Skip to content
AssessProPast papers & practice
IGCSE Religious Studies 0490 · Religious Studies · 84

0490.1.17.01 — (a) Similarities and differences between Hajj and ʿUmrah.: past paper questions

7 real questionsasked in 4 of the last 8 exam series2019–2025usually: Give, Explain, Evaluate

Real questions on 0490.1.17.01 — (a) similarities and differences between hajj and ʿumrah.

The newest 7 of 7 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.

  1. 0490/13 · October/November 2025 · Q6b[6]

    Explain how ʿUmrah is different from the Hajj.

    See it on the paper →
  2. 0490/13 · October/November 2025 · Q6c[8]

    Evaluate whether overcoming physical challenges is the most important part of Muslim pilgrimage. You must refer to Islam in your answer. Your response should consider different points of view when you evaluate the question. Section C – Judaism If you have chosen this section, you must answer two questions.

    See it on the paper →
  3. 0490/13 · October/November 2023 · Q4a(ii)[4]

    Briefly describe what is meant by the hajj.

    See it on the paper →
  4. 0490/23 · October/November 2022 · Q4c[6]

    ‘Equality is the most important feature of hajj.’ Discuss this statement. Give your own opinion and show that you have thought about other points of view. You must refer to Islam in your answer.

    See it on the paper →
  5. 0490/23 · October/November 2019 · Q5a[7]

    Give a description of three stages of Hajj (not including Arafat).

    See it on the paper →
  6. 0490/23 · October/November 2019 · Q5b[7]

    Explain why Arafat is an important place for Muslims to visit when on Hajj.

    See it on the paper →
  7. 0490/23 · October/November 2019 · Q5c[6]

    ‘Hajj will always change the life of a Muslim.’ Discuss this statement. Give your own opinion and show that you have thought about other points of view. You must refer to Islam in your answer.

    See it on the paper →

What examiners said

Most candidates demonstrated detailed knowledge of what the Hajj entails and its status as a pillar of Islam. Many responses went into far greater detail than was required to gain the available marks.

— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 0490/13 Q4(a)(ii) (Cambridge)

It was clear to many that the wearing of ihram is for reasons of equality. Many agreed with the statement for this reason. Strong responses commented that equality is an important feature within Islam as a whole. Ideas surrounding equality and brotherhood were common in responses. Some responses separated these two things whereas others made brotherhood and equality two parts of one whole. Other r...

— Examiner report, October/November 2022, 0490/23 Q4(c) (Cambridge)

Most candidates had knowledge of three stages of Hajj, the majority selecting the tawaf around the Ka’ba, stoning the pillars at Mina and the sacrifice. Details of the stages were well known and overall the performance on this question was good.

— Examiner report, October/November 2019, 0490/23 Q5(a) (Cambridge)

Past papers, syllabus and examiner reports © UCLES (Cambridge University Press & Assessment). Questions are matched to topics from the official syllabus. AssessPro is independent and not endorsed by Cambridge.

0490.1.17.01 — (a) Similarities and differences between Hajj and ʿUmrah. — IGCSE Religious Studies 0490 past paper questions | AssessPro