IGCSE Islamiyat 0493 Paper 1

What is Covered in Paper 1?

Paper 1 of IGCSE Islamiyat 0493 focuses on the foundations of Islam and the early development of the Muslim community. This paper tests your knowledge and understanding of the Qur’an, the life of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), and the people who supported him in establishing Islam.

You are expected not only to know the facts, but also to explain their religious, moral, and historical importance. Many questions in this paper require essay-style answers, so clear structure and explanation are essential.

Paper 1 consists of four main topics, all of which are equally important.

1. Major Themes of the Qur’an

In this section, you will study selected passages from the Qur’an that focus on three major themes:

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

You must understand:

• What each passage says
  
• The main theme of each passage
  
• How these teachings influence the lives of Muslims today
  
  

In the exam, you may be asked to explain the meaning of a passage and describe its importance. This requires careful reading, understanding key words, and linking the teaching to Muslim belief and practice.

A strong answer will:

• Refer to the text of the passage
  
• Explain the theme clearly
  
• Show how it guides Muslims in their faith and daily life
  
  

2. History and Importance of the Qur’an

This section focuses on how the Qur’an was revealed, preserved, and used.

You will study:

• The revelation of the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) over 23 years
  
• How the Qur’an was memorised and written down during the Prophet’s lifetime
  
• The compilation of the Qur’an under Abu Bakr (ra) and Uthman (ra)
  
• The standardisation of the Qur’anic text
  
• The importance of the Qur’an as the main source of Islamic guidance
  
  

You must also understand:

• How the Qur’an is used in Islamic law
  
• Its relationship with Hadith, consensus (ijma), and analogy (qiyas)
  
• Why the Qur’an is central to every aspect of Muslim life
  
  

In the exam, you may be asked to describe events, explain processes, and discuss significance. Clear timelines and accurate detail are very important here.

3. Life and Importance of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

This section is one of the most important and most frequently examined parts of Paper 1.

You will study:

• The Prophet’s early life in Makkah
  
• The first revelation
  
• The opposition he faced
  
• The migration (Hijrah) to Madinah
  
• The establishment of the Muslim community in Madinah
  
• Major battles and treaties
  
• His final sermon and death
  
  

You must also understand:

• His character and personal qualities
  
• His treatment of others, including women and non-Muslims
  
• His leadership as a religious, political, and social leader
  
• Why he is the best example (uswah hasanah) for Muslims
  
• His status as the Seal of the Prophets
  
  

In the exam, you will often be asked to explain why the Prophet’s actions are important and how Muslims follow his example today.

4. The First Islamic Community

This section focuses on the people who supported the Prophet (pbuh) and helped establish Islam.

You will study:

• The Prophet’s wives and family
  
• His children and grandchildren
  
• The Emigrants (Muhajirun)
  
• The Helpers (Ansar)
  
• The Ten Blessed Companions
  
• His close Companions and scribes
  
  

You must know:

• Who these people were
  
• What roles they played
  
• Why they are important in Islamic history
  
• How their actions strengthened Islam
  
  

You should also understand how their loyalty, sacrifice, and faith set an example for Muslims today.

How Paper 1 Questions Are Set

In Paper 1, you will face:

• Short explanation questions
  
• Essay-style questions
  
• Questions based on Qur’anic passages
  
  

You may be asked to:

• Describe events
  
• Explain teachings
  
• Discuss importance
  
• Give examples
  
• Show understanding
  

Time management and clear structure are very important in this paper.

How to Get High Marks in Paper 1

To score well in Paper 1, you should:

• Learn key facts and events accurately
  
• Understand the significance of what you study
  
• Use correct Islamic terms
  
• Write in clear paragraphs
  
• Stay focused on the question
  
• Avoid unnecessary stories or irrelevant detail
  
  

High-scoring answers are always:

• Relevant
  
• Clear
  
• Well-structured
  
• Focused on the question
  

How This Section is Organised

This Paper 1 section is divided into four main topic pages:

• Major Themes of the Qur’an
  
• History and Importance of the Qur’an
  
• Life and Importance of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
  
• The First Islamic Community
  
  

Each topic page contains:

• Clear explanations
  
• Exam-focused guidance
  
• Key points
  
• Quick revision summaries
  
• Common mistakes to avoid
  
  

Follow the topics in order if you are studying for the first time.

Start with Your First Topic

Begin with Major Themes of the Qur’an and work your way through each topic step by step. Do not skip sections, as each part of Paper 1 builds your understanding of Islam and prepares you for higher-level answers.

Use the topic boxes above to navigate to each section and begin your preparation.

Consistent study and careful revision will give you confidence and improve your performance in the exam.