How Question 1 Works
Exam Method for Qur’anic Passages
Question 1 normally gives three Qur’anic passages. Students choose any two and answer both parts.
(a) Main Theme — AO1
- State the central theme directly.
- Explain what the passage teaches about Allah and His messenger.
- Use key words from the passage, for example: khalifah, by My permission, guidance, favour, orphan, abundance.
- Do not retell the passage only; explain what it teaches.
- For 4 marks, write 3–4 developed bullet points, not one vague sentence.
(b) Importance of Theme — AO2
- Explain how the theme affects a Muslim’s belief and daily conduct today.
- Link the passage to worship, gratitude, trust in Allah, obedience, repentance, care for others or rejection of shirk.
- Use reasoning: “This matters because…” / “This teaches Muslims to…”
- Do not repeat part (a). Part (b) must show application and understanding.
- For 4 marks, give 3–4 clear practical lessons.
Full-mark habit: mention the prophet in the passage, Allah’s action towards him, the lesson about prophethood, and the relevance for Muslims today.
Passage 1
Sura 2:30–37 — Adam عليه السلام
Theme focus: Adam’s creation, human responsibility, Allah’s knowledge, obedience, sin and repentance.
Meaning guide: Allah tells the angels He will place a khalifah on earth. Adam is taught the names of things, showing Allah’s gift of knowledge. The angels obey Allah’s command to bow, but Iblis refuses through arrogance. Adam and his wife slip, then receive words of repentance from Allah.
(a) Main Theme
- Allah appoints humans as khalifah: Human beings are given a special role on earth, with responsibility and moral accountability.
- Allah’s knowledge is greater than creation’s knowledge: The angels ask about human corruption, but Allah says He knows what they do not know.
- Knowledge is a divine gift: Adam is taught the names, showing that human understanding comes from Allah.
- Obedience and arrogance are contrasted: The angels obey Allah, while Iblis refuses and becomes an example of pride and disobedience.
- Allah accepts repentance: Adam’s mistake is not the end; Allah teaches him words of repentance and accepts him.
- Prophets and chosen servants are guided by Allah: Adam عليه السلام is presented as the first human being and first prophet-like figure guided by Allah.
(b) Importance of Theme
- Muslims learn that life on earth is not purposeless; they are answerable to Allah for how they use their abilities.
- They should value knowledge because Allah raised Adam through knowledge, not wealth or power.
- They should avoid arrogance, because Iblis lost his position due to pride and refusal to obey Allah.
- They should repent after sins, because Adam’s story teaches hope in Allah’s mercy.
- They should protect the earth and behave responsibly as Allah’s servants on earth.
- They should respect prophethood as part of Allah’s guidance for humanity from the beginning.
KhalifahKnowledgeAngelsIblisObedienceRepentance
A* Answer Frame
- This passage teaches that Allah gave Adam a special status as khalifah on earth.
- It shows Allah’s complete knowledge, because He knew the wisdom behind creating humans even when angels questioned it.
- It also teaches that knowledge is from Allah, as Adam was taught the names.
- For Muslims today, this means they should seek knowledge, obey Allah, avoid arrogance and repent whenever they make mistakes.
Passage 2
Sura 6:75–79 — Ibrahim عليه السلام
Theme focus: search for truth, rejection of false worship, reflection on creation and sincere tawhid.
Meaning guide: Allah shows Ibrahim عليه السلام the kingdom of the heavens and earth so that he becomes certain. Ibrahim reflects on the star, moon and sun, but rejects them because they disappear. He turns himself sincerely towards the One who created the heavens and earth.
(a) Main Theme
- Allah guides His messengers to certainty: Ibrahim عليه السلام is shown the signs of Allah in the heavens and earth.
- Creation points to the Creator: The star, moon and sun are signs, not objects of worship.
- False gods are weak and temporary: Anything that sets, disappears or changes cannot be Allah.
- Ibrahim rejects shirk: He turns away from worshipping created things and declares devotion to the Creator.
- Prophets teach tawhid through reasoning: Ibrahim uses observation and reflection to guide people away from idolatry.
- True faith requires sincerity: Ibrahim turns his face firmly to the One who created the heavens and earth.
(b) Importance of Theme
- Muslims learn to reflect on the natural world as a sign of Allah’s existence and power.
- They should reject all forms of shirk, including giving ultimate importance to money, status, people or objects.
- They should use reason and observation to strengthen their faith, not follow blind customs.
- They should be confident in tawhid even when society follows wrong beliefs.
- They learn from Ibrahim’s courage to stand for truth respectfully and firmly.
- This passage also teaches that prophets guide people towards Allah, not towards themselves.
IbrahimCertaintyHeavens and EarthStarMoonSunTawhid
A* Answer Frame
- The passage shows Ibrahim عليه السلام being guided by Allah to recognise the truth.
- It teaches that stars, moon and sun are created signs and cannot be worshipped.
- Ibrahim’s final declaration shows pure tawhid and rejection of shirk.
- Muslims today should reflect on creation, reject false priorities and turn sincerely to Allah.
Passage 3
Sura 5:110 — Isa عليه السلام
Theme focus: Allah’s support for His messenger, miracles by Allah’s permission, revelation and opposition.
Meaning guide: Allah reminds Isa عليه السلام of His favours: support through the Holy Spirit, speech from the cradle and in maturity, teaching of scripture and wisdom, miracles such as healing and raising the dead by Allah’s permission, and protection from opponents.
(a) Main Theme
- Allah supports His messengers: Isa عليه السلام is strengthened by the Holy Spirit and helped in his mission.
- Allah gives revelation and wisdom: Isa is taught the Book, Wisdom, the Torah and the Gospel.
- Miracles happen only by Allah’s permission: The repeated phrase “by My permission” shows that prophets do not act independently of Allah.
- Miracles confirm prophethood: Healing the blind and leper, making a bird-like form and raising the dead are signs given by Allah.
- Prophets face rejection: Some people deny clear signs and call them magic.
- Allah protects His messenger: Allah restrains the Children of Israel from harming Isa when he brings clear signs.
(b) Importance of Theme
- Muslims learn to respect Isa عليه السلام as a great prophet of Allah, not as divine.
- They understand that all power belongs to Allah; even miracles occur only by His permission.
- They gain trust that Allah supports His messengers and supports believers in difficult situations.
- They should not reject truth because of pride or social pressure, as some rejected clear signs.
- They should be grateful for divine guidance and revelation.
- They learn that human achievement is ultimately dependent on Allah’s help and permission.
IsaMaryamHoly SpiritBook and WisdomBy My PermissionMiraclesOpposition
Mark-scheme focus: Cambridge’s June 2024 mark scheme identifies this passage as “Allah’s Messengers” and highlights guidance, Allah’s power, support through miracles, and the opposition prophets face.
A* Answer Frame
- This passage shows Allah’s favours to Isa عليه السلام and his mother Maryam عليها السلام.
- It proves that prophets are supported by Allah through revelation, wisdom and miracles.
- The repeated phrase “by My permission” shows that power belongs to Allah alone.
- For Muslims today, it strengthens belief in Allah’s control, respect for prophets and trust in divine help.
Passage 4
Sura 93 — Ad-Duha
Theme focus: reassurance to the Prophet ﷺ, Allah’s care, gratitude and kindness to the weak.
Meaning guide: Allah reassures the Prophet ﷺ that He has not abandoned him. Allah reminds him of past favours: shelter after being orphaned, guidance, and independence after need. The sura ends with commands to treat orphans and beggars kindly and to speak of Allah’s blessings.
(a) Main Theme
- Allah reassures His messenger: The Prophet ﷺ is told that Allah has not forsaken him.
- Allah’s care continues through hardship: Past difficulties did not mean Allah’s absence.
- Allah provides shelter, guidance and independence: The Prophet’s life is shown as evidence of Allah’s favour.
- The Hereafter is better than this life: The Prophet ﷺ is promised a better future with Allah.
- Gratitude must lead to action: The Prophet ﷺ is told to care for orphans and beggars and proclaim Allah’s blessings.
- Prophets are human but divinely supported: The Prophet ﷺ experienced hardship but received Allah’s comfort and direction.
(b) Importance of Theme
- Muslims learn not to lose hope during hardship, because Allah’s help may come after difficulty.
- They should remember their own blessings and be grateful instead of complaining constantly.
- They should help vulnerable people, especially orphans, the poor and those who ask for help.
- They should trust that the Hereafter is better than temporary worldly struggles.
- They should love and respect the Prophet ﷺ as one especially cared for by Allah.
- They should speak about Allah’s favours humbly, not boastfully.
Ad-DuhaReassuranceNot ForsakenOrphanGuidanceGratitudeCharity
Mark-scheme focus: Cambridge’s June 2024 mark scheme links this sura with Allah’s help, provision, gratitude, reassurance and care for those in need.
A* Answer Frame
- The passage reassures the Prophet ﷺ that Allah has not abandoned him.
- It reminds him of Allah’s past favours: shelter, guidance and independence.
- It teaches gratitude through practical kindness to orphans and beggars.
- Muslims today should trust Allah during hardship, remember blessings and support the vulnerable.
Passage 5
Sura 108 — Al-Kawthar
Theme focus: Allah’s favour to the Prophet ﷺ, gratitude through worship and Allah’s defence of His messenger.
Meaning guide: Allah tells the Prophet ﷺ that He has granted him abundant good. The Prophet ﷺ is commanded to pray and sacrifice for Allah. Those who hate or oppose him are described as cut off, while Allah raises the Prophet’s honour.
(a) Main Theme
- Allah honours His messenger: The Prophet ﷺ is given al-Kawthar, understood as abundant good and special favour.
- Allah consoles the Prophet ﷺ: The sura gives comfort against mockery and opposition.
- Gratitude is shown through worship: The Prophet ﷺ is commanded to pray and sacrifice for Allah alone.
- Allah defends His messenger: The enemies of the Prophet ﷺ are the ones truly cut off from lasting honour.
- Worldly insults do not decide spiritual status: Allah’s judgement is greater than people’s criticism.
- The Prophet’s legacy is protected by Allah: Despite opposition, his message continues and his name is honoured by Muslims worldwide.
(b) Importance of Theme
- Muslims learn that honour comes from Allah, not from people’s approval.
- They should respond to blessings with prayer, sacrifice, obedience and gratitude.
- They should remain patient when mocked or opposed for their faith.
- They should love and respect the Prophet ﷺ, whose status was raised by Allah.
- They should not become hopeless when facing criticism, because Allah’s support is greater.
- They learn that worship must be for Allah alone, not for show or social status.
Al-KawtharAbundant GoodPrayerSacrificeGratitudeConsolationProphet’s Honour
A* Answer Frame
- The sura shows Allah’s special favour to the Prophet ﷺ through al-Kawthar.
- It teaches that the Prophet ﷺ should respond with prayer and sacrifice to Allah.
- It also shows that Allah protects the Prophet’s honour against his opponents.
- Muslims today should show gratitude through worship, love the Prophet ﷺ and stay patient when facing criticism.
Past Paper Connection
Relevant Past-Paper Questions and Practice Angles
Use these links and question forms to practise in the exact Cambridge style.
| Passage | Relevant Question Style | What to practise |
|---|---|---|
| Sura 5:110 | June 2024 Paper 11 Question 1 included this passage. | Allah’s support for Isa عليه السلام, miracles by Allah’s permission, revelation, opposition. |
| Sura 93 | June 2024 Paper 11 Question 1 included this passage. | Allah’s reassurance to the Prophet ﷺ, gratitude, care for orphans and beggars. |
| Sura 2:30–37 | Standard Question 1 passage practice. | Khalifah, Allah’s knowledge, Adam’s knowledge, Iblis, repentance. |
| Sura 6:75–79 | Standard Question 1 passage practice. | Ibrahim’s reflection on creation, rejection of shirk, sincere tawhid. |
| Sura 108 | Standard Question 1 passage practice. | Allah’s favour to the Prophet ﷺ, worship, sacrifice, patience against mockery. |
Practice wording: “Choose any two passages. (a) Briefly explain the main theme(s) in each passage. [4] (b) Briefly explain the importance of these themes in a Muslim’s life today. [4]”
Exam Improvement
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These mistakes commonly stop students from reaching full marks in Question 1.
1. Writing only translation or story
- Do not simply narrate what the passage says.
- Explain the religious teaching behind it: Allah’s guidance, support, knowledge, mercy, power and relationship with His messengers.
2. Mixing the passages together
- Write separately for each passage.
- For example, Sura 5:110 is mainly about Isa عليه السلام and miracles by Allah’s permission; Sura 93 is mainly about reassurance and gratitude.
3. Repeating Part (a) in Part (b)
- Part (a) = what the passage teaches.
- Part (b) = why it matters in a Muslim’s life today.
- Use phrases like: “This teaches Muslims today to…” and “This is important because…”
4. Careless statements about prophets
- Be careful: in Islam, miracles are not independent powers of prophets.
- For Sura 5:110, repeatedly stress that miracles happen by Allah’s permission.
- Respect all prophets, including Adam, Ibrahim and Isa عليهم السلام, and the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
5. Weak importance points
- Avoid vague sentences such as “It is important because Muslims should follow it.”
- Write specific lessons: seek knowledge, repent, reject shirk, show gratitude, care for orphans, trust Allah, pray and sacrifice for Allah alone.
Sources Consulted
Reliability and Translation Note
This page is designed for study support and should be used with the Cambridge syllabus and recognised Qur’an translations.
- Cambridge O Level Islamiyat 2058 syllabus, 2026–2027: Paper 1 major themes and Qur’anic passages.
- Cambridge June 2024 Paper 11 and Mark Scheme 11: official Question 1 wording and mark-scheme guidance for Sura 5:110 and Sura 93.
- Quran.com checked for the relevant passages: Sura 2:30–37, Sura 6:75–79, Sura 5:110, Sura 93 and Sura 108.
- Important: students should use the translation printed in the exam paper for final exam writing.