How to Revise Islam — OCR GCSE Religious Studies
Islam is a topic in the OCR GCSE Religious Studies specification. This guide covers learning objectives, examiner tips, common mistakes, and key terminology to help you revise effectively.
Examiner Tips for Islam
- Ensure you can clearly define key terms like Tawhid, Shirk, Akhirah, and Risalah.
- Use specific Surah references or Hadith to support your arguments.
- When discussing practices, explain the 'how' and 'why' (e.g., the purpose of Wudu or the significance of Hajj rituals).
- Structure your 15-mark responses to include balanced arguments and a clear conclusion.
Common Mistakes in Islam
- Confusing Sunni and Shi'a core beliefs (e.g., mixing up the Five Pillars with the Ten Obligatory Acts).
- Failing to distinguish between Greater and Lesser Jihad.
- Generalizing Islamic practice without acknowledging divergent views.
- Lack of specific reference to sources of wisdom and authority in evaluative answers.
Key Marking Points
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of core beliefs (Sunni and Shi'a).
- Explain the significance of the 99 names of Allah and attributes like Tawhid, Merciful, and Omnipotent.
- Analyze the role of prophets (Risalah) and Muhammad as the 'seal of the prophets'.
- Evaluate the importance of the Five Pillars (Sunni) and Ten Obligatory Acts (Shi'a).
- Explain the concepts of Greater and Lesser Jihad.
- Reference relevant sources of wisdom and authority (e.g., Qur'an, Hadith).