The Qur'an: revelation, compilation and use: past paper questions
Real questions on the qur'an: revelation, compilation and use
The newest 20 of 46 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0493/11 · May/June 2026 · Q2a[10]
2 (a) Outline the four main sources of Islamic law and the way they are used together. [10]
See it on the paper → - 0493/11 · May/June 2026 · Q2b[4]
To what extent does using all the sources make practising Islam easy for Muslims today? Give reasons to support your answer.
See it on the paper → - 0493/12 · May/June 2026 · Q2a[10]
2 (a) Write about the Qur'an as a source of Islamic law and how it is used with two other sources. [10]
See it on the paper → - 0493/12 · May/June 2026 · Q2b[4]
To what extent do these sources allow Islamic law to adapt to changing times? Give reasons to support your answer.
See it on the paper → - 0493/11 · October/November 2025 · Q2a[10]
Describe the first revelation, and the roles of Jibril, Khadija and Waraqah ibn Nawfal at the time of the first revelation.
See it on the paper → - 0493/11 · October/November 2025 · Q2b[4]
What is the significance of God sending the first revelation through an angel? Give reasons for your answer.
See it on the paper → - 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.
See it on the paper → - 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.
See it on the paper → - 0493/22 · October/November 2025 · Q2a[10]
Write about how the four sources of Islamic law are used in law making.
See it on the paper → - 0493/21 · May/June 2025 · Q2a[10]
Write about the rules of analogy (qiyas) to show how it is used in law making. Give two examples of its use by Muslims today.
See it on the paper → - 0493/21 · May/June 2025 · Q2b[4]
Why in your opinion are some Muslims reluctant to use qiyas to find solutions for everyday problems?
See it on the paper → - 0493/11 · October/November 2024 · Q2a[10]
Give an account of the different ways that revelation came to the Prophet (pbuh).
See it on the paper → - 0493/11 · October/November 2024 · Q2b[4]
The Qur’an has remained the same since it was revealed. How does this benefit Muslims?
See it on the paper → - 0493/12 · October/November 2024 · Q2a[10]
Describe how the four sources of Islamic Law work with each other in law making.
See it on the paper → - 0493/12 · October/November 2024 · Q2b[4]
To what extent is the use of ijmaʿ and qiyas more important today than in the past?
See it on the paper → - 0493/12 · May/June 2024 · Q2a[10]
Describe the way the Qur’an was compiled and standardised into one book.
See it on the paper → - 0493/12 · May/June 2024 · Q2b[4]
In what ways is it beneficial for Muslims to have a written Qur’an?
See it on the paper → - 0493/22 · May/June 2024 · Q2a[10]
Describe analogy (qiyas) and how it is used in the making of Islamic Law. Give one example to support your answer.
See it on the paper → - 0493/22 · May/June 2024 · Q2b[4]
Give reasons why some Muslims might be less likely to use analogy (qiyas) to solve present‑day issues.
See it on the paper → - 0493/12 · May/June 2023 · Q2a[10]
Write about the different ways that revelations were received by the Prophet (pbuh).
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
This question was well attempted by candidates who responded in their own way. Some explained qiyas, gave the rules of qiyas and then followed this with two examples. Others briefly described qiyas, gave two examples and demonstrated their understanding of the rules of qiyas without using the words asl, illa far and hukm. Some candidates gave the account of the Prophet’s conversation with Muʿadh...
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0493/21 Q2(a) (Cambridge)
The majority of answers to this question were of a good standard although there were some candidates who did not seem to understand the meaning of the word ‘reluctant’ or who misread the question as asking why Muslims use qiyas. This led to answers which were correct in terms of content but did not satisfactorily answer the question and so could not earn credit. Answers such as these could, at bes...
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0493/21 Q2(b) (Cambridge)
Overall, candidates did well on this question. A significant majority of candidates accurately recounted the events surrounding the first revelation which marked the start of the process of revelation. Furthermore, they expanded on the timing and occasions of the subsequent revelations. However, it was when candidates started describing different modes of revelation and bodily sensations the Proph...
— Examiner report, May/June 2023, 0493/12 Q2(a) (Cambridge)
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