Heritage of Islam — AS & A Level Islamic Studies (9488) questions by topic
Heritage of Islam essays worth 25 marks ask you to explain domes and architecture, discuss falsafah and Greek-influenced philosophy, and compare how far 'Abbasid and earlier Caliphs actually followed the Sunnah, often from a source image of scholars in discussion.
Command words such as explain, evaluate and to what extent require reasoned argument rather than description, and discuss expects both sides weighed before a conclusion. This page holds 20 real questions from 2023 to 2025 papers, so you can draft a full essay, submit it, and see exactly how the mark scheme rewards analytical structuring over a lopsided one-then-the-other layout.
What examiners look for
- A recurring criticism is essays that write half the response about one position then switch to the other, rather than structuring points analytically side by side.
- Examiners repeatedly note candidates who describe famous mosques without explaining their importance, when the question specifically required explanation.
- Strong answers named a 'most' successful feature after comparing several, rather than simply listing successful features without ranking them.
- Reports praise responses that read the accompanying source closely, for example identifying scholarly debate and religious scholarship from figures' expressions and the book shown.
May–June 2025, Paper 32
Explain ways in which the Umayyads developed Islamic architecture. You should refer to Fig. 1.1 and your own knowledge in your answer.
Answer this question and get it marked →Explain ways in which the 'Abbasid translation movement was open to other traditions. You should refer to Fig. 2.1 and your own knowledge in your answer.
Answer this question and get it marked →Explain ways Islamic scholars interpret signs in the natural world.
Answer this question and get it marked →Explain the meaning and function of domes in Islamic architecture.
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2024, Paper 32
Explain the ways in which the Umayyad Caliphs provided political leadership. You should refer to Fig. 1.1 and your own knowledge in your answer.
Answer this question and get it marked →Explain the methods used by 'Abbasid scientists in the development of science. You should refer to Fig. 2.1 and your own knowledge in your answer.
Answer this question and get it marked →Explain Islamic philosophers' use of reasoning about creation.
Answer this question and get it marked →Choose three features of Islamic art and explain how they might be interpreted.
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2024, Paper 32
Explain the ways in which the Umayyad caliphs provided religious leadership. You should refer to Fig. 1.1 and your own knowledge in your answer.
Answer this question and get it marked →Explain how the 'Abbasid caliphs strengthened their rule. You should refer to Fig. 2.1 and your own knowledge in your answer.
Answer this question and get it marked →Explain how one significant work written by a Muslim that you have studied might be used to invite people to Islam.
Answer this question and get it marked →Explain the meaning of domes and geometrical patterns in Islamic architecture.
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2023, Paper 32
Study Fig. 1.1 which shows Caliph Hisham's Palace in Palestine. Describe ways in which the Umayyads developed their leadership of the Caliphate. You should refer to Fig. 1.1 and…
Answer this question and get it marked →Study Fig. 2.1 which shows a scholarly discussion in 'Abbasid times. Examine ways in which 'Abbasid Caliphs followed the Sunnah. You should refer to Fig. 2.1 and your own…
Answer this question and get it marked →Explain the main features of Islamic philosophy (falsafah).
Answer this question and get it marked →Examine the importance of architecture for Muslims.
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 32
Describe how education and trade developed under the Umayyads. You should refer to Fig. 1.1 and your own knowledge in your answer.
Answer this question and get it marked →Describe the translation movement under the 'Abbasids. You should refer to Fig. 2.1 and your own knowledge in your answer.
Answer this question and get it marked →Explain how Muslims may find meaning in signs in the natural world.
Answer this question and get it marked →Explain how Islamic beliefs are expressed through the features of one mosque that you have studied.
Answer this question and get it marked →