IGCSE Islamiyat 0493

What is Cambridge IGCSE Islamiyat 0493?

Cambridge IGCSE Islamiyat 0493 is an internationally recognised qualification that helps students develop a clear understanding of the beliefs, history, teachings, and practices of Islam. It is designed for students aged 14–16 and is examined in two written papers. The syllabus focuses on the Qur’an, Hadith, the life of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), the early Islamic community, the Rightly Guided Caliphs, and the core beliefs and practices that guide Muslim life.

This subject is not about memorising facts alone. Students are expected to understand the significance of what they study and explain how Islamic teachings influence the lives of Muslims today. This guide has been created to make every part of the syllabus clear, structured, and easy to revise.

How This Guide Will Help You Get an A*

Many students lose marks in Islamiyat not because they do not know the content, but because they do not know how to explain it properly in exam answers. Cambridge examiners look for:

• Accurate knowledge
• Clear explanation
• Relevant examples
• Understanding of significance

This guide is built to help you with all four. Each topic is explained in simple language, followed by exam-focused guidance, key points, and revision summaries. You will learn not only what happened, but why it matters and how to write about it in the exam.

If you follow this guide carefully and revise each section, you will be covering the syllabus in exactly the way examiners expect.

Syllabus Overview – What You Need to Study

The IGCSE Islamiyat 0493 syllabus is divided into two papers. You must study both.

Each paper is worth 50 marks, and both are equally important.

Below is a clear breakdown of what each paper includes.

Paper 1 – Qur’an, Prophet & Early Islam

Paper 1 focuses on the foundations of Islam and the early history of the Muslim community. In this paper, you will study:

1. Major Themes of the Qur’an

You will study selected passages from the Qur’an on:

• Allah in Himself
• Allah’s relationship with the created world
• Allah’s Messengers

You are expected to understand the themes in each passage and explain their importance in the lives of Muslims today.

2. History and Importance of the Qur’an

You will learn about:

• How the Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
• How it was compiled under the Rightly Guided Caliphs
• How it has been preserved
• Why it is the main source of guidance in Islam
• How it is used in Islamic law and daily life

3. Life and Importance of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

You will study:

• The major events of his life in Makkah and Madinah
• His struggles and achievements
• His character and behaviour
• His leadership of the Muslim community
• Why he is the best example for Muslims to follow

4. The First Islamic Community

You will learn about:

• The Prophet’s family
• His Companions
• The Emigrants (Muhajirun) and Helpers (Ansar)
• The Ten Blessed Companions
• The early Muslims who supported Islam

You must understand who they were and why they are important in Islamic history.

Paper 2 – Hadith, Caliphs & Islamic Beliefs

Paper 2 focuses on Islamic teachings, leadership, beliefs, and religious practices.

In this paper, you will study:

1. Major Teachings in the Hadith

You will study selected Hadiths about:

• Individual conduct
• Life in the community

You will need to explain what each Hadith teaches and how Muslims apply these teachings in their lives.

2. History and Importance of the Hadith

You will learn about:

• How Hadith were collected
• The main compilers of Hadith
• How Hadith are checked for authenticity
• Why Hadith are essential for understanding the Qur’an and Islamic law

3. The Rightly Guided Caliphs

You will study the period of rule of:

• Abu Bakr (ra)
• Umar (ra)
• Uthman (ra)
• Ali (ra)

For each Caliph, you must know their main achievements, policies, challenges, and why they are important as leaders.

4. Articles of Faith and Pillars of Islam

You will study:

• The six Articles of Faith
• The meaning of Jihad
• The five Pillars of Islam:
  • Shahada
  • Salat
  • Zakat
  • Sawm
  • Hajj

You must understand what each belief and practice means and why it is important for Muslims.

How the Exam is Marked (Very Important)

Cambridge uses two main assessment objectives:

AO1 – Knowledge

This is where you show:

• Accurate facts
• Correct names
• Clear details
• Relevant examples

AO2 – Understanding

This is where you explain:

• Why something is important
• How it affects Muslims
• What it teaches
• Why it matters in Islam

To get top marks, your answers must include both AO1 and AO2. This guide will show you how to do that in every topic.

How to Use This Guide Properly

To get the best results:

1. Study one topic at a time.
2. Read the explanation carefully.
3. Use the “Exam Tips” section to understand how to write answers.
4. Memorise key points from the “Quick Revision” section.
5. Practise writing short answers in your own words.

Do not rush. Islamiyat is a subject where clear understanding brings high marks.

Who This Guide is For

This guide is useful for:

• IGCSE Islamiyat students
• O Level Islamiyat students
• Private candidates
• Teachers looking for structured material
• Parents helping their children with revision

Everything is written in simple, clear English so that it is easy to understand and revise.

Start Your Preparation Now

You can begin by choosing one of the two papers below. Each section contains complete notes, explanations, and exam guidance.

Use the boxes above to start with Paper 1 or Paper 2 and begin your preparation step by step.

Consistent study using this guide will give you the confidence and knowledge needed to perform well in your IGCSE Islamiyat examination.