Paper 2X Perspectives On Faith Islam (June 2022)

Study revision notes for Paper 2X Perspectives On Faith Islam (June 2022)

Paper 2X Perspectives on faith (Islam)

June 2022

Q1.1: Which one of the following holy books was revealed to Jesus (Isa) according to

Muslim belief?

Put a tick () in the box next to the correct answer. A The Gospel B The Psalms C The Qur’an D The Torah

Answer:

beliefs, practices and sources of authority Answer: A The Gospel


Q1.2: Give two of the Six Articles of Faith in Sunni Islam.

Answer:

beliefs, practices and sources of authority Oneness of God (Tawhid) / angels (Malaikah) / holy books (Kutub) / prophets (Risalah) / Day of Judgement (afterlife, Akhirah) / predestination (supremacy of God’s will, Al-Qadr). NB Either Arabic transliteration or English words are acceptable.


Q1.3: Explain two ways in which the religious beliefs about God as Creator are similar in

Islam and in the main religious tradition of Great Britain. You should name the main religious tradition of Great Britain in your answer.

Question 1 continues on the next page

Answer:

similarities and differences within and/or between religions and beliefs First similar way Second similar way If contrasting ways are given, only one of them may be credited up to 2 marks. Note that her ‘similar’ beliefs will include different similar beliefs. God is the sole Creator of the universe / he alone is omnipotent / he is absolutely transcendent and exalted over his creation, etc. God’s creation is good / he created it as ordered / it reflects the nature of God the Creator / it is mean to bring him glory by fulfilling his purpose for it, etc. God is the sustainer of the universe / he is the sole reason for its continued existence, etc. NB Maximum of two marks for answers that do not name the main religious tradition of Great Britain. An answer stating that both religions believe in only one God may be given 1 mark, but for the development mark to be awarded, there must be explicit reference to God as Creator, eg ‘Christians and Muslims believe that there is only one God who has power over creation’ would be awarded 2 marks; ‘Christians and Muslims believe that there is only one God, who is omnipotent’ would be awarded 1 mark.


Q1.4: Explain two Muslim beliefs about the importance of Ibrahim (Abraham).

Refer to scripture or another source of Muslim belief and teaching in your answer.

Answer:

beliefs, practices and sources of authority Relevant and accurate reference to sacred writing or another source of Muslim belief and teaching – 1 mark The father of the Arab people through Isma’il (Ishmael) / links Islam with Judaism and Christianity / intrinsic understanding of the oneness of God / destruction of idols / miraculous deliverance from the fire into which he was thrown by the angry people / rebuilt the Ka’aba / which is the holiest place in Islam / told by God to sacrifice his son / was willing to do so / submission to the will of God / a role model / a prophet / received revelations from God / wrote them on scrolls (the scrolls of Ibrahim), etc

Sources of authority:

‘Ibrahim was … true in faith and bowed his will to Allah’ (Qur’an 3:67 / ‘God speaks the truth, so follo Abraham's religion; he had true faith and he was never an idolater’ (Qur’an 3:95) / ‘Ibrahim was indee a model, devoutly obedient to Allah’ (Qur’an 16:120) / ‘and mention in the book of Abraham. He was man of truth and a prophet’ (Qur’an 19:41), etc. Accept all other sources of authority that correctly support the beliefs given.


Q1.5: ‘Belief in the Imamate is the most important of the Five Roots of Usul-ad-Din

(principles of faith) in Shi’a Islam.’ Evaluate this statement. In your answer you should: • give reasoned arguments to support this statement • give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view • refer to Muslim teaching • reach a justified conclusion.

[SPaG 3 marks]

Extra space

Q2 Islam: Practices

Answer:

In your answer you should: • give reasoned arguments to support this statement • give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view [Plus SPaG 3 mar and understanding of relevant evidence and information. References to religion applied to the issue. relevant evidence and information. Clear reference to religion. relevant evidence and information.

Arguments in support:

The most distinctive of Shi’a beliefs / no prophets after Muhammad, so divinely appointed Imams necessary to prevent error / guide Muslims in understanding their faith / the Twelvers believe that th have been twelve Imams appointed by God after Muhammad so their divine appointment shows the importance / they rule justly so they play a crucial role in the faith / infallibly interpret the Qur’an and Shari’ah so they can be trusted / the last of the Imams (Muhammad al-Mahdi) is hidden somewhere earth and this highlights the Imamate's continuing importance / like the sun hidden behind the cloud and this certainty is important for faith / and will re-emerge to bring justice and equality which are central concepts in Islam / without them and their guidance, the faith would have been corrupted / Muhammad spoke of their role as being like stars that saved people from being drowned / those wh hold fast to the Imams will be saved and have their sins forgiven / channel of God’s grace in this life friend to those who follow them on Judgement Day, etc.

Arguments in support of other views:

Tawhid the most important / God alone eternally exists / the source of life, power and knowledge / th oneness of God / God’s justice an essential Root / it reflects his absolute perfection / holds humans accountable for their actions / belief in prophethood very important / the prophets are sinless and giv infallible guidance that has been revealed to them by God / sometimes in the form of a scripture / perfect role models / belief in resurrection, judgement and the afterlife essential as it reminds human that they are accountable / influences how they live / about the final destiny of humanity / all Five Ro equally important to Shi’a faith / fit together like a jigsaw / each piece essential / for Sunni Muslims, t other roots are more important as they are part of Sunni belief, etc. Q2 Islam: Practices


Q2.1: Which one of the following words is the Muslim term for fasting?

Put a tick () in the box next to the correct answer. A Hajj B Salah C Khums D Sawm

Answer:

beliefs, practices and sources of authority Answer: D Sawm


Q2.2: Give the two parts of the Shahadah (the Muslim declaration of faith).

Answer:

beliefs, practices and sources of authority There is no God but Allah / Muhammad is the Prophet of Allah. Allow the statement in Arabic: ‘La ilaha illa Allah wa – Muhammad rasul Allah’. Also allow: ‘Ali is a friend of God’.


Q2.3: Explain two ways in which celebrating Id-ul-Fitr influences the lives of Muslims.

Question 2 continues on the next page

Answer:

influence on individuals, communities and societies To be a ‘detailed explanation’, the ‘influence’ of the way must be included. It marks the end of Ramadan / encourages Muslims to be grateful to Allah for having enabled them to fast during that time, etc. Muslims attend the mosque / the imam’s sermon reminds them to forgive those who have wronged them / and to focus on helping the poor / zakat al-fitr, etc. Giving to charity / in gratitude for their blessings from Allah / zakat al-fitr, etc. It is a time of thanksgiving for the revelation of the Qur’an / encourages Muslims to follow its teaching more faithfully, etc. It is a time to focus on family and friends / giving cards, presents etc. / visiting graves to pray for fami members who have died, etc. It is a global celebration Muslims / Muslims aware of being part of the Ummah, etc.


Q2.4: Explain two ways in which the Night of Power (Laylat ul-Qadr) is important

for Muslims. Refer to scripture or another source of Muslim belief and teaching in your answer.

Answer:

beliefs, practices and sources of authority Relevant and accurate reference to sacred writing or another source of Muslim belief and teaching – 1 mark Jibril told Muhammad to start reading, so the command came from Allah / the opening verses of the Qur’an / it marks the beginning of God’s revelation to Muhammad / many Muslims pray and study the Qur’an throughout the night on each of the possible dates / Muslims believe that worship on that nigh brings great spiritual rewards / a time of thanksgiving / a time when Allah will forgive sins / a time whe Muslims come together to celebrate in the mosque / a global celebration / Muslims conscious of bein part of the Ummah, etc.

Sources of authority:

‘It was in the month of Ramadan that the Qur’an was revealed as guidance for mankind’ (Qur’an 2:18 ‘Read in the Name of your Lord who created’ (Qur’an 96:1) / ‘The Night of Glory is better than a thousand months’ (Qur’an 97:3), etc. Accept all other sources of authority that correctly support the beliefs given.


Q2.5: ‘All Muslims should go to a mosque each week for Friday prayer (Jummah).’

Evaluate this statement. In your answer you should: • give reasoned arguments to support this statement • give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view • refer to Muslim teaching • reach a justified conclusion.

[SPaG 3 marks]

Extra space

Question . number .

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226G8063/2X

Answer:

In your answer you should: • give reasoned arguments to support this statement • give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view [Plus SPaG 3 mar and understanding of relevant evidence and information. References to religion applied to the issue. relevant evidence and information. Clear reference to religion. relevant evidence and information.

Arguments in support:

A sign of devotion and commitment / ‘O you who have faith! When the call is made for prayer on Frid hurry toward the remembrance of God, and leave all business’ (Qur’an 62:9) / ‘Whoever… goes ear to the mosque and attends from the beginning of the Khutbah and draws near to the Imam and liste to him attentively, Allah will give him the full reward of fasting all the days of a year and observing ni vigil on each of its nights for every step that he took towards the mosque’ (Hadith) / it brings the who community together / reinforces the ummah / strengthens Muslims in times of challenge such as Islamophobia / act of witness to the rest of the world / positive effects on children and young people the presence of women shows the Muslim belief in equality of status / worshippers receive guidance from the imam / guidance on political and social issues / reminders of their duties to God and others

Arguments in support of other views:

It is impractical / Muslims may be travelling / perhaps there is no mosque within an accessible distan of one’s workplace or current location / possibly ill / women are not expected to attend / they may ha domestic commitments / God ‘has chosen you, and has imposed no difficulties on you in the religion (Qur’an 22:78) / which means that God does not demand what is impossible / ‘Excuses for missing i [the Friday prayer] include: extreme mud, rain, leprosy, the sick and the one engaged in caring for th weak/ill, or the one confined in a place for whatsoever reasons etc.’ (Imam Khalil al-Maliki) / Muslims can still pray at home / prayer at home is just as acceptable to God, etc.