Paper 1
Question 2’s: 2 marks
Christianity: Beliefs and teachings
(1) Give two ways in which Christians believe God shows his benevolence.
- By the creation of life/humans.
- by the belief that God sent Jesus to us to guide us and to die for our sins and forgiveness
(2) Give two ways in which Jesus’ crucifixion influences Christians today.
- Sin can and will be forgiven.
- People gain hope from the crucifixion in difficult times.
(3) Give two reasons why the disciples believed Jesus was alive after his resurrection.
- Women were told by God that he had risen.
- Jesus appeared to them and that his tomb was empty
(4) Give two reasons why some people do not believe in hell
- They believe that the idea of hell was used to frighten people and make them obey the rules of the Church.
- The existence of hell contradicts God’s omnibenevolent nature.
(5) Give two reasons why the death and resurrection of Jesus is important to Christians.
- The resurrection proved that Jesus is the Christ and Son of God (as everything he said and did was true)
- The resurrection is a sign of God’s great power (ability to raise the dead to life)
- Jesus’ resurrection means that his sacrificial death on the cross was sufficient, and therefore our sins can be forgiven.
(6) Give two ways that Christians believe salvation can come about.
- By doing good works, like giving to charity.
- By having faith and following God’s laws in the Bible (faith is nothing without good works)
(7) Give two Christian beliefs about life after death.
- Everybody will be judged (on Day of Judgement or when they die)
- People will go hell if they refuse to accept the happiness that God wants people to share with him.
- People will be in the purgatory (Roman Catholic), where the soul is purified from sins.
Christianity: Practices
(1) Give two ways in which Christians worship.
- Liturgical worship
- Non liturgical worship
(2) Give two reasons why the Lord’s Prayer is important to Christians.
- These are the words Jesus used when he taught his disciples to pray. (this prayer must be special because it’s God (jesus)
teaching Christians how to pray)
- Includes the main components of prayer (adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication).
(3) Give two ways in which Christians celebrate the festival of Easter.
- Christians say “he is risen”
- Christians exchange cards
- Christians eat chocolate eggs (represent new life)
(4) Give two meanings of the word ‘church’.
- Church means the universal body of believers/assembly of God.
- church means the building of where Christians worship God.
(5) Give two ways in which the Church tries to fulfil its mission.
- the Church sends Christians to do missionary work
(6) Give two ways in which the Church gets its message to people.
(7) Give two examples of how the Church has helped to work towards reconciliation.
(8) Give two ways in which Christians support those countries where it is forbidden to follow Jesus.
(9) Give two ways in which the Church responds to world poverty.
(10) Give two ways why prayer is important to Christians.
- Christians follow Jesus’ examples of praying (& told his disciples to use Lord’s Prayer)
- A sense of connection with God
- To praise & adore God
- Appropriate in other forms of practices (i.e. funeral, eucharist, baptisms, weddings)
Islam: Beliefs and teachings
(1) Give two Muslim beliefs about God.
Muslims believe that Allah is transcendent and just.
OR CAN BE ANY OF THE ASMA-UL-HUSNA (99 NAMES)
(2) Give two different roles that angels have in Islam.
ANSWER MUST BE TWO FROM THE FOLLOWING
Muslims believe that the angel Isra’fil’s role is blowing the trumpet to signal the Day of Judgement.
Muslims believe that the angel Izrael’s role is to take the souls from the bodies of those who died.
Muslims believe that the angel Mikail’s role is to effectuate Allah’s rizq (providence) and natural phenomena like rain and
thunder.
Muslims believe that the angel Jibra’il’s role is to intermediate between Allah and mankind by bearing revelation to Nabis
and Rasuls.
(3) Give two reasons why prophets are important in Islam.
The prophets are important in Islam because
they have no distinction in their messages by suggesting submission to Allah.
they were given divine revelation (their Holy Books) – for example, Dawud was given the Zabur.
(4) What is the Ka’aba, and why is it important to Muslims?
The Ka’aba is the metaphorical house of Allah and is important to Muslims because
it represents the oneness of Allah in Islam,
Muslims face it as a Qiblah when praying,
Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail constructed the Ka’aba
(5) Give two reasons why the Imamate is important to Shi’a Muslims.
The Imamate is important to Shia Muslims because
the imams protect the religion and help guide Muslims along the right path.
the imams are sinless
the imams are free from error
the imams are able to interpret scripture
the imams have knowledge passed down from Prophet Muhammad
(6) Give the names of two other Muslim holy books other than the Qur’an.
Zabur / Injil / Tawrat / Suhuf of Ibrahim
(7) Give two differences between Sunni and Shi’a Islam.
- Shias believe in the Imamate, whereas Sunnis don’t.
- Shias add “And Ali is the friend of God” to the Shahadah, whereas Sunni’s don’t.
- Sunnis believe Abu Bakr should’ve been the successor of Muhammad, whereas Shias believe Ali should’ve been.
- Sunnis see self-flagellation as a sin, whereas Shias practice self-flagellation as a way to honour the martyrdom of
Hussein.
- The Shahadah is the first pillar in Sunni Islam, whereas Tawhid is the first root of Shia Usul-Ad-Din.
- Sunni Muslims don’t pay Khums because it only applies to spoils of war only, not money & pay Zakah instead. Whereas
Shias pay Zakah and Khums nevertheless.
(8) Give two of the six articles of faith in Sunni Islam.
Allah / Angels (Malaikah) / Books (Kutub) / Prophets (Rusul) / Day of Resurrection (Yawm ul Qiyamah) / Predestination (Al
Qadr)
Islam: Practices
(1) Give two of the Ten Obligatory Acts.
ANSWER MUST BE TWO FROM ANY OF THE FOLLOWING
Salah, Sawm, Zakat, Hajj, Jihad, Khums,
Amr bil Ma’ruf (encourage good), Nahy anil Munkar (forbid bad),
Tawalla (showing love to Prophet Muhammad and his kinship), Tabarra (hate those who reject/curse the Prophet and his
kin)
(2) Give two differences between Zakah and Khums.
- Zakah is given to the poor, needy, those in debt and stranded travellers (immigrants), whereas Khums is spent on good
charitable causes (like mosques, education, and orphans).
- Zakah is 2.5% of wealth, whereas Khums is 1/5th of earnings too.
- Sunni Muslims don’t pay Khums because it only applies to spoils of war only, not money. Whereas Shias pay Khums
nevertheless.
(3) Give two ways in which Shi’a Muslims observe Ashura.
- Shias have gatherings and read poetry.
- Shias do self-flagellation (striking the chests) to reenact the killing of Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet & go on Ziyarah
to Karbala.
- Shias dress in black and cry to remember the killing of Hussain.
(4) Give two objects or features that Muslims can use to know they are facing the right direction when they pray.
- Muslims can use a compass or face the mihrab.
- (qiblah wall)
(5) Give two ways in which Muslims can give Zakah.
- Muslims can give zakah by directly giving it to a charity.
- Muslims can give zakah directly to the needy people.
Question 3’s: 4 marks
Christianity: Beliefs and teachings
(1) Explain two ways in which belief in creation by God influences Christians today.
- Influences Christians to have respect towards the world and nature (examples of creation) because God created all
creatures as part of his omnibenevolence.
- Influences Christians to show care to God’s world, by recycling to take care of the world.
(2) Explain two ways in which a belief in the resurrection influences Christians today.
- Influences Christians to feel grateful to Jesus because his resurrection has taken away our sins.
- Influences Christians to not feel scared of death because Jesus defeated death.
- Influences Christians to understand God’s omnipotence because resurrecting is not a natural phenomenon.
- Influences Christians to understand God’s omnibenevolence because God wanted atonement for mankind.
(3) Explain two ways in which a belief in Jesus’ crucifixion influences Christians today.
- Influences Christians to have hope during times of hardship. Just as Jesus faced all the suffering and pain, he still
showed strength and resilience to endure it.
- Influences Christians to ask for forgiveness because Jesus died for all of our sins to be forgiven and Christians want to
remain sinless.
- Influences Christians to pray to Jesus because it proved how much he loved us by giving his ultimate sacrifice – his life.
Christianity: Practices
(1) Explain two ways in which belief in creation by God influences Christians today.
(2) Explain two ways in which a belief in the resurrection influences Christians today.
(3) Explain two ways in which a belief in Jesus’ crucifixion influences Christians today.
(4) Explain two ways in which the belief in creation by God influences Christians today.
(5) Explain two contrasting ways in which Christians practise baptism.
(6) Explain two ways in which Holy Communion has an impact on the lives of believers.
(7) Explain two contrasting ways in which Holy Communion is celebrated in Christianity.
(8) Explain two contrasting examples of Christian pilgrimage.
(9) Explain two ways in which a worldwide Christian relief organisation carries out its mission overseas.
(10) Explain two contrasting ways in which Christians worship.
Islam: Beliefs and teachings
(1) Explain two contrasting Muslim beliefs about God’s nature.
(2) Explain how God can be both transcendent and immanent.
(3) Explain why Muslims believe it is important to take responsibility for their actions.
(4) Explain two ways in which a belief in Prophethood influences Muslims today.
- Influences Muslims to participate in festivals or forms of worships that commemorate the Prophets, like Tawaf (around the
Ka’bah, which has prophetic significance to Prophet Ibrahim, Isma’il and Muhammad).
- Influences Muslims
- Muslims would feel grateful for Allah’s mercy because it was Allah’s mercy and benevolence which allowed Prophets to spread
the true message of the religion
(4) Explain two of God’s qualities.
Allah is Just. This is seen as Allah will judge everyone equally on the Day of Judgment
Allah is transcendent, as He is above and beyond anything that exists in the world.
Allah is immanent as He is close to every human being and within all things on Earth.
Allah is Merciful, this is because He shows compassion and mercy by forgiving people.
Islam: Practices
(1) Explain how Muslims prepare for prayer.
- Muslims preform a ritual washing called Wudu (ablution), which purifies them spiritually and physically before praying.
- Muslims face the Qiblah before prayer because it was prescribed by Allah.
(2) Explain two contrasting ways in which prayer is practised in Islam.
- Shias pray by joining Dhuhr and Asr prayer together and Maghrib and Isha. Whereas, Sunnis pray the 5 prayers at their respective
times.
(3) Explain why the Ka’aba is important to Muslims
(4) Explain two ways in which a belief in greater jihad influences Muslims today.
(5) Explain two ways in which a belief in the importance of prayer influences Muslims today.
(6) Explain two ways in which the action of the prophet Ibrahim and his family are remembered on Hajj.
(7) Explain two contrasting Muslim beliefs about why it is important to fast during Ramadan.
Question 4’s: 5 marks
Christianity: Beliefs and teachings
(1) Explain two Christian beliefs about Jesus’ incarnation. Refer to sacred writings or another source of Christian belief and
teaching in your answer.
(2) Explain two Christian teachings about judgement. Refer to sacred writings or another source of Christian belief and teaching in
your answer.
(3) Explain two Christian teachings about the means of salvation. Refer to sacred writings or another source of Christian belief and
teaching in your answer.
(4) Explain two Christian beliefs about salvation. Refer to sacred writings or another source of Christian belief and teaching in your
answer.
(5) Explain two Christian teachings about God. Refer to sacred writings or another source of Christian belief and teaching in your
answer.
(6) Explain two Christian teachings about atonement. Refer to sacred writings or another source of Christian belief and teaching in
your answer.
Christianity: Practices
(1) Explain two reasons why Christians pray. Refer to sacred writings or another source of Christian belief and teaching in your
answer.
(2) Explain two ways in which Street Pastors carry out their Christian duty. Refer to sacred writings or another source of Christian
belief and teaching in your answer.
(3) Explain two ways that Christian charities help the poor in less economically developed countries. Refer to sacred writings or
another source of Christian belief and teaching in your answer.
(4) Explain two reasons why Christians practise evangelism. Refer to sacred writings or another source of Christian belief and
teaching in your answer.
(5) Explain two ways that Christians may work for reconciliation. Refer to sacred writings or another source of Christian belief and
teaching in your answer.
Islam: Beliefs and teachings
(1) Explain two Muslim teachings about predestination. Refer to sacred writings or another source of Muslim belief and teaching in
your answer.
(2) Explain two reasons why Muhammad is considered to be the most important prophet in Islam. Refer to sacred writings or
another source of Muslim belief and teaching in your answer.
(3) Explain two meanings of the concept of Tawhid. Refer to sacred writings or another source of Muslim belief and teaching in
your answer.
Islam: Practices
(1) Explain two Muslim beliefs about the Night of Power. Refer to sacred writings or another source of Muslim belief and teaching
in your answer.
(2) Explain two Muslim beliefs about the importance of festivals. Refer to sacred writings or another source of Muslim belief and
teaching in your answer.
(3) Explain two reasons why Muslims go on Hajj. Refer to sacred writings or another source of Muslim belief and teaching in your
answer.
(4) Explain two Muslim beliefs about jihad Refer to sacred writings or another source of Muslim belief and teaching in your answer.
Question 5’s: 12 marks
Christianity: Beliefs and teachings
(1) ‘The Bible tells Christians all they need to know about God’s creation.’
Evaluate this statement
(2) ‘Christianity is a major influence on people’s lives.’
Evaluate this statement.
(3) ‘A loving God would not allow suffering.’
Evaluate this statement.
(4) ‘The Trinity is a helpful way of describing God.’
Evaluate this statement.
(5) ‘The Bible is the best source of information about the creation.’
Evaluate this statement.
(6) ‘The stories of the incarnation show that Jesus was the Son of God.’
Evaluate this statement.
(7) ‘The crucifixion is the most important belief for Christians.’
Evaluate this statement.
(8) ‘The resurrection is the most important belief for Christians.’
Evaluate this statement.
(9) ‘There will be a bodily resurrection.’
Evaluate this statement.
(10) ‘The afterlife is a good way to get people to behave themselves and help others.’
Evaluate this statement.
(11) ‘As nobody is perfect, it is impossible not to sin.’
Evaluate this statement.
(12) ‘Salvation is God’s greatest gift to humans.’
Evaluate this statement.
(13) ‘The stories of the incarnation prove that Jesus was the Son of God.’
Evaluate this statement.
(14) ‘There is no such place as hell.’
Evaluate this statement.
(15) ‘The best way to gain salvation is to obey God’s law.’
Evaluate this statement.
Christianity: Practices
(1) ‘Worship is most power when believers follow a set ritual.’
Evaluate this statement.
(2) ‘Private worship has more meaning for a Christian than public worship.’
Evaluate this statement.
(3) ‘Parents should not have their children baptised if they have no intention of bringing them up as Christians.’
Evaluate this statement.
(4) ‘It is more important to help the poor than to celebrate Holy Communion.’
Evaluate this statement.
(5) ‘Holy Communion services should focus more on the Liturgy of the Word than on Holy Communion itself.’
Evaluate this statement.
(6) ‘There is no difference between a pilgrimage and a holiday.’
Evaluate this statement.
(7) ‘Christmas is no longer a religious festival.’
Evaluate this statement.
(8) ‘There will always be a need to feed hungry people in Britain.’
Evaluate this statement.
(9) ‘All Christians should do something practical to help their community, including praying for their neighbours.’
Evaluate this statement.
(10) ‘Every Christian should be an evangelist.’
Evaluate this statement.
(11) ‘Christians should just rely on evangelists for Church growth.’
Evaluate this statement.
(12) ‘Reconciliation to God is more important than reconciliation to other people.’
Evaluate this statement.
(13) ‘It is not possible to “rejoice and be glad” if you are suffering persecution.’
Evaluate this statement.
(14) ‘Religious charities should just concentrate on emergency aid.’
Evaluate this statement.
(15) ‘The most important duty of the Church is to help people in need.’
Evaluate this statement.
(16) ‘The best way for Christians to grow closer to God is to go on a pilgrimage.’
Evaluate this statement.
(17) ‘A Christian’s most important duty is to tell others about their faith.’
Evaluate this statement.
Islam: Beliefs and teachings
(1) ‘Tawhid is the most important belief in Islam.’
Evaluate this statement.
Tawhid means the Oneness of Allah and affirms the independency and omnipotence of Allah; this is a sacred teaching and is
believed by all Muslims. Therefore, it is limited to say Tawhid the most important belief, as all other beliefs have equal importance.
Some Muslims may argue that Tawhid is the most important belief in Islam. This is because it says in the Qur’an, “So know well
that there is no god except Allah and seek forgiveness for your shortcomings”. Here, Allah affirms the believers to keep steadfast in
the belief that there is nothing worthy of worship but Allah, which is essentially the Shahadah and the doctrine of Tawhid. This verse
is also used to reject Taghut, which refers to anything worshipped alongside Allah (also Shirk). If Tawhid was not the most important
belief, then why would Allah explicitly mention this in the Quran? Additionally, the verse says, “seek forgiveness for your
shortcomings”, which reminds Muslims to always remember Allah and repent to Him. Repentance requires Tawhid, otherwise there
would be no one to ask forgiveness for. Furthermore, Tawhid encompasses all of the practices and other beliefs. Without Tawhid,
the forms of worship would be meaningless.
However, other Muslims may argue that this would only be the case if Tawhid was totally rejected. Instead, they would believe
that Tawhid is equally important as any other belief. An example of a Muslim belief that Tawhid would be equal to is the belief in
Malaikah (angels). This would be because in the Qur’an, it states, “Whoever is an enemy to Allah, His Angels, His Messengers, Jibra’il,
Mika’il, then indeed Allah is an enemy to the disbelievers”. The belief of the Oneness of Allah is not sufficient, as stated in the Qur’an
(and in the 5 Pillars of Sunni Islam), Muslims need to accept the angels as they conduct the commands of Allah, whereby Jibra’il had
revealed the Qur’an by Allah’s Will and Mika’il gives provisions as a mercy from Allah. Therefore, belief in Angels is equally important
as belief in Tawhid.
(REDACTED) Tawhid is not the most important belief in Islam, rather it is equally important as the Shahadah. Although the Shahadah can be a form of belief, it too can also be a form of practice (i.e., during prayer). The idea of Tawhid is taken from the Shahadah as
“There is no God but Allah” equates to the Oneness and independency of Allah. On the other hand, if the Shahadah were to be seen to be a form of practice, as it is repeated during Salah and said in front of witnesses as proof of accepting the faith, then Tawhid would
underpin the rest of the beliefs and practices.
As a Muslim myself, I would agree with this statement because the belief in Allah is necessary to do the duty of a Muslim. The
Tawhid doctrine is necessary for all other beliefs. To say one is a Muslim means to submit to Allah; this is why all the Prophets are
called Muslims regardless of their scripture & laws – their message is one and equal.
In conclusion, Allah has made Tawhid very explicit in the Qur’an. This should influence Muslims in all sorts of worship, otherwise
what is worship without one being worshipped?
(2) ‘The similarities between Sunni and Shi’a Islam are more important than the differences.’
Evaluate this statement.
(3) ‘Of all God’s qualities, his omnipotence is the most important one for Muslims.’
Evaluate this statement.
(4) ‘Without angels, Islam would not exist.’
Evaluate this statement.
(5) ‘Predestination means that Muslims have no free will to make their own choices.’
Evaluate this statement.
(6) ‘A Muslim’s approach to life should be based on their beliefs about the afterlife.’
Evaluate this statement.
(7) ‘Adam is just as important as the prophet Muhammad.’
Evaluate this statement.
(8) ‘Ibrahim is the perfect role model for Muslims.’
Evaluate this statement.
(9) ‘Muhammad has had more impact on Muslims’ lives than any other prophet.’
Evaluate this statement.
(10) ‘The Qur’an is the highest authority in Islam.’
Evaluate this statement.
(11) ‘The best way of understanding God is to describe God as transcendent.’
Evaluate this statement.
(12) ‘The Qur’an contains all the guidance that Muslims need to live a perfect Muslim life.’
Evaluate this statement.
(13) ‘For Muslims, the prophets make better role models than the angels.’
Evaluate this statement.
Islam: Practices
(1) ‘The Shahadah summarises the most important beliefs in Islam.’
Evaluate this statement.
(2) ‘Prayer is the most difficult of the Five Pillars for Muslims to follow.’
Evaluate this statement.
(3) ‘It is best that prayers are structured, with set actions and recitations.’
Evaluate this statement.
(4) ‘It is more important to study the Qur’an during Ramadan than it is to fast.’
Evaluate this statement.
(5) ‘The most important reason to give Zakah or Khums is because it teaches Muslims to have a good attitude owards money.’
Evaluate this statement.
(6) ‘Going on Hajj is the best way for a Muslim to show their commitment to Islam.’
Evaluate this statement.
(7) ‘The most important reason for performing Hajj is to remember the actions of the prophets.’
Evaluate this statement.
(8) ‘Greater jihad is harder to follow than lesser jihad in today’s world.’
Evaluate this statement.
(9) ‘Muslim festivals are mainly about having fun.’
Evaluate this statement.
(10) ‘The Shahadah is the most important pillar of Islam.’
Evaluate this statement.
(11) ‘Giving to charity is the most important practice in Islam.’
Evaluate this statement.
(12) ‘Id-ul-Fitr should be made an official public holiday in Britain.’
Evaluate this statement.
