The major themes of the Qur'an — IGCSE Islamiyat (0493) questions by topic
God's relationship with creation, His blessings and control over the world, and the set passages studied for these themes anchor this topic, drawn from 15 real questions across 2023 to 2025 papers, marked from 8 to 14.
Explain wants the main theme of a chosen passage identified precisely, while suggest and to what extent on the fuller questions ask you to go beyond the obvious reading and connect the passage to wider behaviour expected of believers. Because reports repeatedly flag answers that merely paraphrase the translated text, drafting a response that names specific passages and marking it instantly is the clearest way to check the theme has actually been analysed rather than restated.
What examiners look for
- A recurring criticism is offering plain explanation of themes, sometimes paraphrasing the actual translation, or only briefly exploring the theme, which earns only mid-range marks.
- Examiners repeatedly note answers that mix the themes of one Sura with those of other Suras and passages.
- Reports flag generic or overly broad themes given instead of ones grounded in the specific set passage.
- Strong answers make explicit reference to the set passages, identifying points that signify the relationship between God and creation, such as provision, knowledge and protection.
- Strong responses go beyond the obvious suggestion, for example exploring nature as a means to understand God through contemplation, observation and preservation of the natural world.
May–June 2025, Paper 11
Choose any two of the following passages from the Qur'an. Briefly describe the main theme(s) in each passage. The three passages offered are: (i) Sura 2.255 (Ayat al-Kursi); (ii)…
Answer this question and get it marked →Using passages you have studied, describe God's relationship with His Messengers Jesus ('Isa) and Muhammad (pbuh).
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2025, Paper 12
Choose any two of the following passages from the Qur'an, and: briefly describe the main theme(s) in each passage. The three passages offered are: (i) Sura 112 (al-Ikhlas); (ii)…
Answer this question and get it marked →Using the following set passages, write about God's blessings and control of the created world: 2.21-22, 96.1-5, 99 and 114.
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2024, Paper 11
Choose any two of the following passages from the Qur'an. Briefly explain the main theme(s) in each passage. The three passages offered are: (i) Sura 96.1-5, the first revelation…
Answer this question and get it marked →Write about how God describes Himself using: (i) Sura 6.101-103 (al-An'am); (ii) Sura 41.37 (Fussilat); (iii) Sura 42.4-5 (ash-Shura).
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2024, Paper 12
Choose any two of the following passages from the Qur'an. Briefly explain the main theme(s) in each passage. The three passages offered are: (i) Sura 2.255 (Ayat al-Kursi), on God…
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2024, Paper 11
Choose any two of the following passages from the Qur'an. Briefly explain the main theme(s) in each passage. The three passages offered are: (i) Sura 41.37, on the night, day, sun…
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2024, Paper 12
Choose any two of the following passages from the Qur'an. Briefly explain the main theme(s) in each passage. The three passages offered are: (i) Sura 42.4-5, on God's ownership of…
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2023, Paper 11
Choose any two of the following passages from the Qur'an. Briefly describe the main theme or themes in each chosen passage. The three passages offered are: (i) Sura 114 (al-Nas),…
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2023, Paper 12
Choose any two of the following passages from the Qur'an. Briefly describe the main theme or themes in each chosen passage. The three passages offered are: (i) Sura 41.37, on the…
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 11
Choose any two of the following passages from the Qur'an. Briefly describe the main theme(s) in each passage. The three passages offered are: (i) Sura 2.255 (Ayat al-Kursi),…
Answer this question and get it marked →Using the set passages you have studied, write about God's relationship with the created world.
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 12
Choose any two of the following passages from the Qur'an. Briefly describe the main theme or themes in each chosen passage. The three passages offered are: (i) Sura 6.101-103, on…
Answer this question and get it marked →Using the set passages you have studied, outline the relationship between God and his Messengers: Adam and Abraham.
Answer this question and get it marked →