Key beliefs of Islam

    OCR
    GCSE

    A critical examination of the foundational theology of Islam, necessitating precise differentiation between the Six Articles of Faith (Sunni) and the Five Roots of Usul ad-Din (Shi'a). The study centers on the absolute nature of the Divine (Tawhid), the mechanism of revelation through Prophethood (Risalah), and the implications of eschatological accountability (Akhirah). Candidates must evaluate how these beliefs influence the worldview and ethical conduct of the believer, citing specific scriptural authority.

    6
    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    4
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Tawhid (The Oneness of Allah) - Surah 112
    • Adalat (Divine Justice) - Shi'a root of Usul ad-Din
    • The Imamate (Leadership) - Authority of the 12 Imams in Shi'a Islam
    • Al-Qadr (Predestination) - Sunni belief vs Shi'a emphasis on free will
    • Role of Jibril - Revelation of the Qur'an to Muhammad
    • Akhirah (Afterlife) - Jannah (Paradise) and Jahannam (Hell)

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You have described the belief accurately; now explain how this belief influences a Muslim's actions today."
    • "Include a direct quote or specific reference to the Qur'an to support this point for full AO1 marks."
    • "Your evaluation is one-sided; acknowledge the validity of the counter-argument before refuting it."
    • "Clearly distinguish whether you are discussing a Sunni or Shi'a perspective to show depth of understanding."

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for explicit identification of divergent beliefs between Sunni and Shi'a traditions (e.g., the Imamate vs. Caliphate).
    • Credit responses that integrate specific SOWA (e.g., Surah 112 for Tawhid) rather than generic paraphrasing.
    • In 'Discuss' questions (15 marks), candidates must evaluate the validity of a statement, offering a justified conclusion, not merely listing arguments.
    • Explanations of Al-Qadr must navigate the theological tension between divine predestination and human free will.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡For the 6-mark 'Explain' question, use the P.E.E. structure (Point, Evidence from SOWA, Explanation) twice.
    • 💡In 15-mark questions, ensure the conclusion directly answers the 'How far do you agree?' prompt rather than summarizing.
    • 💡Memorize specific Arabic terminology (e.g., Barzakh, Risalah, Tawhid) as accurate usage drives AO1 marks.
    • 💡Allocate 20 minutes strictly to the 15-mark question to ensure depth of analysis.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Conflating the Sunni Six Articles of Faith with the Shi'a Five Roots of Usul ad-Din.
    • Defining 'Jihad' solely as holy war without distinguishing between Greater Jihad (internal struggle) and Lesser Jihad (military defence).
    • Failing to provide a judgment in the 15-mark essay, resulting in a cap at Level 2 for lack of evaluation.
    • Confusing the angel Jibril's role (revelation) with Mika'il's role (sustenance/mercy).

    Study Guide Available

    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

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