IGCSE Islamiyat 0493 · Topic 1

Paper 1 — The Qur'an, the Prophet ﷺ and the First Islamic Community: past paper questions

287 real questionsasked in 10 of the last 10 exam series2019–2025usually: Write, Give, Describe, Explain, Outline

Real questions on paper 1 — the qur'an, the prophet ﷺ and the first islamic community

The newest 20 of 287 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.

0493/11 · October/November 2025 · Q3a[10]
Give an account of the persecutions suffered by the new followers of Islam in Makka.
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0493/11 · October/November 2025 · Q3b[4]
What lessons can be learned from the lives of early Muslims about remaining steadfast in their faith?
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0493/11 · October/November 2025 · Q4a[10]
Describe the events of the battles of Mu’ta and Hunayn.
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0493/11 · October/November 2025 · Q4b[4]
What lessons can be learned from the Prophet’s actions at the Battle of Hunayn?
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0493/11 · October/November 2025 · Q5a[10]
Write about the life of ʿAisha during the years she was married to the Prophet (pbuh).
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0493/11 · October/November 2025 · Q5b[4]
How can Muslims today apply lessons learned from ʿAisha’s life about the importance of education and knowledge?
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0493/12 · October/November 2025 · Q1a[4]
Briefly describe the main theme(s) in each passage.
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0493/12 · October/November 2025 · Q1b[4]
Briefly explain the importance of these themes in a Muslim’s life today. Sura 6.75–79 75. So also did We show Abraham the power and the laws of the heavens and the earth, so that he might have certainty. 76. When the night covered him over, he saw a star: He said: ‘This is my Lord.’ But when it set, he said: ‘I do not...
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0493/21 · October/November 2025 · Q4a[10]
Write about the compilation and standardisation of the Qur’an, first under Abu Bakr and then under ʿUthman.
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0493/21 · October/November 2025 · Q4b[4]
In your opinion, what were the benefits of a written Qur’an to Muslims in the time of the two compilations and today.
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0493/22 · October/November 2025 · Q2a[10]
Write about how the four sources of Islamic law are used in law making.
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0493/22 · October/November 2025 · Q2b[4]
Why do you think the Prophet (pbuh) allowed the exercise of personal reasoning (qiyas)?
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0493/11 · May/June 2025 · Q1a[4]
Briefly describe the main theme(s) in each passage.
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0493/11 · May/June 2025 · Q1b[4]
Briefly explain the importance of these themes in a Muslim’s life today. Sura 42.4–5 4. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth: and He is most high, most great. 5. The heavens are almost rent asunder from above them, and the angels celebrate the praises of their Lord, and pray for forgiveness for beings...
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0493/11 · May/June 2025 · Q2a[10]
Using passages you have studied, describe God’s relationship with His Messengers Jesus ( ͑ Isa) and Muhammad (pbuh).
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0493/11 · May/June 2025 · Q2b[4]
To what extent do the stories of the Messengers help Muslims stay hopeful in difficult times?
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0493/11 · May/June 2025 · Q3a[10]
Describe the boycott of Muslims to Shi’b Abi Talib.
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0493/11 · May/June 2025 · Q3b[4]
To what extent was this boycott the worst time in the life of the Prophet (pbuh)?
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0493/11 · May/June 2025 · Q4a[10]
Outline the tasks the Prophet (pbuh) undertook to overcome divisions and create unity in the first year in Madina.
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0493/11 · May/June 2025 · Q4b[4]
In what ways can Muslims today promote good community relations in their own neighbourhoods?
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What examiners said

Ayat ul Kursi was the most popular passage selected by the candidates. Several key themes connected to God’s omnipotence and omniscience were discussed by the candidates which allowed them to score high marks. For passage (ii), candidates who highlighted unique qualities of God mentioned in the passage and His mercy were successful. In passage (iii), better responses focused on the guidance and su...
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0493/11 Q1(a) (Cambridge)

Many candidates gave some simplistic suggestions, such as believing in God or asking for His mercy and guidance. Candidates who selected specific themes from each passage and successfully explained how those themes could impact a Muslim’s mind, beliefs and practical life scored higher marks.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0493/11 Q1(b) (Cambridge)

Candidates were required to describe God’s relationship with His messengers, Jesus and Muhammad (pbuh). The quality of responses varied. Weaker candidates provided general accounts of the lives of the two prophets. Better responses made a reference to the Sura Maida passage as well as Sura Kauther and Duha and discussed God’s favours, with a focus on miracles granted to Isa and the support and co...
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0493/11 Q2(a) (Cambridge)

Practise this topic

Answer these questions online and get each one marked against the official mark scheme, with what you missed and how to fix it.

Practise paper 1 — the qur'an, the prophet ﷺ and the first islamic community

In the syllabus

1 CAM_ISL_0493.P1.T1.01 — The exam will set 3 passages from Appendix 1 (15 total). Candidates must show knowledge of the Arabic original alongside an accurate English

The exam will set 3 passages from Appendix 1 (15 total). Candidates must show knowledge of the Arabic original alongside an accurate English translation.
Theme group 1 — Allah in himself: passages 1-5 (Sura 2.255, 6.101-103, 41.37, 42.4-5, 112). See Chapter 3 Appendix 1.
Theme group 2 — Allah's relationship with the created world: passages 6-10 (Sura 1, 2.21-22, 96.1-5, 99, 114).
Theme group 3 — Allah's Messengers: passages 11-15 (Sura 2.30-37, 6.75-79, 5.110, 93, 108).
For every set passage: (a) identify the major theme(s), (b) explain the importance of these themes in the lives of Muslims today.
Study tip: study all 15 passages in Chapter 3 — Appendix 1.

2 CAM_ISL_0493.P1.T1.02 — Theme group 1 — Allah in himself: passages 1-5 (Sura 2.255, 6.101-103, 41.37, 42.4-5, 112). See Chapter 3 Appendix 1.

Theme group 1 — Allah in himself: passages 1-5 (Sura 2.255, 6.101-103, 41.37, 42.4-5, 112). See Chapter 3 Appendix 1.

3 CAM_ISL_0493.P1.T1.03 — Theme group 2 — Allah's relationship with the created world: passages 6-10 (Sura 1, 2.21-22, 96.1-5, 99, 114).

Theme group 2 — Allah's relationship with the created world: passages 6-10 (Sura 1, 2.21-22, 96.1-5, 99, 114).

4 CAM_ISL_0493.P1.T1.04 — Theme group 3 — Allah's Messengers: passages 11-15 (Sura 2.30-37, 6.75-79, 5.110, 93, 108).

Theme group 3 — Allah's Messengers: passages 11-15 (Sura 2.30-37, 6.75-79, 5.110, 93, 108).

5 CAM_ISL_0493.P1.T1.05 — For every set passage: (a) identify the major theme(s), (b) explain the importance of these themes in the lives of Muslims today.

For every set passage: (a) identify the major theme(s), (b) explain the importance of these themes in the lives of Muslims today.

6 CAM_ISL_0493.P1.T1.06 — Study tip: study all 15 passages in Chapter 3 — Appendix 1.

Study tip: study all 15 passages in Chapter 3 — Appendix 1.

7 CAM_ISL_0493.P1.T2.01 — Describe the revelation of the Qur'an to the Prophet ﷺ between the years 610 and 632.

Describe the revelation of the Qur'an to the Prophet ﷺ between the years 610 and 632.
Recount the compilation of the Qur'an under the Rightly Guided Caliphs (Abu Bakr's collection, 'Uthman's standardisation).
Identify the major themes of the Qur'an as contained both in the set passages and in other similar passages.
Explain the use of the Qur'an in legal thinking and its relationship with Hadith, consensus (ijma') and analogy (qiyas).
Explain the significance of the Qur'an as the basis of all thought and action in Islam.

8 CAM_ISL_0493.P1.T2.02 — Recount the compilation of the Qur'an under the Rightly Guided Caliphs (Abu Bakr's collection, 'Uthman's standardisation).

Recount the compilation of the Qur'an under the Rightly Guided Caliphs (Abu Bakr's collection, 'Uthman's standardisation).

9 CAM_ISL_0493.P1.T2.03 — Identify the major themes of the Qur'an as contained both in the set passages and in other similar passages.

Identify the major themes of the Qur'an as contained both in the set passages and in other similar passages.

10 CAM_ISL_0493.P1.T2.04 — Explain the use of the Qur'an in legal thinking and its relationship with Hadith, consensus (ijma') and analogy (qiyas).

Explain the use of the Qur'an in legal thinking and its relationship with Hadith, consensus (ijma') and analogy (qiyas).

11 CAM_ISL_0493.P1.T2.05 — Explain the significance of the Qur'an as the basis of all thought and action in Islam.

Explain the significance of the Qur'an as the basis of all thought and action in Islam.

12 CAM_ISL_0493.P1.T3.01 — Narrate the main events of the Prophet's life from his birth to his call to prophethood.

Narrate the main events of the Prophet's life from his birth to his call to prophethood.
Narrate the main events of his activities in Makka and his experiences with his opponents.
Narrate the main events of his activities in Madina, his leadership and his conflicts with the Makkans and others.
Describe his actions and character (akhlaq).
Explain the importance of his actions as examples for Muslim individuals in personal conduct and in relations with others, including women and non-Muslims.
Explain the importance of his actions as examples for Muslim communities in their relations with other states.
Discuss his significance as Seal of the Prophets (Khatam an-Nabiyyin) and last Messenger of God.

13 CAM_ISL_0493.P1.T3.02 — Narrate the main events of his activities in Makka and his experiences with his opponents.

Narrate the main events of his activities in Makka and his experiences with his opponents.

14 CAM_ISL_0493.P1.T3.03 — Narrate the main events of his activities in Madina, his leadership and his conflicts with the Makkans and others.

Narrate the main events of his activities in Madina, his leadership and his conflicts with the Makkans and others.

15 CAM_ISL_0493.P1.T3.04 — Describe his actions and character (akhlaq).

Describe his actions and character (akhlaq).

16 CAM_ISL_0493.P1.T3.05 — Explain the importance of his actions as examples for Muslim individuals in personal conduct and in relations with others, including women a

Explain the importance of his actions as examples for Muslim individuals in personal conduct and in relations with others, including women and non-Muslims.

17 CAM_ISL_0493.P1.T3.06 — Explain the importance of his actions as examples for Muslim communities in their relations with other states.

Explain the importance of his actions as examples for Muslim communities in their relations with other states.

18 CAM_ISL_0493.P1.T3.07 — Discuss his significance as Seal of the Prophets (Khatam an-Nabiyyin) and last Messenger of God.

Discuss his significance as Seal of the Prophets (Khatam an-Nabiyyin) and last Messenger of God.

19 CAM_ISL_0493.P1.T4.01 — Identify the Prophet's wives (Khadijah, Sawda, 'A'isha, Hafsa, Zaynab, Umm Salama, etc.) and the significance of each.

Identify the Prophet's wives (Khadijah, Sawda, 'A'isha, Hafsa, Zaynab, Umm Salama, etc.) and the significance of each.
Identify his descendants — children, grandchildren, and the direct line recognised among Shi'a Muslims as Imams.
Identify the Ten Blessed Companions ('Asharah Mubashsharah).
Identify the Scribes who recorded revelation.
Identify the Emigrants (Muhajirin) and Helpers (Ansar) and the major characters who surrounded the Prophet in his ministry.
Identify the four Rightly Guided Caliphs DURING the Prophet's lifetime. (Their period of rule AFTER the Prophet is covered in Paper 2 Topic 3.)
Explain the importance of these companions' actions and experiences in the history and beliefs of Islam.

20 CAM_ISL_0493.P1.T4.02 — Identify his descendants — children, grandchildren, and the direct line recognised among Shi'a Muslims as Imams.

Identify his descendants — children, grandchildren, and the direct line recognised among Shi'a Muslims as Imams.

21 CAM_ISL_0493.P1.T4.03 — Identify the Ten Blessed Companions ('Asharah Mubashsharah).

Identify the Ten Blessed Companions ('Asharah Mubashsharah).

22 CAM_ISL_0493.P1.T4.04 — Identify the Scribes who recorded revelation.

Identify the Scribes who recorded revelation.

23 CAM_ISL_0493.P1.T4.05 — Identify the Emigrants (Muhajirin) and Helpers (Ansar) and the major characters who surrounded the Prophet in his ministry.

Identify the Emigrants (Muhajirin) and Helpers (Ansar) and the major characters who surrounded the Prophet in his ministry.

24 CAM_ISL_0493.P1.T4.06 — Identify the four Rightly Guided Caliphs DURING the Prophet's lifetime. (Their period of rule AFTER the Prophet is covered in Paper 2 Topic

Identify the four Rightly Guided Caliphs DURING the Prophet's lifetime. (Their period of rule AFTER the Prophet is covered in Paper 2 Topic 3.)

25 CAM_ISL_0493.P1.T4.07 — Explain the importance of these companions' actions and experiences in the history and beliefs of Islam.

Explain the importance of these companions' actions and experiences in the history and beliefs of Islam.

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