OxfordAQA IGCSE Islamiyat: Life and Teachings of Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) — Practice Questions

These are original questions written for Marlbridge, for revision and practice on this content. They follow the paper’s published structure and mark tariffs, but they are not reproduced past-paper questions — examination boards hold copyright in their own papers. Use these alongside the official past papers available free from your board.

Related: Life and Teachings of Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) study guide, Life and Teachings of Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) revision notes

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What do these questions practise? Topic 3.2.1 of OxfordAQA International GCSE Islamiat 9237, the life and teachings of Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh), examined in Paper 2 Section A: one compulsory 25-mark question in parts worth 1, 2, 4, 6 and 12 marks. In the real exam the 12-mark part prints a prescribed passage from Section 6 of the specification; here you are asked to refer to relevant teachings from the Qur’an or Hadith that you have studied.

Practice set 1

1 (a) Who was the Prophet’s (pbuh) wet nurse? [1]

1 (b) Give two features of religion in pre-Islamic Arabia. [2]

1 (c) Describe what happened in the Cave of Hira when the Prophet (pbuh) received the first revelation. [4]

1 (d) Explain two reasons why the leaders of Makkah opposed the Prophet’s (pbuh) message. [6]

1 (e) “The Hijrah was the most important event in the Prophet’s (pbuh) life.” Examine this statement, referring to Islamic teaching. [12]

Practice set 2

2 (a) In which battle was Hazrat Hamza (RA) martyred? [1]

2 (b) State two terms of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah. [2]

2 (c) Describe the events of the Isra wal Mi’raj. [4]

2 (d) Explain two ways in which the Ansar supported the Muhajirun. [6]

2 (e) “The Farewell Sermon is still the best guide for how Muslims should live today.” Examine this statement, referring to Islamic teaching. [12]

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Answers: set 1

1 (a) Halima Sa’diya [1].

1 (b) Any two: worship of many idols [1]; idols kept at the Ka’ba [1]; belief in a high god alongside idols [1]; presence of Jewish and Christian communities [1]; a few hanifs following the faith of Ibrahim (AS) [1].

1 (c) Any four: the Prophet (pbuh) was meditating in the cave in Ramadan [1]; the angel Jibril (AS) appeared and commanded “Read” [1]; he replied that he could not read [1]; Jibril pressed him tightly three times [1]; then recited the first verses of Sura 96 [1]; he returned home frightened and asked Khadija to cover him [1].

1 (d) Two reasons, each developed for up to 3 marks. Economic: Makkah earned money from pilgrims who came to worship the idols at the Ka’ba [1]; the call to worship one God threatened this trade [1]; so wealthy leaders feared losing income [1]. Social and political: Islam taught that all people are equal before Allah [1]; this challenged the power of the Quraysh leaders and the tribal system [1]; and their loyalty to the religion of their ancestors [1].

1 (e) Levels-marked. Arguments for: the Hijrah saved the Muslim community from persecution [2]; it allowed the first Muslim state, the Prophet’s Mosque and the Charter of Madinah [2]; it marks the start of the Islamic calendar, showing how central it is [1–2]; it showed trust in Allah, as in the cave of Thawr (Qur’an 9.40 tells of the two in the cave and Allah’s support) [1–2]. Arguments against: the first revelation in Hira was the beginning of prophethood, without which nothing else would follow [2]; the conquest of Makkah completed the mission and purified the Ka’ba [1–2]; the Farewell Sermon summarised his teaching for all time [1–2]. A reasoned conclusion that weighs these views earns the top level.

Answers: set 2

2 (a) Uhud [1].

2 (b) Any two: a ten-year truce [1]; Muslims to return the following year for umrah [1]; Makkans who joined the Muslims would be returned, but not the reverse [1]; tribes could ally with either side [1].

2 (c) Any four: in one night the Prophet (pbuh) was taken from Makka to Jerusalem (Isra) [1]; he led the earlier prophets in prayer at al-Aqsa [1]; he ascended through the heavens (Mi’raj) [1]; he met earlier prophets [1]; the five daily prayers were made obligatory [1]; on his return Abu Bakr (RA) confirmed his account and was called al-Siddiq [1].

2 (d) Two ways, each developed for up to 3 marks. Shelter and property: the Ansar welcomed the Muhajirun into their homes [1] because the migrants had left their property in Makka [1]; Abu Ayyub Ansari (RA) hosted the Prophet (pbuh) himself [1]. Brotherhood: the Prophet paired each Muhajir with an Ansari [1]; they shared land, wealth and work [1]; this built a united community in Madinah [1].

2 (e) Levels-marked. Arguments for: it summarises key teachings: sanctity of life and property [1–2]; equality, with no superiority of Arab over non-Arab except by piety, which challenges racism today [2]; rights of women [1–2]; the end of interest and blood feuds [1–2]; instruction to hold to the Qur’an [1]. Arguments against: the Qur’an itself is the primary guide and the Sermon points to it [2]; the whole Sunnah, not one speech, guides daily life [1–2]; modern questions need scholarship using ijma’ and qiyas [1–2]. A balanced conclusion, for example that the Sermon is an excellent summary that directs Muslims back to the Qur’an and Sunnah, reaches the top level.

Frequently asked questions

How long should a 12-mark answer be? Around a page: two or three developed arguments on each side, references to teaching, and a justified conclusion.

Will a passage be printed? Yes. In the exam the 12-mark part prints a prescribed passage from Section 6 of the specification, and you must use it in your answer.

Based on the OxfordAQA International GCSE Islamiat (9237) specification, Version 1.1, topic 3.2.1.