Sample Answer Set 1 (Sams 2016) Risalah, Tawhid, Muhammed, Allah

A) What do Muslims mean by 'Risalah'. [2]

"Risalah" refers to the concept of Prophethood or Messengership. It encompasses the belief that Allah has sent prophets and messengers to guide and communicate His message to humanity throughout history. The term "Risalah" is derived from the Arabic root word "Rasul," which means "messenger."

Muslims believe that Allah, out of His mercy and wisdom, has chosen and appointed various prophets and messengers to convey His guidance, laws, and teachings to humankind. The quran says "Indeed, We have sent you as a witness and a bringer of good tidings and a warner so that you may believe in Allah and His Messenger and support him and respect him and exalt Him, morning and afternoon." (Quran 48:8)  These prophets and messengers are considered to be the chosen representatives of Allah, endowed with divine knowledge and tasked with guiding people on the right path so should be respected.

B)  Explain Muslim teaching about the Tawhid (Oneness) of Allah  [5]

Tawhid is the Islamic concept of the oneness of God at the centre of all Islamic belief is the belief in one God—Allah. There is no other God but Allah and there is no one comparable to Him. We will never understand Allah as His nature supersedes our limited minds. We are made by Him but He is not Himself made. Begotten not made. He is eternal.(Without beginning or end/ not limited by time and space). “He is God the One, God the eternal. He begot no one nor was He Begotten. No one is comparable to Him.” Surah 112:1-4

He is not made up of different aspects and therefore we talk of Allah as One. The Shahadah is the first pillar of Islam and is said several times a day—it reinforces the idea of Tawhid: ‘There is no God but Allah and Prophet Muhammad is His messenger’.  Tawhid is divided into two main parts belief in the oneness of God's Lordship, and oneness of God's Worship.Muslims belief that there is only one God who is the creator, sustainer, and ruler of the universe. Muslims believe that God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good. They also believe that God is unique and incomparable to anything else in the universe. They also belief that God is the only one who is worthy of worship. Muslims believe that God is the only one who can grant them guidance, forgiveness, and salvation. They also believe that God is the only one who can answer their prayers and protect them from harm. The Quran says: "Say, 'He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, Nor is there to Him any equivalent.'" (Quran 112:1-4) The Prophet Muhammad also emphasized the importance of Tawhid in his teachings. He said: "Islam is built on five pillars: testifying that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger, establishing prayer, paying Zakat, fasting in Ramadan, and performing Hajj if one is able." (Bukhari)  This Sunni Hadith shows that Tawhid is the foundation of Islam. It is the first pillar of Islam and is essential for a person to be considered a Muslim.

C) Explain why Muhammad is important in Islam.  

Generally Muslims belief the prophet Muhammad so important because Allah chose him above all others to reveal the Qur’an. Muhammad received the final revelation from Allah. He is known as the ‘seal’ of the prophets. “Muhammad is not the father of any one of you men; he is God’s Messenger and the seal of the prophets: God knows everything.” Surah 33:40  This verse emphasizes Muhammad's unique role as the final prophet, confirming his exceptional status in Islam. Muslims believe that Muhammad is the last and final prophet sent by Allah (God) to guide humanity. His prophethood marks the culmination of a long line of messengers, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. As the seal of the prophets, his arrival completes the divine message, providing Muslims with the final revelation in the form of the Qur'an.  The Qur'an, believed to be the literal word of Allah, was revealed to Muhammad over a period of 23 years. "Nor does he speak from [his own] inclination. It is not but a revelation revealed." (Qur'an, Surah An-Najm 53:3-4)  As the recipient of this divine revelation, Muhammad played a vital role in conveying the Qur'anic message to humanity. His role as the conduit for the Qur'an establishes his significance as the bearer of divine guidance for Muslims.   Further his work both founded and established the Islamic faith as he stood up against polytheism and idolatry "Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and those who are with him are firm against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves." (Qur'an, Surah Al-Fath 48:29) Muhammed not only taught how a Muslim should live their life, but led by example. He spoke with authority but made it easy for others to learn. He taught Muslims how to pray and this can be seen in Mosques everyday  

Further Muslims believe Muhammed the individual is a perfect example and ultimate role model for them. The Quran says "Verily in the Messenger of Allah, you have a good example for him who looks to Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah much." (Qur'an, Surah Al-Ahzab 33:21)  His life, actions, and teachings are seen as exemplary and serve as a guide for Muslims in all aspects of life, including spirituality, morality, social conduct, and governance. Muslims strive to emulate his character and follow his Sunnah (the practices and teachings of Muhammad) as a means of drawing closer to Allah and seeking righteousness.  For example he was called Muhammed the 'honest' and the 'wise' known an honest and righteous man who people could trust in and follow. He was compassionate and merciful and put Allah’s words into action; he was just, loyal and was concerned about the welfare of others including animals. Hadiths are the sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad, compiled by his companions and later scholars. In Sahih Muslim, a collection of authentic Hadiths, it is narrated that the Prophet Muhammad said, "I have been sent to perfect good character." This Hadith highlights his role in guiding Muslims towards moral and ethical behavior, emphasizing his importance as a role model.  Muhammad was an ordinary man and therefore his example is attainable; we can all be like Muhammad. Being a prophet is not easy, it comes with hardships (i.e. persecution, doubt and ridicule) but Muhammad through, patience, conviction and true belief in God and submission to God’s will, Muhammad overcame these hardships and we can do the same in our lives.   Muhammad strove to make his community a better place and put his beliefs of equality and justice into action e.g. appointing the first prayer caller who was a black man named Bilal. Muhammeds actions as a Social Reformer: are described in the Quran when it says "O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you." (Qur'an, Surah Al-Hujurat 49:13)  and further that "The best of you are those who are best to their women." (Hadith, Sunan Ibn Majah) Thus Muslims claim that Prophet Muhammad was the greatest political and religious leader of all time managing to combined both roles perfectly. He allowed religious freedom, gave women rights and cared for the sick and elderly.

Muhammad also sets the example as the ultimate family man. This is reflected in the Hadith that says  "The best among you is the one who is best to his family, and I am the best among you to my family." (Hadith, Sunan At-Tirmidhi showing  Muhammad's exemplary conduct and treatment of his family members, highlighting his importance as a role model for Muslims in their familial relationships. It underscores the significance of kindness, compassion, and care within the family unit, with Muhammad setting the example as the epitome of goodness towards his own family. This theme is developed in the Qur’an when it talks about good fathers e.g. Adam, Noah, Lut, Jacob, Ibrahim and then Muhammad. Islam sees the family as the basis for a successful society. If a family works well they contribute to society; society is a family and it reflects the families within in. If parents take care of their children and bring them up to be fair, compassionate and hardworking, society will reflect this.   

D) Belief in Allah is the most important Muslim belief (15 marks) '

Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.) 

Marks for spelling, punctuation and the accurate use of grammar and specialist terminology are allocated to this question. [15 + 6]

Introduction: All Muslims believe Tawhid, the belief in the oneness of Allah. It holds significant importance in Islam, is mentioned in the six articles of faith (Sunni) and five roots of religion (Shia). Yet it is not the only vital teaching. 

Argument for: For more literal Muslims, such as Shi'a Muslims, Tawhid is indeed considered the most crucial belief. They emphasize the absolute oneness of Allah and hold that everything in the Qur'an is to be taken literally. As the Qur'an states, "Say: He is Allah, [who is] One" (Qur'an, Surah Al-Ikhlas 112:1). They regard Tawhid as the central principle of their faith, highlighting its utmost significance.  THE STRENGTH of this argument, is it aligns with the Qur'an, the primary religious text in Islam. However, it should be noted that emphasizing Tawhid as the sole and most important belief may overlook the broader teachings and principles also outlined in the Qur'an.

Argument against: On the other hand, for more liberal Muslims, like Sunni Muslims, would agree with the statement to an extent. They acknowledge the importance of Tawhid but also emphasize the significance of other teachings. The Qur'an states, "Indeed, this Qur'an guides to that which is most suitable and gives good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds" (Qur'an, Surah Al-Isra 17:9). This highlights the comprehensive guidance of the Qur'an and the importance of righteous actions in addition to belief in Allah.    THE STRENGTH of this argument, is in highlighing the broader context of Islamic teachings. However, it may be argued that the weakness lies in not explicitly addressing whether belief in Allah is the most central belief among these teachings.

Argument against:   As someone who is non-religious, it is important to recognize and respect the perspectives of those who follow Islam. While belief in Allah and Tawhid hold immense significance for Muslims, other teachings and behavioral structures within Islam are also deemed important. The Qur'an states, "And whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, while being a believer - those will enter Paradise" (Qur'an, Surah An-Nahl 16:97). This emphasizes the importance of righteous deeds beyond belief alone.  The WEAKNESS of my  perspective lies in its subjective nature. As a non-religious viewpoint, it may not fully capture the nuanced understanding and significance that belief in Allah and Tawhid hold for Muslims. 

In conclusion, while belief in Allah and Tawhid are undeniably significant in Islam, different perspectives within the faith offer varying viewpoints on the most important belief. Literal Muslims prioritize Tawhid as the central tenet, while more liberal Muslims recognize the importance of all teachings in the Qur'an. Quotes from the Qur'an demonstrate the comprehensive guidance it provides and the significance of righteous actions alongside belief. Respecting these perspectives allows for a more nuanced understanding of the multifaceted nature of Islamic beliefs and teachings.

Sample Answer Set 2 (2018) Tawhid, Adam, Prophethood, Angels  

A) What do Muslims mean by ‘tawhid’?  [2]

At the centre of all Islamic belief is the belief in one God—Allah. There is no other God but Allah and there is no one comparable to Him. We will never understand Allah as His nature supersedes our limited minds. We are made by Him but He is not Himself made. Begotten not made. He is eternal.

The Quran says Allah is without beginning or end/ not limited by time and space. “He is God the One, God the eternal. He begot no one nor was He Begotten. No one is comparable to Him.” Surah 112:1-4. He is not made up of different aspects and therefore we talk of Allah as One. The Shahadah is the first pillar of Islam and is said several times a day—it reinforces the idea of Tawhid:  ‘There is no God but Allah and Prophet Muhammad is His messenger’. 

B) Describe Muslim beliefs about Adam.   [5]

Muslims belief Adam was a Prophet.  Prophets are chosen by Allah to deliver His message. Prophets are essential in communicating God’s message on how humanity should live their life and the consequences of our life choices in the life hereafter. Prophets are good people who are able to lead by example. “Every community is sent a messenger, and when their messenger comes, they will be judged justly; they will not be wronged.” Surah 10:47. There are two types of messengers/ prophets: ‘rasul’: this is a messenger that passes on divine revelation to everyone/ everywhere. ‘nabi’: this is a messenger that has been given revelation or news of an important nature to specific communities or is specific to that prophet.  Allah created Adam directly the Quran (2:31-33) says "And We said, "O Adam, dwell in Paradise, you and your wife, and eat therefrom in abundance wherever you wish. And do not approach this tree, lest you become among the wrongdoers."

Muslims believe Adam was the first prophet and was the first human being and the father of all humanity.  He was created by God from dust. Adam however disobeyed Allah and distanced himself from God. Why was Adam important? What can we learn from him? 1. He is father of all mankind. 2. He was a prophet until death. 3. He taught the revelations to his sons. 4. He taught about the work of Iblis and how to protect themselves against Jinn. 5. He taught that life on earth was temporary, eternal life could be had in the next life. 6. He built the Ka’bah as the first place of worship. 7. Adam disobeyed Allah but immediately repented and always regretted his sin. He found salvation through God’s forgiveness. (Iblis never showed repentance and so lost hope and is forever tormented. Each year on Hajj Muslims follow in Adam’s footprints and ask Allah for forgiveness of their sins on the mount of mercy (just as Adam did). 

C) Explain why prophethood is important in Islam.   

Generally Muslims belief Prophets are important as they serve as intermediaries between Allah (God) and humanity, providing divine guidance and revealing God's will. For instance, Prophet Moses (Musa) received the Ten Commandments as a guidance for his people. The Quran states, "And We appointed with Moses thirty nights and completed them with ten; thus was completed the term of his Lord, forty nights." (Quran 7:142). Further prophets serve as role models for Muslims, exhibiting exemplary character and behavior. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is considered the seal of the prophets and the ideal example of conduct. His teachings and actions are recorded in Hadith literature, such as his kindness and mercy towards others. It is narrated that he said, "The best among you are those who have the best manners and character." (Al-Bukhari)  Moreover prophets play a crucial role in preserving and transmitting religious teachings. Prophet Jesus (Isa) is recognized as a messenger who brought the Injeel (Gospel) to his followers. The Quran affirms the importance of preserving these teachings, stating, "And We sent, following in their footsteps, Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming that which came before him in the Torah; and We gave him the Gospel, in which was guidance and light." (Quran 5:46) Further prophets also serve as warning bearers, reminding people of their duties and responsibilities. Prophet Noah (Nuh) is an example of a prophet who warned his people about the consequences of their disbelief. The Quran recounts his message, "He said, 'O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. Indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a tremendous Day.'" (Quran 7:59) Finally Prophets unite the Muslim community by instilling faith, fostering a sense of belonging, and promoting unity among believers. Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) is revered as the father of monotheism, and Muslims are encouraged to follow in his footsteps. The Quran emphasizes the unity of believers, saying, "Indeed, the most worthy of Abraham among the people are those who followed him [in submission to Allah] and this prophet, and those who believe [in his message]." (Quran 3:68)

Sunni Muslims emphasis that prophets are seen as intermediaries between Allah and humanity, delivering divine guidance and revelations to guide people on the right path. The Qur'an affirms this by stating, "And We sent not before you, [O Muhammad], except men to whom We revealed [the message], so ask the people of the message if you do not know" (Qur'an, Surah An-Nahl 16:43).   That prophets played a vital role in combating polytheism and upholding the belief in the oneness of Allah (Tawhid). They taught monotheistic principles and called people to worship Allah alone. The Qur'an emphasizes this by stating, "And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], 'Worship Allah and avoid Taghut'" (Qur'an, Surah An-Nahl 16:36).  And that Prophets played a vital role in combating polytheism and upholding the belief in the oneness of Allah (Tawhid). They taught monotheistic principles and called people to worship Allah alone. The Qur'an emphasizes this by stating, "And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], 'Worship Allah and avoid Taghut'" (Qur'an, Surah An-Nahl 16:36).

Shia Muslims emphasis the idea of Imams as the successors to the prophets so believe in the continuation of divine guidance through the concept of Imamate, which they consider as an extension of prophethood. The Imams, starting from Ali ibn Abi Talib, are seen as successors to the Prophet Muhammad and bearers of his knowledge and teachings. The Qur'an affirms this with the verse, "Your ally is none but Allah and [therefore] His Messenger and those who have believed - those who establish prayer and give zakah while bowing" (Qur'an, Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:55).  The prohets as well as teh Imams are regarded as the guardians and protectors of the true teachings of Islam. They are believed to possess infallibility and divine knowledge, guiding the Muslim community in matters of faith and practice. The Prophet Muhammad himself stated, "I am leaving among you two weighty things: the Book of Allah and my progeny, the Ahlul Bayt (the Household). As long as you hold onto them both, you will never go astray after me."  The Imams are considered spiritual and moral leaders, guiding the Shi'a community not only in matters of religious doctrine but also in personal and social conduct. Their teachings encompass a comprehensive moral framework. Imam Ali once said, "The best judge is one who judges according to what Allah has revealed."

D) Belief in angels is no longer important for Muslims (15 marks) '

Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.) 

Marks for spelling, punctuation and the accurate use of grammar and specialist terminology are allocated to this question. [15 + 6]

There are six articles of belief in Islam which are mentioned in the Quran individually and stated in the Hadith known as “Imaan-e-Mufassal”. Allah, his Angels (Mala’ikah), his Books (Kutubullah), his Messengers (Rusulullah), the Day of Judgement (Yawmuddin), Life after death (Akhirah) and Destiny (Al – Qadr). These beliefs have been clearly stated in the Imaan-e-Mufassal, “I believe in Allah, in His Angels, in His Books, in His Messengers, in the Last Day and the Fate, good and bad, from Allah the Almighty and in coming into Life after Death”. These beliefs can be put into three categories, Tawhid, Risalah and Akhirah. If you do not believe in any one of these beliefs then your faith is incomplete and you cannot be considered a Muslim. There are always questions on whether which article of belief is important or whether they are equally the same, there arguments to support both sides of the statement.

ARGUMENT FOR Angels (Mala’ikah) are one of the six articles of belief in Islam but it is just the least ofeth beliefs. They fall under the category of Risalah. They have an important part to play in the Muslim belief and are known as Mala’ikah. There are many angels that are created by Allah out of Noor (divine light) for different purposes as well as serving and worshipping Allah. The Quran says: “They are honoured servants, who do not precede Him in speech, and they act according to His command. He knows what is ahead of them, and they do not intercede, except for those whom He approves” There are three main groups of angels: archangels, ministering angels and fallen angels. Surah 2 mentions that Muslims should really focus on Allah, the Last Day, the Angels and the Prophets, this is probably due when it was written and if it was in that order, but surah 82 mentions the qualities of the angels, and it sort of suggests that that angels are important because they have been given authority by Allah to look after the humanity, as they were Allah’s first creation which signifies there importance. The Quran states that “All things created by Allah will be judged on the Last Day” this means that Angels and Jinn’s will be also judges along with Human beings, this contradicts the fact that even though angels are an article of belief yet they will be judged like other beings, even though they have no free will unlike humans and are obedient to Allah at all times, which could suggest they are not as important as other articles of belief. Jibrail is Allah most beloved angel; he is the chief of all angels and Allah’s messenger. Mika’il brings rain, plants and food for the creation by the will of Allah. Israf’il will blow the trumpet on the day of judgement and Izra’il is the angel of death. Without angel Jibrail there would not have been a message conveyed on the night of power in 610CE, where Allah sent Jibrail to deliver the message to Muhammad, for the first time. Angels are one way in which Allah can communicate with man.

ARGUMENT  AGAINST However , some Muslims find all the articles of belief equally important and if you do not believe in one of them then you cannot be considered a Muslim. Angels are important because they are a way of communication in which Allah can communicate through mankind. Angel Jibrail was the intermediate between Allah and Muhammad. Allah delivered the message to Muhammad through Jibrail. Without angels there would be no night of power.

ARGUMENT FOR Yet it  could be argued its more important to belief in the Prophets of Allah also one of the required pillars of faith. Muslims are obliged to believe in all the Prophets because they all preached the same message and Muslims should have the same respect for all the Prophets. Allah says in the Quran: “Say (O Muslims): 'We believe in Allah and that which has been sent down to us and that which has been sent down to Ibrahim (Abraham), Ismaa’eel (Ishmael), Ishaaq (Isaac), Ya‘qoob (Jacob), and to Al-Asbaat [the offspring of the twelve sons of Ya‘qoob (Jacob)], and that which has been given to Moosa (Moses) and ‘Isa (Jesus), and that which has been given to the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have submitted (in Islam)'" [2:136]. The messengers were sent by Allah, so that mankind might be guided to the truth and be cleansed from sin. Just like The Books were sent to do this, each of these could thus be argued to be of like importance, with the Quran having more importance as the prophets were sent down to spread the message of Allah which was revealed in the Quran. 

This is a strong argument a, it could be argued that as Islam preaches that there is only one Supreme and Eternal God and that is Allah and it could be argued that h is the most important article of belief as he is omnipotent and omnibenevolent. He is the creator and sustainer of everything. He is Transcendent and omniscient, he is unique and invisible, but is always close to us and is Omnipresent. One of the most important aspect of Islam is Tawhid, the oneness and unity of Allah and to not have faith in Tawhid is committing shirk (sin). Tawhid is expressed in the Shahadah which is the Muslim declaration of faith and is the first pillar of Islam. It testifies that “There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah”. It is beyond human understanding to know the full characteristics of Allah, that’s why there are the 99 names of Allah suggest that no one knows Allah perfectly and that’s why there aren’t 100 names because it is beyond our understanding to understand such as beautiful being. This article of faith is important because Islam is based on worshipping (Ibadah) Allah and if there was no Allah then there would be no universe and no Islam. That’s is why the purpose of humans is to worship (Ibadah) Allah by reading the Quran and practising the  Pillars of Islam, and this is mentioned in the Quran which states “we were created for none but to worship God” this means that Muslims’ were created to look after his creation and be stewards by sustaining the creation. If we were only created to Ibadah Allah then, this suggests that he is the most important article of faith. It could be argued that the belief in Allah results to the belief in the books, messengers, angels, last day and al-qudr which could be treated the same in all respects.

CONCLUSION In conclusion to some extent, all the articles of belief are equally important but Angels could be seen as least important, they still are important and play a key role in Islam. Most Muslims today would believe that the seven articles of faith should all be equally important and significant in Islam. I personally believe that all the articles of belief are equally important and that a Muslim should have faith in all these beliefs to be recognise as a Muslim as the Quran says:“The Messenger [Muhammad] believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord and [so do] the believers. Each one believes in Allah, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers".

Sample Answer Set 3 (2019)  Prophethood, Mika'il, Quran, Ibrahim

A) What do Muslims mean by ‘prophethood’?  [2]

In Islam, "prophethood" refers to the belief in the messengers sent by Allah (God) to guide and convey His message to humanity. Muslims believe that throughout history, Allah chose certain individuals as prophets to serve as His representatives on Earth. These prophets were divinely appointed and granted knowledge, guidance, and revelations from Allah to convey His will and teachings to people. 

The concept of prophethood in Islam entails several key aspects- Divine Selection, Conveyance of Revelation, Role as Messengers, Exemplary Character, and Continuity and Finality. They were selected based on their righteousness, character, and ability to fulfill the responsibility of conveying Allah's message to humanity.  Prophets received revelations from Allah in various forms, including direct communication, visions, dreams, or inspiration.  They called people to monotheism (belief in the oneness of Allah), taught moral and ethical values, and warned against the consequences of straying from the right path. Their character served as a practical demonstration of the teachings they preached, providing a tangible example for people to follow.  The final prophet in Islam is believed to be Muhammad, who is considered the seal of the prophets and the bearer of the most comprehensive and final divine revelation, the Qur'an. 

B) Describe the significance of Mika’il to Muslims.   [5]

Muslims believe Mika'il is significant as he is the archangel described in Islam as the Angel of Mercy. He is the one who provides sustenance to humans e.g. the rain. He therefore provides physical nourishment to humans. He is also an archangel and therefore is important. Again he is recognised as an archangel in Judaism and Christianity. Most of what is known about Mika’il comes from Islamic tradition rather than the Qur’an.  Protector and Provider: Mika'il is known as the angel of sustenance and provision. He is responsible for distributing sustenance and blessings from Allah to His creation. Muslims believe that Mika'il plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and provisions of individuals. The Qur'an affirms this role, stating, "And how many a creature carries not its [own] provision. Allah provides for it and for you. And He is the Hearing, the Knowing" (Qur'an, Surah Al-Ankabut 29:60).

Muslims believe Mika'il is significant as he is the guardian of nature.  The Qur'an mentions this aspect, saying, "Say, 'Who is it that provides for you from the heaven and the earth? Or who is it that controls hearing and sight and who brings the living out of the dead and brings the dead out of the living and who arranges [every] matter?' They will say, 'Allah,' so say, 'Then will you not fear Him?'" (Qur'an, Surah Yunus 10:31). Mika'il is associated with the preservation and management of the natural world. He is believed to oversee the cycles of seasons, rain, and fertility. Muslims view Mika'il's role in maintaining the balance and harmony of the environment as a testament to Allah's wisdom and care for His creation. 

Muslims believe Mika'il is significant as he is an intercessor on judgment day on behalf of the righteous believers.  The Prophet Muhammad spoke about the intercession of Mika'il, as mentioned in a hadith, "On the Day of Resurrection, people will come to Adam and will say, 'Intercede for us with your Lord.' He will say, 'I am not fit for that,' and then he will mention his mistakes and turn attention to Moses, who will reply similarly. Then he will mention his mistakes and turn attention to Jesus, who will reply similarly. He will mention his mistakes and turn attention to Muhammad" (Sahih al-Bukhari). Belief in the role of Mika'il on the Day of Judgment is significant as it reminds Muslims that good things come to those who have faith and that their lives are owed to Allah (through the angels). This teaches Muslims to give thanks for what they have. On Judgement day both Jibril and Mika’il will help with the weighing of a person’s actions. Mika’il has seen hell and how easy it is to get there, as opposed to how hard it is to get t paradise, so it is believed that he does not smile. He is the friend of humankind as he knows what awaits; the path to paradise being thinner than a human hair. 

C) Explain why the revelation of the Qur’an to Muhammad is important in Islam. (8)   

Generally the Quran is important in Islam as  it influences a person throughout their life; birth, marriage, death, daily prayers etc. Contains basic worship that Muhammad developed. Contains legal and social systems (Shari’ah Law meaning straight path). "Guide us to the straight path - the path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have evoked [Your] anger or of those who are astray." (Qur'an, Surah Al-Fatiha 1:6-7). It explains ultimate questions about why we are here and what happens when we die. Some Muslims argue that it contains scientific explanations that have only recently been verified by science.   Muslims believe that God has spoken to all of humanity, and his words – dictated exactly as God wants them to be read – are in the Qur’an. The Qur'an states its purpose, saying, "This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah" (Qur'an, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:2). Meaning the Qur'an is important as it is believed to be the direct word of Allah, revealed to Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. It serves as a comprehensive guidebook for Muslims, offering guidance in matters of faith, worship, ethics, and daily life.  This kind of dictation is known as revelation. The word comes from the word “revealed”, and means that Allah has revealed his words to a man in order that they can be shared by all humanity. Muhammad was a very intelligent man, but he could not read or write. This is important because it means that he had to memorise the words God said to him and could not change them – he would recite, that means, retell or read, rather than changing those words depending on who he was speaking to. Muslims also try to memorise it. 

For Muslims the revelation of the Qur'an is important as it ensures the preservation of Allah's message in its pure and unaltered form. Muslims believe that previous scriptures, such as the Torah and the Bible, were subject to human alteration over time. However, the Qur'an is considered to be free from any corruption or changes. Allah affirms this preservation, stating, "Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur'an and indeed, We will be its guardian" (Qur'an, Surah Al-Hijr 15:9).  Muslims further believe is important as it is the final and most comprehensive revelation from Allah. The Qur'an confirms its finality, stating, "This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion" (Qur'an, Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:3).  Meaning it supersedes and completes the previous scriptures, providing the ultimate guidance for humanity until the Day of Judgment. 

The revelation of the Qur'an to Muhammad is impoartant as it exemplifies his status as the final prophet and the best role model for Muslims. The Prophet Muhammad's adherence to the teachings of the Qur'an and his implementation of its principles in his life provide a practical example for Muslims to follow. The Qur'an affirms this, stating, "Indeed, you have in the Messenger of Allah an excellent example for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day" (Qur'an, Surah Al-Ahzab 33:21).   Finally that it provides the ultimate guidance for humanity until the Day of Judgment. The Qur'an confirms its finality, stating, "This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion" (Qur'an, Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:3). 

D) Ibrahim is the most important prophet in Islam (15 marks) '

Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.) 

Marks for spelling, punctuation and the accurate use of grammar and specialist terminology are allocated to this question. [15 + 6]

Introduction: All Muslims  

Argument for: For Muslims, Ibrahim is a more important prophet than Adam. One point that supports my point of view is that, Ibrahim believed that there was only one God and creator, Allah. He didn’t want to obey anyone else but him, and was prepared to die for his beliefs. This can be known as monotheism, which is at the heart of Islam so it is extremely important. The Quran says  "Indeed, Ibrahim was a man of sound judgment, a man of God, ever turning in repentance to Him." (Quran 16:121) Ibrahim marked the start of Abrahamic faiths.  The quran says "And We gave him good tidings of Isaac, a prophet from among the righteous." (Quran 37:112) Another point to support my argument is that Ibrahim received revelations from Allah which he wrote on scrolls (scrolls of Ibrahim), even though these scrolls don’t exist anymore (which can mean that the scrolls are unreliable evidence), they were very important at the time.   The quran says "And We made him an example for the people." (Quran 16:120)  meaning Ibrahim is a role model for Muslims. He was a man of great faith, patience, and obedience. He was also a man of great action. He was not afraid to stand up for what he believed in, even when it meant facing danger. The Quran contains many verses that praise Ibrahim.   Further Ibrahim was a friend of Allah. The Qur'an affirms Ibrahim's special status, saying, "And Allah took Ibrahim as an intimate friend" (Qur'an, Surah An-Nisa 4:125).   Ibrahim's close relationship with Allah is emphasized in Islamic teachings. He is referred to as "Khalilullah," meaning the "Friend of Allah." Ibrahim's faith and submission to Allah were exemplary, earning him this esteemed title.  Moreover Ibrahim was the first person to build the Kaaba. The Qur'an mentions Ibrahim's role in building the Kaaba, stating, "And [mention] when Ibrahim was raising the foundations of the House and [with him] Ismail, [saying], 'Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing'" (Qur'an, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:127). Prophet Ibrahim, along with his son Ismail, played a pivotal role in the construction of the Kaaba in Mecca. This sacred structure serves as the focal point of Muslim worship and symbolizes the unity of believers. 

The weakness of these arguments is that they lead to an overemphasis on Ibrahim's importance: Some critics argue that Ibrahim's significance is sometimes exaggerated in Islamic teachings, overshadowing the contributions of other prophets. They believe that by elevating Ibrahim to such a high status, it may downplay the importance of other prophets and their messages.  Moreover some suggest there is a lack of historical evidence.  Ibrahim's life and events, as described in religious texts, may not have substantial historical evidence to support their authenticity. Critics argue that relying solely on religious scripture for Ibrahim's narrative raises doubts about the historical accuracy and may lead to a more mythological interpretation of his significance.  Further some raise question the ethical implications of Ibrahim's actions. The story of Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son has raised ethical concerns among critics. They argue that promoting Ibrahim's unquestioning obedience to Allah's command, even in the face of sacrificing his own child, can raise moral dilemmas and conflicts with contemporary ethical values.

Argument against: However, it is more reliable than knowing that Adam produced nothing at all. One last point that can support my argument is that Ibrahim obeyed Allah very much, which shows him to be more important than Adam. A point that goes against my argument is that Allah created Adam first out of all human beings. You could almost say that Allah created him from scratch, made him out of clay and breathed life into him; this can suggest that maybe Adam played an important or unique role, he had something in him that Ibrahim couldn’t possess. Not only did Allah create Adam first, out of clay, and gave him life, but he also taught him everything he needed to know. Allah passed on these revelations, this way, Adam gained the ability to name animals, and other people. He also gained the gift of languages and was also able to make choices himself. Many say that as he was the first of the two prophets to gain these powers, he must be more significant that Ibrahim. Another point against my argument is that when Adam disobeyed Allah, he immediately regretted it, he was repentant, he sought to make amends, he sought forgiveness. We don’t see this behaviour in the story of Ibrahim, making Adam a more significant role model for Muslims.

The strength of this is that view is that it is support both by the Kutub or the books and the Quran.  The Quran says that all the prophets are equal. 

Argument for: Ibrahim left Islam with a Legacy of Monotheism. The Qur'an acknowledges Ibrahim's dedication to monotheism, stating, "Indeed, Ibrahim was a nation, devoutly obedient to Allah, inclining toward truth, and he was not of those who associate others with Allah" (Qur'an, Surah An-Nahl 16:120).  He was the first person to call people to worship Allah alone. Before Ibrahim, people worshipped idols. Ibrahim was able to convince many people to abandon their idols and worship Allah instead.  The Kaaba is the most sacred place in Islam, and it is believed to have been built by Ibrahim and his son, Ismail.   Thus prophet Ibrahim is highly revered in Islam for his unwavering belief in the oneness of Allah and his role as a forefather of monotheism. His teachings laid the foundation for the belief in tawhid (the oneness of Allah) and the rejection of idolatry.   Further abrahma is considered the Father of Prophets: Ibrahim is considered the father of many prophets in Islam, including Ismail (Ishmael) and Ishaq (Isaac). The lineage of Prophet Muhammad is traced back to Ibrahim through Ismail. Muslims recognize Ibrahim's role in the prophetic lineage, signifying his immense importance in the history of divine guidance. The Qur'an states, "And We bestowed upon him [Ibrahim] Isaac and Jacob and guided each of them. And We made them prophets" (Qur'an, Surah Al-Anbiya 21:72).  Moreover his sacrifice and submission are held up as a role model. The story of Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son, known as the "Great Sacrifice" or Eid al-Adha, showcases his unwavering commitment to Allah's command. Ibrahim's willingness to submit completely to Allah's will serves as a powerful example of faith and devotion for Muslims. The Qur'an narrates this event, saying, "And when he [Ibrahim] reached with him [his son] the age of exertion, he said, 'O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think.' He said, 'O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast'" (Qur'an, Surah As-Saffat 37:102).

The weakness of arguing from his legacy of montheism is its potential for divisiveness. Ibrahim's status as the forefather of monotheism and the construction of the Kaaba in Mecca, while significant to Muslims, can sometimes be perceived as exclusive to Islam. Critics argue that the emphasis on Ibrahim's role in the Islamic tradition may create barriers and foster a sense of division among different religious communities. Further is teh problme of Interpretational differences. There are varying interpretations and narratives surrounding Ibrahim's life and teachings within different Islamic sects and scholarly traditions. Critics argue that these differences can lead to conflicting understandings of Ibrahim's significance, highlighting potential divisions within the Muslim community itself.

Conclusion: In conclusion, I think that Ibrahim is a more important prophet than Adam as he strongly believed in Allah and was ready to do pretty much anything for him, the story doesn’t mention him disobeying Allah, it only says that he didn’t want to obey anyone else. In think that Ibrahim is a more important role model for Muslims as I don’t think it matters who got created first, and who got given more initially; that isn’t important. What is important is what each of them believed, and how they treated Allah. Adam, for example, disobeyed Allah and he didn’t write down anything that Allah had told him. Ibrahim, on the other hand, worshipped and obeyed Allah only, he wrote down scrolls of everything that Allah told him, Ibrahim was ready to do anything for him, he seemed to love Allah more. This kind of behaviour is seen quite often in Muslims today. Muslims put Allah above all else (including their own families), suggesting that they see Ibrahim as the more important prophet. That his story was more significant than the one of Adam 

Sample Answer Set 4 (2020)   Angels, Five Roots, Allah, Al-Qadr

A) What do Muslims mean by ‘angels’?  [2]

In Islamic belief, angels are spiritual beings created by Allah (God) with the purpose of carrying out His commands and fulfilling various roles in the universe. They are considered to be beings of light, possessing intellect and free will, but they are not visible to the human eye unless Allah wills to make them visible.

Muslims believe that angels are a distinct creation from humans and possess qualities different from those of human beings. They are described as obedient and devoted servants of Allah, who never disobey His commands. Angels are seen as intermediaries between Allah and humans, conveying messages from Allah, recording human deeds, and fulfilling specific tasks assigned to them.

"Praise be to Allah, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, Who made the angels messengers with wings, two or three or four." (Qur'an, Surah Fatir 35:1)

B) Describe Shi’a beliefs about the five roots in Usul ad-Din.   [5]

Prophets serve as intermediaries

Shi'a Islam has a set of core beliefs known as the Five Roots (Usul ad-Din), which serve as foundational principles of faith. Here is an explanation of each root, supported by quotes from sources of wisdom and authority.  The first is Tawhid (Oneness of God) in the Shia Hadith is says "There is no god but Allah." (Shi'a Hadith) Shi'a Muslims believe in the oneness of Allah, emphasizing the concept of Tawhid. They affirm that there is only one God who is unique and without any partners. 

The second is Adl (Justice of God) and in the Quran it says "Surely, Allah does not do injustice to the weight of an atom; and if it is a good deed, He doubles it and gives from Himself a great reward." (Qur'an, Surah An-Nisa 4:40)  Shi'a Muslims believe in the divine justice of Allah. They affirm that Allah is just and fair in all His actions, rewarding the good and punishing the wrongdoers.  THe Third is Nubuwwah (Prophethood) in the Shia Hadith is says "Verily, I am leaving behind two precious things (Thaqalayn) among you: the Book of Allah (Qur'an) and my Ahlul-Bayt (family)." (Shi'a Hadith) Shi'a Muslims believe in the authority and leadership of the Prophet Muhammad's Ahlul-Bayt (family), particularly the twelve Imams who succeeded him. They consider the Imams as divinely appointed guides and sources of religious knowledge.

The fourth is Imamah (Leadership) and the Quran it says "Indeed, Allah chose Adam and Noah and the family of Abraham and the family of 'Imran over the worlds - Descendants, some of them from others. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing." (Qur'an, Surah Al 'Imran 3:33-34) meaning Shi'a Muslims believe in the concept of Imamah, which refers to the leadership and spiritual authority granted by Allah to the designated Imams. They believe that the Imams possess spiritual and religious knowledge, and they are the rightful successors to the Prophet Muhammad.  The fifth and final root of religion is Mi'ad (Day of Judgment) and in teh Quran it says "Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection." (Qur'an, Surah Al 'Imran 3:185) meaning Shi'a Muslims believe in the Day of Judgment, the day of resurrection and accountability for all individuals. They believe in the eventual return of the twelfth Imam (Imam Mahdi) as the savior who will establish justice and guide humanity.

C) Explain Muslim teachings about the nature of Allah. [8].   

Generally Muslims belief in Akhirah, the a

D) ‘‘‘Belief in Al-Qadr (Predestination) means Muslims have no freedom (15 marks) '

Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.) 

Marks for spelling, punctuation and the accurate use of grammar and specialist terminology are allocated to this question. [15 + 6]

Introduction: All Muslims  

Argument for: On the  

 Argument against: On the other hand, while Islam requires Allah to truly mean anything, it still requires faith and good intention. Some Muslims could argue that to simply act in accordance with the Qur’an to be rewarded with the gift of Jannah is not good enough. To act morally and to practice the Five Pillars, should be done to worship Allah, not for your own personal gain and therefore a Muslim should still see the point of living a good life.

Argument for: Conversely,   

Conclusion: To conclude 

Sample Answer Set 5 (2021)  Tawhid, Angels, Hell, Adam  

A) What do Muslims mean by ‘Tawhid’? [2]  [Repeat of 2018]

At the centre of all Islamic belief is the belief in one God—Allah. There is no other God but Allah and there is no one comparable to Him. We will never understand Allah as His nature supersedes our limited minds. We are made by Him but He is not Himself made. Begotten not made. He is eternal.

The Quran says Allah is without beginning or end/ not limited by time and space. “He is God the One, God the eternal. He begot no one nor was He Begotten. No one is comparable to Him.” Surah 112:1-4. He is not made up of different aspects and therefore we talk of Allah as One. The Shahadah is the first pillar of Islam and is said several times a day—it reinforces the idea of Tawhid:  ‘There is no God but Allah and Prophet Muhammad is His messenger’. 

B) Describe Muslim beliefs about angels.    [5]

In Islam, angels are spiritual beings created by Allah to serve Him. They are immortal, have no free will, and are made of light. Angels are obedient to Allah and carry out His commands. They are also messengers, who bring Allah's messages to humans. There are many different types of angels in Islam. Some of the most important angels include: Gabriel (Jibril): Gabriel is the angel who revealed the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. He is also responsible for delivering Allah's messages to other prophets; Michael (Mika'il): Michael is the angel who is responsible for taking care of the world. He is also responsible for providing rain and food for the people; Raphael (Israfil): Raphael is the angel who will blow the trumpet on the Day of Judgment. He is also responsible for healing the sick and injured; Azrail (Izra'il): Azrail is the angel of death. He is responsible for taking the souls of people when they die.

Angels are mentioned in many places in the Quran. For example, the Quran says: "And We have not sent before you, [O Muhammad], except men to whom We revealed [the message] - so ask the people of the message if you do not know." (Quran 16:43) This verse shows that angels have been sent to all of the prophets, including Muhammad. The Quran also says: "And We have already sent messengers before you and assigned to them wives and descendants. And it is not for Allah to leave the believers without guidance." (Quran 13:38).

Angels are an important part of Islamic belief. They are a reminder of Allah's power and His presence in the world. They are also a reminder of the Day of Judgment, when all people will be judged for their actions.  The Quran says "And We have not sent before you, [O Muhammad], except men to whom We revealed [the message] - so ask the people of the message if you do not know." (Quran 16:43) and that "And We have already sent messengers before you and assigned to them wives and descendants. And it is not for Allah to leave the believers without guidance." (Quran 13:38) Further that "Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds will have gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide eternally. Allah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him. That is the great attainment." (Quran 9:72),  These quotes show that Muslims believe that angels are messengers from Allah, and that they will be rewarded in the afterlife for their good deeds.

C) Explain Muslim beliefs about the nature and purpose of hell. [8].   

Generally Muslims belief in Akhirah, the a

D) ‘‘‘Adam is the most important prophet in Islam" (15 marks) '

Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.) 

Marks for spelling, punctuation and the accurate use of grammar and specialist terminology are allocated to this question. [15 + 6]

Argument for: On the  

Discussion 

 Argument against: On the other hand, 

Argument for: Conversely,   

Discussion 

Conclusion: To conclude 

Sample Answer Set 5 (2022) Prophethood, 6 Articles, Ibrahim, Al-Qadr

A) What do Muslims mean by ‘prophethood’?  [2]  [Repeat of 2019]

In Islamic belief, angels are spiritual beings created by Allah (God) with the purpose of carrying out His commands and fulfilling various roles in the universe. They are considered to be beings of light, possessing intellect and free will, but they are not visible to the human eye unless Allah wills to make them visible.

Muslims believe that angels are a distinct creation from humans and possess qualities different from those of human beings. They are described as obedient and devoted servants of Allah, who never disobey His commands. Angels are seen as intermediaries between Allah and humans, conveying messages from Allah, recording human deeds, and fulfilling specific tasks assigned to them.

"Praise be to Allah, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, Who made the angels messengers with wings, two or three or four." (Qur'an, Surah Fatir 35:1)

B) Describe the articles of faith in Sunni Islam.    [5]

The articles of faith in Sunni Islam, also known as the "Six Articles of Faith," are foundational beliefs that Muslims adhere to. Here is an explanation of each article, supported by quotes from sources of wisdom and authority. The first is Belief in Allah (Tawhid) and the Quran says "Say, 'He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.'" (Qur'an, Surah Al-Ikhlas 112:1-4). Muslims believe in the oneness of Allah, acknowledging that He is the only true God and that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah. This belief in monotheism, known as Tawhid, is the cornerstone of Islamic faith.

The second is Belief in Angels (Malaikah)  and the Quran says "Whoever is an enemy to Allah and His angels and His messengers and Gabriel and Michael - then indeed, Allah is an enemy to the disbelievers." (Qur'an, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:98). Muslims believe in the existence of angels as spiritual beings created by Allah. Angels play various roles, including delivering divine messages, recording human deeds, and carrying out Allah's commands.

The third is belief in Divine Books (Kutub)  and the Quran says "Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light. The prophets who submitted [to Allah] judged by it for the Jews." (Qur'an, Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:44). Muslims believe in the divine books revealed by Allah, including the Qur'an, the Torah, the Psalms, and the Gospel. While the Qur'an is considered the final and most comprehensive revelation, Muslims recognize the earlier scriptures as guidance from Allah.

The fourth is belief in Prophets (Risalah)  and the Quran says "Indeed, We have sent you as a witness and a bringer of good tidings and a warner. That you [people] may believe in Allah and His Messenger and honor him and respect the Prophet and exalt Allah morning and afternoon." (Qur'an, Surah Al-Fath 48:8-9)
Muslims believe in the Prophets and Messengers chosen by Allah to guide humanity. This includes Prophets such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (peace be upon them). The final Prophet is Muhammad, who is considered the seal of the Prophets.

The fifth is Belief in the Day of Judgment (Akhirah)  and the Quran says "The Day they come forth nothing concerning them will be concealed from Allah. To whom belongs [all] sovereignty this Day? To Allah, the One, the Prevailing." (Qur'an, Surah Al-Ghafir 40:16). Muslims believe in the Day of Judgment, a time when all individuals will be held accountable for their actions in this life. It is a belief in the resurrection, the reckoning of deeds, and the eternal life in the Hereafter.

The sixth is Belief in Divine Decree (Qadar)  and the Quran says"Verily, all things have We created in proportion and measure." (Qur'an, Surah Al-Qamar 54:49)
Muslims believe in the concept of divine decree, or Qadar, which encompasses Allah's predestination and knowledge of all things. It is a belief that everything, both good and bad, occurs by the will and knowledge of Allah.

C) Explain why Ibrahim is important in Islam. [8].   

Generally Muslims belief Ibrahim is an important prophet becuase  Ibrahim believed that there was only one God and creator, Allah. He didn’t want to obey anyone else but him, and was prepared to die for his beliefs. This can be known as monotheism, which is at the heart of Islam so it is extremely important. The Quran says  "Indeed, Ibrahim was a man of sound judgment, a man of God, ever turning in repentance to Him." (Quran 16:121) Ibrahim marked the start of Abrahamic faiths.  The quran says "And We gave him good tidings of Isaac, a prophet from among the righteous." (Quran 37:112) Another point to support my argument is that Ibrahim received revelations from Allah which he wrote on scrolls (scrolls of Ibrahim), even though these scrolls don’t exist anymore (which can mean that the scrolls are unreliable evidence), they were very important at the time.   The quran says "And We made him an example for the people." (Quran 16:120)  meaning Ibrahim is a role model for Muslims. He was a man of great faith, patience, and obedience. He was also a man of great action. He was not afraid to stand up for what he believed in, even when it meant facing danger. The Quran contains many verses that praise Ibrahim.   Further Ibrahim was a friend of Allah. The Qur'an affirms Ibrahim's special status, saying, "And Allah took Ibrahim as an intimate friend" (Qur'an, Surah An-Nisa 4:125).   Ibrahim's close relationship with Allah is emphasized in Islamic teachings. He is referred to as "Khalilullah," meaning the "Friend of Allah." Ibrahim's faith and submission to Allah were exemplary, earning him this esteemed title.  Moreover Ibrahim was the first person to build the Kaaba. The Qur'an mentions Ibrahim's role in building the Kaaba, stating, "And [mention] when Ibrahim was raising the foundations of the House and [with him] Ismail, [saying], 'Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing'" (Qur'an, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:127). Prophet Ibrahim, along with his son Ismail, played a pivotal role in the construction of the Kaaba in Mecca. This sacred structure serves as the focal point of Muslim worship and symbolizes the unity of believers. 

Further Ibrahim left Islam with a Legacy of Monotheism. The Qur'an acknowledges Ibrahim's dedication to monotheism, stating, "Indeed, Ibrahim was a nation, devoutly obedient to Allah, inclining toward truth, and he was not of those who associate others with Allah" (Qur'an, Surah An-Nahl 16:120).  He was the first person to call people to worship Allah alone. Before Ibrahim, people worshipped idols. Ibrahim was able to convince many people to abandon their idols and worship Allah instead.  The Kaaba is the most sacred place in Islam, and it is believed to have been built by Ibrahim and his son, Ismail.   Thus prophet Ibrahim is highly revered in Islam for his unwavering belief in the oneness of Allah and his role as a forefather of monotheism. His teachings laid the foundation for the belief in tawhid (the oneness of Allah) and the rejection of idolatry.   Further abrahma is considered the Father of Prophets: Ibrahim is considered the father of many prophets in Islam, including Ismail (Ishmael) and Ishaq (Isaac). The lineage of Prophet Muhammad is traced back to Ibrahim through Ismail. Muslims recognize Ibrahim's role in the prophetic lineage, signifying his immense importance in the history of divine guidance. The Qur'an states, "And We bestowed upon him [Ibrahim] Isaac and Jacob and guided each of them. And We made them prophets" (Qur'an, Surah Al-Anbiya 21:72).  Moreover his sacrifice and submission are held up as a role model. The story of Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son, known as the "Great Sacrifice" or Eid al-Adha, showcases his unwavering commitment to Allah's command. Ibrahim's willingness to submit completely to Allah's will serves as a powerful example of faith and devotion for Muslims. The Qur'an narrates this event, saying, "And when he [Ibrahim] reached with him [his son] the age of exertion, he said, 'O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think.' He said, 'O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast'" (Qur'an, Surah As-Saffat 37:102).

Ibrahim is important as he strongly believed in Allah and was ready to do pretty much anything for him, the story doesn’t mention him disobeying Allah, it only says that he didn’t want to obey anyone else. In think that Ibrahim is important as role model for Muslims.. Ibrahim was ready to do anything for Allah, he seemed to love Allah. This kind of behaviour is seen quite often in Muslims today perhaps as the immate Abraham. Muslims put Allah above all else (including their own families), suggesting that they see Ibrahim as an important.

D) ‘‘‘Muslim belief in Al-Qadr (Predestination) means Muslims have no freedom" (15 marks) '

Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.) 

Marks for spelling, punctuation and the accurate use of grammar and specialist terminology are allocated to this question. [15 + 6]

Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.) 

Marks for spelling, punctuation and the accurate use of grammar and specialist terminology are allocated to this question. [15 + 6] 

Introduction:  Sunni Islam teaches Al-Qadr which means destiny.  Predestination is the idea that Allah knows everything, and Muslims believe that although human beings have free will to make their own choices, Allah anticipates and knows what will happen. Muslims believe that they need to trust Allah to know what is best for them. 

Argument For That everything happens as a result of Allahs will and nothing happens without reason. Allah knows every Muslims personal choices.   The 'fatalists' argue a human being has no choice whatsoever in his or her actions, behaviour or words and the movement of his organs are just like the predestined movements of the parts of a machine. 

This is a strong point as the question arises, how does this opinion relate to Divine Justice? Shia Muslims in their 5 roots of religion emphasis Adalah – justice and fairness Shi’a Muslims believe that there is good and bad in everything. They believe that Allah commands human beings to do the good things and avoid the bad things. They accept that Allah acts in a just and fair way at all times to ensure equality.

Argument Against:Although this idea of Predestination appears to contradict that of the idea of humans having free will, it does not mean that Allah influences their decisions, only that he is aware of the decisions every human will make before they are made. Further for Sunni the Article of Faith that precedes Al-Qadr is believe in the afterlife and that after death they will have to account for their actions. That there will be a Day of Judgement when the whole world ends. The Day of Judgement is a day in the future where every human that has ever existed will be judged by Allah on their actions in their life on earth. Allah will decide who should be rewarded with a place in al-Jannah (Paradise) and who should be punished in Jahannam, or Hell. The belief in the Day of Judgement is important to all Muslims because it directs their behaviour in their lives on earth, knowing that their future life is dependent on this. While  Muslims often says 'Inshallah'  meaning if Allah wills. However, everything cannot just be left to Allah, humans have to take responsibility for as much as they can and put their trust in Allah.   

This is a strong point because the strong belief in predestination is a denial of justice. Why? Because when one accepts predestination, justice makes no sense. And this idea is also held by Sunni Muslims, although it is not formally part of their belief system . 

Conclusion:  Muslims do believe in  free will and predestination as a matter of faith and see no problem with this.  While these are for most held in tension others have tried to be consistent but end up becoming fatalaists which helps no one as it lest go of good and evil and moral responsibility and looses sight of teh teaching about judgment day. 

Sample Answer Set 6 Allah, Five roots, Angels, Sunni/Shia

A) State two Muslim beliefs about God. [2]

•Muslim believe that God is omnipotent

•Muslims believe God is omnipresent

•Muslims believe God is omnibenevolent

•Muslims believe in the Oneness of Allah- Tawhid.  The Shahadah or confession of faith says 'there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet' 

B)  Explain Shia reasons for the importance of the five roots of ‘Usal ad-Din.’ [5]

They unite all Shi’a Muslims as a community (ummah) and form the basis of the religion, show what it means to be a Muslim as they share these beliefs in common. Shi'a consider them to be the foundations of the religion of Islam, holding the 'Ummah' together by supporting the faith in identifying and establishing those beliefs that teach what they should accept and how they should behave. 

Shia Muslims place a strong emphasis on the Oneness of God (Tawhid). They believe in the absolute unity and uniqueness of Allah, similar to Sunni Muslims. The Quran affirms the importance of Tawhid in Surah Al-Ikhlas (112:1-4): "Say, 'He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.'" This verse underscores the belief in the Oneness of God, which is foundational to the Shia faith. It signifies the importance of recognizing and affirming the monotheistic nature of Allah.

The principle of Adl, or the Justice of God, is essential in Shia Islam. Shia Muslims believe that Allah is just and fair in all His actions and judgments. The Quran asserts the concept of divine justice in Surah Al-Nisa (4:40): "Indeed, Allah does not do injustice, [even] as much as an atom's weight." This verse highlights the belief in the absolute justice of Allah, emphasizing the significance of justice in the Shia faith. It signifies the importance of recognizing and upholding justice in personal and societal aspects of life.

Shia Muslims regard the concept of Prophethood (Nubuwwah) as a crucial principle in their faith. They believe in the appointment of specific individuals, known as Imams, as divinely chosen leaders and guides after the Prophet Muhammad. The Quran mentions the role of Prophets as guides and warners in Surah Al-Nahl (16:36): "And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], 'Worship Allah and avoid Taghut.'" This verse signifies the belief in the continuous guidance provided by chosen individuals, emphasizing the importance of Prophethood in Shia Islam.

Imamate is a distinct principle in Shia Islam, reflecting the belief in the leadership and guidance of the Imams. Shia Muslims consider the Imams to be the rightful successors of Prophet Muhammad, appointed by Allah. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini says "Imamate is the divine appointment of a spiritual leader to guide and protect the ummah (Muslim community) after the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family). It is a crucial element in preserving the true teachings of Islam and maintaining the unity and coherence of the Muslim community." -  Shia traditions and narrations highlight the importance of following the guidance of the Imams, who are regarded as divinely chosen guides for the community. Sheikh al-Mufid says "The Imamate is not merely a political leadership; it is a continuation of the Prophethood, an institution established by Allah to guide humanity and safeguard the true faith."

Shia Muslims believe in the Day of Judgment (Qiyamah), a time when all individuals will be held accountable for their actions. The Quran describes the Day of Judgment in Surah Al-Qiyamah (75:1-3): "I swear by the Day of Resurrection, and I swear by the reproaching soul [to the certainty of resurrection]. Does man think that We will not assemble his bones?" These verses emphasize the belief in the Day of Judgment, underlining its significance in the Shia faith. It signifies the importance of recognizing the accountability of individuals and the ultimate justice that will prevail on that day. They consider every action they make as it will contribute towards this day when they will be judged. 

C) Explain why angels are important in Islam.

Generally Angels are important to all Muslims as they are messengers who do what Allah tells them to do. Muslims believe the angel Jibril (Gabriel) is the angel of revelation responsible for delivering Allah's messages to the prophets. He was sent by Allah to give the Qur’an to Muhammad and he became a prophet on the Night of Power.The angel visits Muhammad a number of times. They know some angels,like Jibril and Mika’il are mentioned in the Bible also and Muslims believe the Bible is an important book too. There are part of the six articles of faith for Sunni Muslims. There are lots of important angels named in the Qur’an. Mika'il (Michael) is the angel of mercy. Mika’il is important for nature and Allah made Mika’il in control of the rain and plants on earth. He is like a khalifah responsible for taking care of the world and its creatures.  Azrail (Azrael) is the angel of death. He is responsible for taking the souls of the dead. Life after death is an important belief and Muslims believe the angel Israfil will announce the day of resurrection with a trumpet on a rock in Jerusalem. Raqib and Atid are the angels who record our good and bad deeds in books that will be opened on judgement day. They also believe we all have guardian angels and angels who write about what we do in life. Muslims believe angels can help us in our daily lives to stay on the straight path and to do good deeds. They can also help us to overcome challenges and to achieve our goals you can ask for the help of angels in your prayers to protect you from harm and to guide you on the right path.

Sunni Muslims believe in the existence of angels and consider them essential in the Islamic belief system. They acknowledge the prominence of angels as messengers of Allah, entrusted with carrying out His commands. The Quran serves as a primary source of authority for Sunni Muslims, and it includes numerous references to angels. For instance, in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:97), it is stated: "And [for] every person We have imposed his fate upon his neck, and We will produce for him on the Day of Resurrection a record which he will encounter spread open." This verse implies that angels play a role in recording and documenting human actions, highlighting their involvement in the divine decree and the Day of Judgment. 

Shia Muslims, like Sunnis, also recognize the significance of angels in Islam. However, in Shia theology, there is an additional emphasis on the role of certain angels in the leadership and guidance of the Muslim community. Shia Muslims believe in the concept of Imamate, which asserts that the Prophet Muhammad's rightful successors were divinely appointed. According to Shia tradition, the angels played a crucial role in conveying this divine appointment. The Quranic verse 5:55, often cited by Shia Muslims, states: "Your ally is none but Allah and [therefore] His Messenger and those who have believed - those who establish prayer and give zakah, and they bow [in worship]." This verse is interpreted by Shia scholars to support the concept of Imamate, wherein the Imams, chosen by Allah, are considered divine guides and protectors of the Muslim community. 

1D) ‘There are more similarities than differences between Sunni and Shi’a beliefs'

Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.) 

Marks for spelling, punctuation and the accurate use of grammar and specialist terminology are allocated to this question. [15 + 6]

•All Muslims share the same writings.  Shi’a and Sunni Muslims both draw on the Hadith – although tend to favour different collections of sayings. Both groups also accept the five pillars of Islam (Shahada, the declaration that “There is no God but God, and Muhammad is His messenger.”; Salah, prayer; Zakat, charitable giving; Sawm, fasting in the month of Ramadan; Hajj, pilgrimage to Mecca.) 

•The main differences are over  differences originate from the question of who would succeed the Prophet Muhammad as leader of the emerging Muslim community after his death.   Those who followed the Prophet’s closest companion (Abu Bakr) became known as Sunni (the followers of the Prophet’s example – Sunnah). Those who followed the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law (‘Ali) became known as Shi’a (the followers of the Party of ‘Ali – Shi’atu Ali). Sunnis focus on following the Prophet’s example whereas Shi’a focus on the lineage of Muhammad’s family through a series of Imams. 

•All Muslims follow and agree on Tawhid- the oness of Allah, the life of Muhammad who is considered the perfect example of faith, all Muslims agree with the idea of Prophets -(Qur’an 136)   Say: O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which has been sent down to us and that which has been sent down to Ibrahim (Abraham), Isma`il (Ishmael), Ishaq (Isaac), Ya`qub (Jacob), and to Al-Asbat (the offspring of the twelve sons of Ya`qub), and that which has been given to Musa (Moses) and `Isa (Jesus), and that which has been given to the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have submitted (in Islam). 

•For Shia it is one of The Five Roots of ‘Usul ad-Din'  that  an imam is a religious leader or teacher, for instance someone who might lead prayers in the mosque. Shi’a Muslims, however, believe that there have been twelve imams specially appointed by Allah throughout history as leaders to lead and guide humanity. They believe that imams were chosen by Allah to continue to teach his message correctly and they accept that there is only ever a single imam at any one time. For Shia the prophets teach Allahs will which is the five roots. 

•The belief in the Day of Judgement is important to all Muslims because it directs their behaviour in their lives on earth, knowing that their future life is dependent on this. Sunni emphasis how Allah will decide who should be rewarded with a place in al-Jannah (Paradise) and who should be punished in Jahannam, or Hell.  Shia emphasis Yawm al Qiyyamah – the Day of Resurrection Shi’a Muslims believe that one day in the future every human being that has ever existed will be brought back to life, or resurrected, before being judged by Allah. For Shia the Maddi will be a a prophet returned from the dead to blow the trumpet for Sunni just the most righteous Muslim of the day.

Sample Answer Set 7 Five Roots, Six Articles, Imamate, Tawhid.

Sample Answer Set 8 Quran, Prophets, Akhirah, Muhammed 

Sample Answer Set 9 Risalah, Angels 

Sample Answer Set 10 Akhirah, Quran 

A) What do Muslims mean by Akirah? [2]

Akhirah, also known as Akhirah or the Hereafter, is a concept in Islam that refers to the belief in life after death. It encompasses the belief that there is an eternal realm or existence beyond the temporal life in this world.

 Muslims understand Akhirah as the ultimate destination and the final stage of their journey, where individuals will be held accountable for their actions and rewarded or punished accordingly based on their deeds and faith. It is a fundamental aspect of Islamic belief and is closely tied to concepts such as the Day of Judgment, Paradise (Jannah), and Hellfire (Jahannam).  

It is one the the six articles of faith for Sunni Islam. Shia refer to the day of judgement.

1D) Evaluate the claim that the Qur’an is the most important source of authority in Islam (15 marks)

Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.) 

Marks for spelling, punctuation and the accurate use of grammar and specialist terminology are allocated to this question. [15 + 6] 

Introduction: The Qur’an is believed to be the revelation of God to the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) over the time span of 22 years. It is considered to be one of the main sources of authority for Muslims, meaning it gives direction to their beliefs and practices.

Argument for:  Firstly, the Qur’an can be argued to be the most important source of authority in Islam because it is believed to be an infallible source of Allah’s wisdom. Muslims believe that, because Allah’s is omniscient (all-knowing), any revelation perfectly given could not possibly have fault. In the Qur’an itself (2:2) it says: “This is the Scripture in which there is no doubt, containing guidance for those who are mindful of God.” As a source of authority then, it must be considered in extremely high regard. Nowhere else can Muslims receive Allah’s world as clearly as in the Arabic translations of the Qur’an; for any human could make mistakes. Muslims do not believe Allah is capable of the same.

Argument against: On the other hand, the Prophet Muhammed could be seen to be a more important source of authority himself. Muslim’s look to the practices and sayings of Muhammed with respect, with many customs being set by his examples. The teachings and practices of Muhammed in the Hadith are still used as a source of Islamic (Sharia) law. An important example of this is the wearing of the Hijab for Muslim women. It is up to debate with how clear the Qur’an is on the wearing of the Hijab, yet many Muslims believe that this is something that Muhammed encouraged with his own wives.

Counter Argument: However, the issue with following the Prophet in this way is that not everyone can agree on the validity of the teachings. This causes conflict between different people who believe to be following Islam in the right way. The Qur’an as a source of authority must then be more important for the reasons stated before.

Conclusion: To conclude, the Qur’an is arguably the most important source of authority in the entire of Islam. The Prophet Muhammed’s authority comes from a connection with Allah and his receiving of the revelation through Jibril. To be a Muslim means to submit fully to Allah not any person, no matter how important they might be.

Sample Answer Set 11 Akhirah,

A) What do Muslims mean by Immanence? [2]

In Islamic theology, the concept of immanence refers to the belief that Allah (God) is present and actively involved in the created world. It signifies the closeness and intimate connection of Allah with His creation. Immanence emphasizes that Allah's presence and influence extend throughout the universe and every aspect of existence.

Muslims believe that Allah is not distant or detached from His creation but rather intimately involved in every moment and every particle of the universe. This belief in immanence reflects the understanding that Allah is constantly aware of His creation, sustains it, and is accessible to His creatures.

The Qur'an affirms the immanence of Allah in several verses, such as:

1. "And We have already created man and We know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein." (Qur'an, Surah Qaf 50:16)

1D) Evaluate the claim that if there is no life after death, there is no point of being a good Muslim (15 marks) '

Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.) 

Marks for spelling, punctuation and the accurate use of grammar and specialist terminology are allocated to this question. [15 + 6]

Introduction: All Muslims believe that because of Allah’s judgement, there will be everlasting paradise or punishment depending on how we have lived our lives. This eternal life is known as Akhirah.

Argument for: On the one hand, Muslims believe that Allah is just. This justice links directly with their understanding of the afterlife, leading them to have faith that following the law set forth in the Qur’an will be met with the reward of paradise. If there is no afterlife then, arguably, the entire Islamic faith must be brought into question. Without any true justice there would be no requirement to behave the way Muslims would say is best for humans to behave. Instead you could adopt another code of conduct or perhaps make no efforts to treat others fairly at all.

 Argument against: On the other hand, while Islam requires Allah to truly mean anything, it still requires faith and good intention. Some Muslims could argue that to simply act in accordance with the Qur’an to be rewarded with the gift of Jannah is not good enough. To act morally and to practice the Five Pillars, should be done to worship Allah, not for your own personal gain and therefore a Muslim should still see the point of living a good life.

Argument for: Conversely, the entire doctrine of Akhirah relies upon the accuracy of the Qur’an. The Qur’an, like other Holy texts, could be brought into question when one considers the empirical proof of revelations. The Philosopher David Hume proposed that all religions claim certain miracles as their basis for faith yet reject the miracles of others. It could then be asserted it is more likely that all of these events are false rather than positing a belief that the revelation of the Qur’an is one of the true miracles. With regards to the question; if the entire Qur’an is established from unproven miracles claims, the passages on the afterlife and being good Muslims could be rejected in the same way many Muslims would reject specific teaching from Buddhism or Hinduism.

Conclusion: To conclude, if life after death was ruled out, many of the articles of faith would also be brought into question. This could suggested it reasonable to reject the rules outlined in the Islamic faith.

Sample Answer Set 12 Transcendence Allah

A) What do Muslims mean by Transcendence? [2]

the belief that Allah (God) is beyond and surpasses the limitations of the created world. It signifies the absolute greatness, superiority, and incomparability of Allah in relation to His creation.

Muslims understand that while Allah is immanent and present in the universe, He also transcends it. Transcendence emphasizes that Allah is beyond the confines of time, space, and human comprehension. It highlights His absolute sovereignty, infinite power, and divine attributes that are beyond the scope of human understanding.

The Qur'an emphasizes the transcendence of Allah in various verses, such as: "There is nothing like unto Him." (Qur'an, Surah Ash-Shura 42:11) and "He is the First and the Last, the Ascendant and the Intimate, and He is, of all things, Knowing." (Qur'an, Surah Al-Hadid 57:3)

1D) It is impossible to comprehend Allah  (15 marks) '

Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.) 

Marks for spelling, punctuation and the accurate use of grammar and specialist terminology are allocated to this question. [15 + 6] 

Introduction:  Every person in this world has one important belief. Be that in religion, money, power or family life. Many people have this one belief in particular. One that causes conflict, but also brings about happiness and celebrations. Religion and God. It has existed over thousands of years. Islam is the second largest religions among the world with approximately 1.3 billion followers.  Many people have their own views on Allah and they can neither be described as true or false because we humans do not have the answer.

Argument for: People even in the same religion have different beliefs on God.  The statement “It is impossible to describe Allah in human terms”, is a personal belief, but is still talked about. Some people may say they agree to the statement and others may disagree. But if Allah is not described in human terms then how are we to understand anything about Allah? If we can relate Allah to humans it will be easier to understand as we can understand ourselves as we are humans too. But if Allah is transcendent, then it is impossible to describe Allah in human terms as transcendent means out of this world and beyond all human knowledge. So if this is the matter, then how do we understand Allah?

Argument against: Some people may think that it is impossible to describe Allah in human terms because Allah is Transcendent- that is beyond our reach, knowledge and understanding, beyond the world and outside of all time. In Surah 6:103 it says, “No vision can grasp Him but His grasp is over all vision.” This quote clearly explains that Allah can see all and be everywhere, but this is not possible for humans. If we could see all, we would be able to see everything happening in the world, and be everywhere. Moreover, this argument would not exist as we would then be able to see God and say if He were comparable to humans. The fact that we are not able to see all and be everywhere tells us that Allah is incomparable.  Also Allah is Eternal, He is forever going, with no beginning and no end. In Surah 112 it states, “He is Allah, the One, Allah is Eternal and Absolute.”  The quote states that Allah is “Eternal and Absolute” Allah is infinite but humans are finite- they die., they are mortal- they are born and will die; again proving that it is impossible to describe Allah in human terms. Also humans sin and make mistakes, but Allah knows all so cannot do this, therefore telling us that Allah cannot be described in human terms.

Counter Argument: This is not the whole story though. Many people also believe that Allah can be described in human terms, because Allah is Immanent- that is to say closer to us than our heartbeat and our jugular vein. These are all human characteristics, so how can Allah not be compared using these very  terms, when it is said He is closer to us than all these important things in our life. In Surah 50:16 it says, “It was We who created man and We know even the secret suggestions his soul makes to him, for We are nearer to him than his jugular vein.” The jugular vein is one of the most important components of our body as it is connected to both the brain and heart. This tells us that Allah is therefore something very necessary to humans and Allah is in simple terms needed for us humans to live. If we are to believe in Allah, then we need to understand Him in a way which we can relate to. The only way for us to do so is to relate Allah to humans.  

Allah must have some human characteristic as he is the creator of the world and all life. humans create a new life by producing babies, and so if Allah creates as well as humans, then there is some sort of a similarity between humans and Allah. Also, the Qur’an is the word of God, revealed to the Prophet PBUH about 1500 years ago. It explains the nature of Allah and we read it. It is like saying that we are reading what Allah has written. This again is a quality that many humans have. The ability to write is also something that humans do. Also the Qur'an was revealed to the Prophet PBUH, also another thing that humans do. They reveal secrets and other things to people, so this again shows that Allah has human characteristics. The Qur'an describes the nature of Allah. Description is something that tells us about an object, person or place. If it describes Allah’s nature, then humans can relate to it as humans can also be described so it all makes it easier for humans to understand Allah.    

I believe that Allah cannot be described in human terms because Allah is beyond the knowledge and understanding of people. Allah is beyond time and the world, but we are within the world and time, so we cannot create similarities or comparisons between the two. Allah is Immortal, “Eternal and Absolute”, “the One and Only”. We are mortal, and finite. We will die one day, but Allah will never live, nor will Allah die. Allah is not born and nor is born from anyone. We are born and will die so we cannot describe Allah in human terms.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the statement “It is impossible to describe Allah in human terms” cannot be proved to be true or false, but is a statement that I believe in, as I have been taught this and have a strong belief in the  statement.

1D) ‘Angels have no relevance today’ (15+3) 

Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.) 

Marks for spelling, punctuation and the accurate use of grammar and specialist terminology are allocated to this question. [15 + 6] 

There are six articles of belief in Islam which are mentioned in the Quran individually and stated in the Hadith known as “Imaan-e-Mufassal”. Allah, his Angels (Mala’ikah), his Books (Kutubullah), his Messengers (Rusulullah), the Day of Judgement (Yawmuddin), Life after death (Akhirah) and Destiny (Al – Qadr). These beliefs have been clearly stated in the Imaan-e-Mufassal, “I believe in Allah, in His Angels, in His Books, in His Messengers, in the Last Day and the Fate, good and bad, from Allah the Almighty and in coming into Life after Death”. These beliefs can be put into three categories, Tawhid, Risalah and Akhirah. If you do not believe in any one of these beliefs then your faith is incomplete and you cannot be considered a Muslim. There are always questions on whether which article of belief is important or whether they are equally the same, there arguments to support both sides of the statement.

ARGUMENT FOR Angels (Mala’ikah) are one of the six articles of belief in Islam but it is just the least ofeth beliefs. They fall under the category of Risalah. They have an important part to play in the Muslim belief and are known as Mala’ikah. There are many angels that are created by Allah out of Noor (divine light) for different purposes as well as serving and worshipping Allah. The Quran says: “They are honoured servants, who do not precede Him in speech, and they act according to His command. He knows what is ahead of them, and they do not intercede, except for those whom He approves” There are three main groups of angels: archangels, ministering angels and fallen angels. Surah 2 mentions that Muslims should really focus on Allah, the Last Day, the Angels and the Prophets, this is probably due when it was written and if it was in that order, but surah 82 mentions the qualities of the angels, and it sort of suggests that that angels are important because they have been given authority by Allah to look after the humanity, as they were Allah’s first creation which signifies there importance. The Quran states that “All things created by Allah will be judged on the Last Day” this means that Angels and Jinn’s will be also judges along with Human beings, this contradicts the fact that even though angels are an article of belief yet they will be judged like other beings, even though they have no free will unlike humans and are obedient to Allah at all times, which could suggest they are not as important as other articles of belief. Jibrail is Allah most beloved angel; he is the chief of all angels and Allah’s messenger. Mika’il brings rain, plants and food for the creation by the will of Allah. Israf’il will blow the trumpet on the day of judgement and Izra’il is the angel of death. Without angel Jibrail there would not have been a message conveyed on the night of power in 610CE, where Allah sent Jibrail to deliver the message to Muhammad, for the first time. Angels are one way in which Allah can communicate with man.

ARGUMENT  AGAINST However , some Muslims find all the articles of belief equally important and if you do not believe in one of them then you cannot be considered a Muslim. Angels are important because they are a way of communication in which Allah can communicate through mankind. Angel Jibrail was the intermediate between Allah and Muhammad. Allah delivered the message to Muhammad through Jibrail. Without angels there would be no night of power.

ARGUMENT FOR Yet it  could be argued its more important to belief in the Prophets of Allah also one of the required pillars of faith. Muslims are obliged to believe in all the Prophets because they all preached the same message and Muslims should have the same respect for all the Prophets. Allah says in the Quran: “Say (O Muslims): 'We believe in Allah and that which has been sent down to us and that which has been sent down to Ibrahim (Abraham), Ismaa’eel (Ishmael), Ishaaq (Isaac), Ya‘qoob (Jacob), and to Al-Asbaat [the offspring of the twelve sons of Ya‘qoob (Jacob)], and that which has been given to Moosa (Moses) and ‘Isa (Jesus), and that which has been given to the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have submitted (in Islam)'" [2:136]. The messengers were sent by Allah, so that mankind might be guided to the truth and be cleansed from sin. Just like The Books were sent to do this, each of these could thus be argued to be of like importance, with the Quran having more importance as the prophets were sent down to spread the message of Allah which was revealed in the Quran. 

This is a strong argument a, it could be argued that as Islam preaches that there is only one Supreme and Eternal God and that is Allah and it could be argued that h is the most important article of belief as he is omnipotent and omnibenevolent. He is the creator and sustainer of everything. He is Transcendent and omniscient, he is unique and invisible, but is always close to us and is Omnipresent. One of the most important aspect of Islam is Tawhid, the oneness and unity of Allah and to not have faith in Tawhid is committing shirk (sin). Tawhid is expressed in the Shahadah which is the Muslim declaration of faith and is the first pillar of Islam. It testifies that “There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah”. It is beyond human understanding to know the full characteristics of Allah, that’s why there are the 99 names of Allah suggest that no one knows Allah perfectly and that’s why there aren’t 100 names because it is beyond our understanding to understand such as beautiful being. This article of faith is important because Islam is based on worshipping (Ibadah) Allah and if there was no Allah then there would be no universe and no Islam. That’s is why the purpose of humans is to worship (Ibadah) Allah by reading the Quran and practising the  Pillars of Islam, and this is mentioned in the Quran which states “we were created for none but to worship God” this means that Muslims’ were created to look after his creation and be stewards by sustaining the creation. If we were only created to Ibadah Allah then, this suggests that he is the most important article of faith. It could be argued that the belief in Allah results to the belief in the books, messengers, angels, last day and al-qudr which could be treated the same in all respects.

CONCLUSION In conclusion to some extent, all the articles of belief are equally important but Angels could be seen as least important, they still are important and play a key role in Islam. Most Muslims today would believe that the seven articles of faith should all be equally important and significant in Islam. I personally believe that all the articles of belief are equally important and that a Muslim should have faith in all these beliefs to be recognise as a Muslim as the Quran says:“The Messenger [Muhammad] believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord and [so do] the believers. Each one believes in Allah, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers".

1D) ‘If there is no akhirah, religious teachings are meaningless ’ (15+3) 

Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.) 

Marks for spelling, punctuation and the accurate use of grammar and specialist terminology are allocated to this question. [15 + 6] 

Introduction: Islam teaches that there is life after death, and this is known as Akhirah. 

Argument For Belief in life after death is central to the meaning and purpose of most Muslims' lives. Many Muslims believe that they are on this earth for a relatively short time and during this time they are preparing themselves for eternal life after death. They view this life as a test and try to do as many good deeds as they can. In order to get to Jannah, they must also fulfil their Islamic obligations.  In Islam, it is Allah who decides when a person dies and most Muslims believe that when they die, they will stay in their graves until Yawm al-din, the Day of Judgement. On that day, they will be raised from their graves and brought before Allah and judged on how they lived their earthly lives. This belief is known as the resurrection of the body.   If there is no Akhirah and no reward for good deeds.  

This is a strong argument as it is believed those who have performed more good deeds than bad will enter Jannah, or Paradise. Jannah is a place described as a 'garden of everlasting bliss' and a 'home of peace'. In Jannah there will be no sickness, pain or sadness. Those who have performed more bad deeds than good will enter Jahannam or Hell. This is a place of physical and spiritual suffering. 

Argument Against: However Muslims believe that Allah is forgiving, merciful and compassionate, so not all bad actions will be punished. Allah will forgive those who have repented for their sins and those who have done some good in their lives, for example showing kindness to others. This shows that whether there is or is no Akhirah it doesn't matter. Further  Muslims believe that Allah is in charge of their lives and decides how long they will live. The Qur'an says: Nor can a soul die except by Allah’s leave. The term being fixed as by writing. Qur'an 3:145 meaning in the end Allah Fates how we act

This is a weak view as some sins that many Muslims believe to be unforgivable. These include the sin of shirk. Moreover Muslims are taught by the Quran as they do not know what is written in Allahs book they should act as if tehy are free and that their deeds will be taken into account on the Day of Judgement. The Qur'an states that the good will receive reward, while the bad will receive punishment: Of the good that they do nothing will be rejected of them; for Allah knoweth well those that do right. Those who reject faith – neither their possessions nor their (numerous) progeny will avail them aught against Allah: they will be companions of the fire, dwelling therein forever.Qur'an 3:115-3:116 

Conclusion:  Muslims should even if there is no Akhirah act as if there is given just in case. If there realy is no Akihirah this is a problem but never the less it is a central teaching of the Quran and followers of Muhammed should act as if its true.