Islamic Law — AS & A Level Islamic Studies (9488) questions by topic
Islamic Law questions test precise recall as much as explanation: naming five scholars of fiqh, five Qur'anic teachings, or habits of the people of Medina, plus explaining how figures such as al-Hallaj used mystical poetry.
Explain and discuss dominate the command words here, and to what extent pushes you to weigh positions rather than describe one. With 20 questions drawn from 2023 to 2025 papers and answers worth up to 25 marks, submitting drafts for instant marking is the fastest way to see whether you named a specific school of thought, since generalised answers without one are marked down consistently.
What examiners look for
- Examiners repeatedly note responses that fail to state which school of thought they are following, writing generally about inheritance instead.
- A recurring criticism is listing non-blood relatives who do not inherit by right, or adding unnecessary detail on proportions when this was not asked for.
- Strong answers stated a specific school, such as Hanafi, and gave short, direct lists where the question asked only for examples, not explanation.
- Reports flag confusion between Qur'an and Hadith as a source of error, and caution that the word 'loan' alone is insufficient since loans may or may not carry interest.
May–June 2025, Paper 22
Give five Islamic teachings which were revealed in the Qur'an.
Answer this question and get it marked →Outline the use of secondary sources of Islamic law (shariah).
Answer this question and get it marked →Explain the use of individual interpretation (ijtihad), giving examples.
Answer this question and get it marked →Describe the importance of the Mahdi for Shi'i Muslims.
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2024, Paper 22
Outline the requirements for places where Muslims may pray.
Answer this question and get it marked →Give five habits of the people of Medina from the time of the Prophet (pbuh).
Answer this question and get it marked →Explain how al-Hallaj used mystical poetry in his relationship with God.
Answer this question and get it marked →Explain the distinctive positions of modern Salafis.
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2024, Paper 22
Briefly describe the day of a marriage (nikah).
Answer this question and get it marked →Give five scholars who presented opinions of jurisprudence (fiqh) in Islam.
Answer this question and get it marked →Explain how Sunni Imams are appointed.
Answer this question and get it marked →Explain Mu'tazilah teachings about justice.
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2023, Paper 22
Give five family members who can inherit in Islam.
Answer this question and get it marked →Give five schools of thought or approaches in Islam.
Answer this question and get it marked →Explain the teachings of al-Ash'ari about the oneness of God (tawhid) and the afterlife ('akhirah).
Answer this question and get it marked →Explain why the birthday of the Prophet (pbuh) might be celebrated according to some Muslims.
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 22
Give five examples of interest (riba).
Answer this question and get it marked →Give five actions which Muslims perform according to the Sunnah.
Answer this question and get it marked →Explain why Muslims believe the Qur'an originated with God.
Answer this question and get it marked →Explain how individuals may interpret teachings (ijtihad) according to one school of thought in Islam.
Answer this question and get it marked →