'Ali: past paper questions
Real questions on 'ali
The newest 17 of 17 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0493/22 · October/November 2025 · Q4a[10]
Write about the leadership qualities of the fourth caliph ͑ Ali.
See it on the paper → - 0493/22 · October/November 2025 · Q4b[4]
Which in your opinion was ͑ Ali’s single most outstanding quality? Give reasons for your choice.
See it on the paper → - 0493/22 · May/June 2025 · Q3a[10]
Write about one significant reason for the Battle of Siffin and give a detailed account of the battle.
See it on the paper → - 0493/22 · May/June 2025 · Q3b[4]
To what extent was the emergence of the kharijis the most serious issue facing ‘Ali after the Battle of Siffin?
See it on the paper → - 0493/21 · October/November 2024 · Q3a[10]
Write an account of the causes and events of the Battle of Siffin.
See it on the paper → - 0493/21 · October/November 2024 · Q3b[4]
In your opinion, what was the most important outcome of the Battle of Siffin? Give reasons to support your answer.
See it on the paper → - 0493/21 · May/June 2024 · Q4a[10]
Write about the Battle of the Camel, fought during the caliphate of ʿAli.
See it on the paper → - 0493/21 · May/June 2024 · Q4b[4]
Explain the impact of the Battle of the Camel on ʿAli’s caliphate.
See it on the paper → - 0493/22 · October/November 2022 · Q3b[4]
What do ͑ Umar’s actions in his last days after his attack tell you about his character?
See it on the paper → - 0493/22 · May/June 2022 · Q4b[4]
Why do you think ͑ Ali encountered so much opposition after becoming caliph?
See it on the paper → - 0493/12 · October/November 2021 · Q2a[10]
Write about the way in which the Qur’an and Sunna are used in Islamic Law.
See it on the paper → - 0493/21 · October/November 2020 · Q4a[10]
Write a descriptive account of the Battle of Siffin and the arbitration that followed it.
See it on the paper → - 0493/21 · October/November 2020 · Q4b[4]
What in your opinion was the most serious outcome of the arbitration? Give reasons to support your answer.
See it on the paper → - 0493/21 · October/November 2019 · Q5a[10]
Give a detailed account of the following events: • the opposition faced by ‘Ali when he became Caliph and • the Battle of Camel
See it on the paper → - 0493/21 · October/November 2019 · Q5b[4]
In your opinion what was the greatest threat faced by ‘Ali during his caliphate?
See it on the paper → - 0493/22 · May/June 2019 · Q3a[10]
Mu‘awiya was opposed to ‘Ali’s caliphate. Give reasons for his opposition and write an account of the Battle of Siffin which resulted from this opposition.
See it on the paper → - 0493/22 · May/June 2019 · Q3b[4]
In your opinion what was the most serious consequence of the outcome of this battle? Give reasons for your answer.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Candidates were required to write about a significant reason for the Battle of Siffin and give a detailed account of the events of the battle. Most were able to write about a significant reason for the battle, but often the main body of answers did not detail the events of the battle itself but rather the arbitration. The account of arbitration was seen as development of the answer but to access t...
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0493/22 Q3(a) (Cambridge)
The kharijis opposition to ‘Ali after the Battle of Siffin and the consequences of this was the focus of this question. Candidates needed to discuss the idea that it led to the Battle of Nahrawan which further disheartened ‘Ali’s soldiers and made them turn down Ali’s call to fight Muawiya again. They were also required to write about how this stance led to a strengthening of Muawiya and a weakeni...
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0493/22 Q3(b) (Cambridge)
There were many good responses giving reasons for opposition to ʿAli such as, the delay in avenging the assassination of ʿUthman, the change of governors that led to the Battle of the Camel and the Battle of Siffin and the emergence of the Kharijites.
— Examiner report, May/June 2022, 0493/22 Q4(b) (Cambridge)
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