and seek to create a peaceful and upright society. Modesty is what makes a person ashamed when they do something wrong. The Prophet (pbuh) made modesty a condition of faith and has said that one must consider others in the same way as one considers oneself. If properly understood and practiced modesty can only produce good as the Hadith says. 4 1(b) explain how Muslims can put these teachings into action. Use the AO2 Marking Grid (i) The teachings given in the Hadith can be acted upon by being obedient to God and fulfilling the Pillars of Islam with sincerity and abstaining from all the acts and things that God has prohibited Muslims from. Candidates could develop their answer with examples by saying that Muslims must be punctual and offer salat at the prescribed time of each salat, that they must fast in Ramadan and if they have the means must give zakat and perform Hajj. Abstaining from alcohol or foods which are prohibited in Islam can also be given as examples of putting into practice the teachings of the Hadith. Not taking interest on loans and following the principles of Islamic finance and not giving or taking bribes are other ways in which the teachings of the Hadith can be implemented. (ii) This Hadith can be acted upon by fulfilling one’s role in society responsibly. Some examples of how the teachings of the Hadith can be implemented upon are given in the Hadith itself. Candidates need to give other examples than the ones given in the Hadith to show how Muslims can put into practice the teaching given by the Prophet (pbuh) in this Hadith. For example, resolving a dispute between friends; giving honest advice when one’s opinion is asked for or helping to save the environment. (iii) The teachings given in this Hadith can be put into practice in many ways. By worshipping God a person may strive in God’s way with his person, by giving charity and zakat a Muslim can financially strive in God’s way. Other examples can be given to develop the answer. Candidates could write that helping in fund-raising to build mosques or hospitals and to contribute towards other welfare projects are ways that Muslims can live their lives in a way pleasing to God which will earn them the high status of a martyr. (iv) In the absence of modesty Islam cannot be practiced correctly. A Muslim’s speech, dress, manner and attitude towards life should be humble and simple. Modesty is a shield against immorality, lowering one’s gaze in the presence of the opposite sex is one way of putting into practice the teaching of this Hadith. Remaining humble and acknowledging God as the Master and Creator and giver of everything one possesses is another way of implementing the teaching of the Hadith. The focus of a believer’s every action must be to earn God’s pleasure and remember Him at all times. 4 To earn marks for part (a), you need to describe the core teaching of the chosen Hadith regarding Muslim beliefs, explaining its meaning and significance. For part (b), you must explain how Muslims can practically apply these teachings in their daily lives or society.

2 (a) Write about the importance of knowing the Prophet’s Hadiths and following his Sunna for Muslims. [10] (b) Why are belief and action both important for Muslims? Give reasons to support your answer. [4] … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …

2(a) Write about the importance of knowing the Prophet’s Hadiths and following his Sunna for Muslims. Use the AO1 Marking Grid Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant information must be credited. It could be said that the Prophet’s Hadiths are an important source of explaining the Qur’an and expanding on the brief teachings given in it. For example, the Qur’an stresses the need to offer prayers but it is the Hadith/Sunna of the Prophet (pbuh) that tells Muslims how to perform salat and what to read in it. How to pay zakat, perform hajj are all found in the Hadith and the Sunna of the Prophet (pbuh). Hadiths are also a primary source of Sharia law after the Qur’an. The Prophet’s Hadiths provide principles regarding many aspects of law i.e. trading, marriage, inheritance etc. Some examples of the Prophet’s instruction in making Sharia law are: ‘No zakat is payable on a property until a year passes on it’ and ‘A Muslim may not inherit from a non-Muslim, nor a non-Muslim from a Muslim’. The Prophet’s Hadiths have been a source of guidance to Muslims throughout the ages and even today are most useful in putting one’s faith in practice and in the use of ijma and qiyas. The importance of following the Prophet’s Sunna lies in the fact that God Himself asks Muslims to do so. The Qur’an itself says, ‘Obey Allah and obey the Prophet’ [64:12]. By following the Sunna of the Prophet (pbuh) Muslims hope to walk the path of righteousness. The Prophet (pbuh) also instructed Muslims to follow his Sunna in his last sermon. Muslims try to follow his Sunna out of love for him. 10 2(b) Why are belief and action both important for Muslims? Give reasons to support your answer. Use the AO2 Marking Grid Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant information must be credited. Candidates can say that belief and action are both important for Muslims because the Qur’an itself instructs Muslims to act on their beliefs in several passages. It could also be said that belief is only sincere when put into action. To elaborate this view, they could say that belief in God is meaningful only when a Muslim believes in His Oneness, is obedient to His commands and worships Him. 4

4 (a) Fasting in Ramadan benefits Muslims in many ways. Write about the major benefits of fasting in Ramadan. [10] (b) Explain why the Night of Power (Layla-tul-Qadr) is so important for Muslims. [4] … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …

4(a) Fasting in Ramadan benefits Muslims in many ways. Write about the major benefits of fasting in Ramadan. Use the AO1 Marking Grid Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant information must be credited. The benefits of fasting in the month of Ramadan are countless. Candidates in response to this answer should not write an account of how fasting is observed but instead write an account of the benefits of fasting. It could be said that fasting teaches a Muslim taqwa which is the sum total of all Islamic values and virtues. Taqwa is the consciousness of God, it is to do one’s best to live by His commands and to avoid His prohibitions. Fasting builds the quality of taqwa in a believer, who is spiritually uplifted by its observance. Fasting enhances one’s spirituality and teaches sincerity to God. As fasting is an invisible act that is only between a believer and God it helps a person to live by the rules and regulations of one’s faith. It enables a person to learn self-control. During fasting even things that are permissible in Islam like eating, drinking and marital relations are forbidden for the duration of the fast. And this self-control strengthens the moral character of a person. The training Muslims get during fasting to say no to permissible things helps them to say no to the forbidden things in daily life. The fast has a positive effect on one’s health, it gives the digestive system a rest and gets rid of excess fats and toxins. The prosperous in society become aware of the plight of the poor and needy and can empathise with them. More charity is given in Ramadan and zakat is also often given in this month and it brings economic prosperity in the community. Unity, peace and harmony are also benefits of fasting. The rewards for a fasting Muslim’s good deeds are multiplied and the Prophet (pbuh) has said that ‘there is a special entrance to Paradise called al-Rayyan, none will enter through the gate save those who fast.’ When Muslims fast together it creates unity and goodwill, they not only come closer as a community but get closer to God as well. 10 4(b) Explain why the Night of Power (Layla-tul-Qadr) is so important for Muslims. Use the AO2 Marking Grid Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant information must be credited. Candidates could say that the Night of Power is considered to be a night of immense blessings for it was on this night that the last of God’s books, the Qur’an, was revealed to the Prophet (pbuh). The Qur’an itself mentions the immense blessings of this night. This is a night of reading, understanding and reflecting upon the teachings given in the Qur’an. The reward of worship on this night is more than the reward for worshipping for a thousand months. Hence Muslims have special arrangements for extra prayers on this night. The Prophet (pbuh) has said that those who spend Layla-tul-Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, will have his previous sins forgiven. It is believed, as stated in the Qur’an in Sura al Qadr, that the angels and the Spirit descend to earth by God’s permission and that peace prevails until the rise of dawn. It is for these reasons that Muslims consider the Night of Power to be the most important night of Ramadan and indeed of the year. 4 For part (a), you need to describe the various major benefits that Muslims gain from fasting during Ramadan, focusing on spiritual, moral, and social advantages rather than just how fasting is observed. For part (b), you must explain why the Night of Power (Layla-tul-Qadr) holds such profound importance for Muslims, detailing its unique significance.

4 (a) Write an account of Muslim belief in divinely revealed books and their content and purpose. [10] (b) In your opinion, why is the Qur’an the most important source of Islamic law? Give reasons to support your answer. [4] … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …

4(a) Write an account of Muslim belief in divinely revealed books and their content and purpose. Use the AO1 Marking Grid Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant information must be credited. Candidates could in their answers say that Muslims believe that God has revealed books to different prophets as a source of guidance to humanity. In order of revelation the books are: • The Scrolls (Suhuf) of Ibrahim; • The Torah (Taurah) revealed to Musa; • The Psalms (Zaboor) revealed to Dawood; • The Gospel (Ingeel) revealed to Isa; and • The Qur’an revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). The main purpose for sending the revealed books was for people to learn about the religion sent to them and to know of their obligations towards God and fellow human beings. Belief in divine books before the revelation of the Qur’an is an essential aspect of Muslim faith. The most important message of all the revealed books was belief in the one God and that worship is due to none other than Him. The books prior to the Qur’an were sent to a community and its teachings were relevant to the time and to the area in which they were revealed. The Qur’an is for all humanity sent for all times and is the only revealed book whose language is spoken by millions even today. The earlier books were lost or altered but Qur’an is in the form it was revealed and God has taken it upon Himself to protect its text until the end of the world. 10 4(b) In your opinion why is the Qur’an the most important source of Islamic law? Give reasons to support your answer. Use the AO2 Marking Grid Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant information must be credited. An evaluative answer is needed here. Candidates could say that it is the primary source on which all other sources namely the Hadith, ijma and qiyas are based. The laws devised by God in the Qur’an are meant to be followed to live life according to God’s commands. 4 For part (a), you need to describe the Muslim belief in divinely revealed books, listing specific examples, and explain their content and purpose as guidance for humanity. For part (b), you must state your opinion on why the Qur'an is the most important source of Islamic law and provide reasons to justify your view.

5 (a) Give an account of the Pillar of Almsgiving (zakat). [10] (b) In your opinion, what is the most important benefit of giving zakat? Give reasons to support your answer. [4] … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …

5(a) Give an account of the Pillar of Almsgiving (zakat). Use the AO1 Marking Grid Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant information must be credited. A detailed account of the Pillar of Almsgiving (zakat) is needed in this answer. Answers could say that it is a compulsory charity and the term zakat means purification and by giving zakat a Muslim purifies a person’s wealth and frees their heart from the love of wealth. Great reward is promised to those who fulfil this Pillar. Zakat helps to set up social and economic stability in a society as the funds enable the needy and deserving recipients towards economic independence. Zakat is due if one’s assets equal or exceed the nisab for one whole year. The nisab was set by the Prophet (pbuh) the Qur’an does not specify which types of wealth are taxable nor does it specify the percentage. The rates are determined from the sunnah of the Prophet which state that the amount of zakat on capital assets such as money is 2.5 % and varies up to 25% depending on the type of goods. Examples of recipients of zakat are Muslim converts, the poor, zakat collectors, prisoners of war, people in debt, travellers and to people and organisations that are engaged in services to Islam. Examples of who cannot receive zakat are non-Muslims, a giver’s husband, wife, children, grandparents and grandchildren. It cannot be paid to the descendants of the Prophet (pbuh), to those who meet the threshold of nisab or the deceased. Zakat cannot be used to pay servant’s wages or as burial expenses. There are many benefits for the giver of zakat. One of the most important benefits is the fulfilment of the obligation of giving zakat and earning God’s pleasure. Zakat also purifies wealth and may be a means of gaining God’s protection from problems. Giving zakat washes away one’s sins and it teaches Muslims about the laws of God as one has to know the rules of zakat before one is able to pay it. Also, there are broader advantages to society of zakat being given as it distributes wealth and fixes the monetary imbalance in society and creates a more caring society. A detailed and well-developed answer should include who is liable to pay zakat, who the recipients of zakat are, who it cannot be paid to and what the benefits of giving zakat are. 10 5(b) In your opinion, what is the most important benefit of giving zakat? Give reasons to support your answer. Use the AO2 Marking Grid Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant information must be credited. Candidates can choose any reason, which in their opinion, is the most important benefit of giving zakat. They could say it is the fulfilment of a Pillar of Islam and since God has made it compulsory for those who have the means to fulfil it, it is essential that it be given as a Muslim will be questioned about it on the Day of Judgment. Non-payment of zakat can result in punishment in the grave. Another reason could be that it creates brotherhood in society, helps the needy and in turn results is economic prosperity and peace within communities. 4 For part (a), you need to provide a comprehensive account of the Pillar of Almsgiving (zakat), explaining its meaning, purpose, conditions (like nisab), rates, and who the recipients are. For part (b), you must state what you believe is the most important benefit of giving zakat and provide clear reasons to support your choice.

Cambridge IGCSE Islamiyat · 0493

IGCSE Islamiyat (0493) The Articles of Faith and the Pillars of Islam past paper questions

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The Articles of Faith and the Pillars of Islam in IGCSE Islamiyat 0493 exams, 2020–2025

Across 2020–2025, The Articles of Faith and the Pillars of Islam accounted for 48 questions worth 618 marks in Cambridge IGCSE Islamiyat (0493) papers.