The Pillars of Islam and jihad: past paper questions
Real questions on the pillars of islam and jihad
The newest 20 of 52 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0493/21 · May/June 2026 · Q4a[10]
4 (a) Write about the two parts of the Declaration of Faith (Shahada) and their importance. [10]
See it on the paper → - 0493/21 · May/June 2026 · Q5a[10]
5 (a) Describe how the call to prayer (azaan) was introduced and what conditions must be met before a Muslim starts prayer. [10]
See it on the paper → - 0493/21 · May/June 2026 · Q5b[4]
In your opinion, what is the significance of the words of the call to prayer (azaan)?
See it on the paper → - 0493/22 · May/June 2026 · Q5a[10]
5 (a) Write a detailed account of the two main festivals of Islam and how they are celebrated by Muslims across the world. [10]
See it on the paper → - 0493/22 · May/June 2026 · Q5b[4]
Why are Islamic festivals important to celebrate? Give reasons for your answer.
See it on the paper → - 0493/22 · October/November 2025 · Q5a[10]
Write about and give the importance of the following three elements of the annual pilgrimage (Hajj). • • • ihram sa’i rami
See it on the paper → - 0493/22 · October/November 2025 · Q5b[4]
What is the importance of offering sacrifice (Qurbani ) during Hajj for pilgrims and Muslims worldwide?
See it on the paper → - 0493/22 · May/June 2025 · Q5a[10]
Outline how Muslims prepare for Friday (Jumʾa) prayers and Eid prayers and describe the special features of these prayers.
See it on the paper → - 0493/22 · May/June 2025 · Q5b[4]
Why, for Muslim men, is so much importance given to praying in congregation at a mosque?
See it on the paper → - 0493/21 · October/November 2024 · Q4a[10]
Describe how Muslims observe the fast of Ramadan and how they should spend this month.
See it on the paper → - 0493/21 · October/November 2024 · Q4b[4]
In your opinion, how does fasting in Ramadan encourage unity amongst Muslims? Give reasons to support your answer.
See it on the paper → - 0493/21 · October/November 2024 · Q5a[10]
Write an account of the three ways Muslims might achieve ritual purity before prayer (salat).
See it on the paper → - 0493/21 · October/November 2024 · Q5b[4]
Why do you think so much importance is given to ritual purification in Islam? Give reasons for your answer.
See it on the paper → - 0493/22 · October/November 2024 · Q4a[10]
Describe the rites that are performed from the 8th to 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah during the annual pilgrimage (Hajj).
See it on the paper → - 0493/22 · October/November 2024 · Q4b[4]
What is the importance for Muslims of performing sacrifice during Eid al-Adha?
See it on the paper → - 0493/12 · October/November 2023 · Q2b[4]
How can Muslims use the Qur’an to develop a closer connection with God?
See it on the paper → - 0493/21 · May/June 2023 · Q5a[10]
Describe the moral and spiritual benefits of fasting in Ramadan for Muslims and their society.
See it on the paper → - 0493/21 · May/June 2023 · Q5b[4]
What do you consider to be the most important benefit of fasting in Ramadan? Give reasons to support your answer.
See it on the paper → - 0493/22 · May/June 2023 · Q4a[10]
What are the benefits of prayer (salat) to an individual and to the community?
See it on the paper → - 0493/22 · May/June 2023 · Q4b[4]
What is the importance of beginning to pray (salat) from a young age?
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Some good answers were seen in response to this question. Candidates needed to write about how Muslims prepare for both Friday (Jumʾa) and Eid prayers, as well as the special features of these prayers. Although there was some overlap in content, there were clear differences as well, especially in terms of the special features.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0493/22 Q5(a) (Cambridge)
This question asked candidates about the importance of praying in congregation at a mosque, not only for Friday or Eid Prayers, but every day. Some candidates wrote good responses discussing how praying in congregation develops brotherhood, unity and equality. Some answers identified that after congregational prayers issues facing the community are discussed and charity is given. Conclusion Over...
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0493/22 Q5(b) (Cambridge)
The responses to this question were generally satisfactory. Responses successfully identified various ways of engaging with the Quran and proceeded to illustrate how each approach contributes to forging a close connection with God. For instance, some highlighted the significance of reading about God's qualities in the Quran, fostering awe and wonder. Others emphasized the importance of studying an...
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 0493/12 Q2(b) (Cambridge)
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