The first Islamic community — IGCSE Islamiyat (0493) questions by topic
The lives of early Companions, the false prophets defeated by Abu Bakr, and the Prophet's early efforts at unity in Madina make up this topic, drawn from 20 real questions set in 2023 to 2025 papers, all worth 14 marks.
Describe and outline want a chronological account with named events and dates, while evaluate and suggest ask you to choose and justify one specific event or lesson rather than list several without a choice. Reports note that listing reasons without choosing and justifying one caps the mark, so drafting a response that commits to a single justified choice and submitting it for instant marking is a direct check on this requirement.
What examiners look for
- A recurring criticism is offering only a list of reasons; without choosing and justifying one event, the mark could not reach the top level.
- Examiners repeatedly note answers to two-part questions where only one part is addressed, for example focusing on an election that was not actually asked about.
- Strong answers on 'Ali recount his life chronologically, covering birth, acceptance of Islam, migration and military career, supported by several quotes to authenticate the information.
- Strong responses give details of who a battle was fought against and why, including dates, commanders, army sizes, events and outcome, structured well.
- Strong answers on the false prophets write comprehensively about all four, with the fullest account given to Musaylima including the Battle of Yamama.
May–June 2025, Paper 11
Outline the tasks the Prophet (pbuh) undertook to overcome divisions and create unity in the first year in Madina.
Answer this question and get it marked →Write about the lives of Bilal ibn Rabah and Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib.
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2025, Paper 21
Write about how Abu Bakr set the example of leadership as the first Caliph of Islam.
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2025, Paper 22
Write about one significant reason for the Battle of Siffin and give a detailed account of the battle.
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2024, Paper 11
Describe the conversion to Islam of Abu Bakr, 'Umar, 'Uthman and 'Ali.
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2024, Paper 12
Give an account of the lives of three of the following Blessed Companions during the lifetime of the Prophet (pbuh): 'Umar ibn al-Khattab; Talha ibn Ubaydullah; Zubayr ibn…
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2024, Paper 21
Give an account of 'Umar's administrative policies while governing the Muslim empire.
Answer this question and get it marked →Write about the Battle of the Camel, fought during the caliphate of 'Ali.
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2024, Paper 22
Give an account of the four false prophets in Arabia and their defeat by Abu Bakr.
Answer this question and get it marked →Write an account of the Battle of Buwayb and the Battle of Qadisiyyah, fought during the caliphate of 'Umar.
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2024, Paper 11
Write about the lives of the following Companions during the lifetime of the Prophet: Ja'far ibn Abi Talib; Zayd ibn Thabit.
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2024, Paper 21
Write an account of the causes and events of the Battle of Siffin.
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2024, Paper 22
Write an account of Abu Bakr's accomplishments as caliph.
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2023, Paper 21
Write a detailed account of the false prophets that Abu Bakr dealt with during his caliphate.
Answer this question and get it marked →May–June 2023, Paper 22
Give an account of the Battle of Nihawand.
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 11
Write about the lives of the Companions Khalid ibn Walid and Zayd ibn Haritha during the lifetime of the Prophet (pbuh).
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 12
Give an account of the life of 'Ali ibn Abi Talib during the life of the Prophet (pbuh).
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 21
Write an account of 'Uthman's administration and military achievements during his caliphate.
Answer this question and get it marked →Describe the events of one of the following battles: Battle of Qadisiyya; Battle of Yarmuk.
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 22
Give an account of why the Battle of Nahrawan was fought, its main events and the fall of Egypt.
Answer this question and get it marked →