Islam — IGCSE Religious Studies (0490) questions by topic
Twenty questions ask you to name body parts washed during wudu, describe traditional teachings on men and women, describe zakah's giving and use, and give things avoided during sawm, each worth 20 marks.
Describe, explain, discuss and identify require exact, specific terminology rather than approximate recall. With 2023 and 2024 papers behind this set, this page's instant marking is well suited to a common issue examiners report: confusing key terms, such as wudu with Hajj, or the lesser and greater forms of jihad, an error that immediate feedback flags before it recurs across related answers.
What examiners look for
- A recurring criticism is confusing terms, such as mistaking wudu for the Hajj, or leaving a term unattempted through unfamiliarity.
- Examiners note confusion between lesser and greater jihad, with very few responses correctly ascribing physical fighting to the lesser form.
- Reports flag confusing the Articles of Faith with the Five Pillars and with the artefacts needed for salah prayers.
- Strong answers identified the need to face Makkah and the compass's role in achieving that, giving multiple example situations where relevant.
October–November 2024, Paper 12
Name three places that were part of the hijrah.
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2024, Paper 13
Briefly describe what happens during Jummah (Friday mid-day prayer).
Answer this question and get it marked →Give three things the adhan (call to prayer) tells Muslims.
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2024, Paper 22
Describe Shariah (law) as a code of behaviour for Muslims.
Answer this question and get it marked →Describe the work of one Islamic aid organisation for the relief of poverty.
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2024, Paper 23
Describe Muslim teachings on the roles and responsibilities of women.
Answer this question and get it marked →Describe what Muslims might do through their local mosque to help people in need.
Answer this question and get it marked →Describe how the young are nurtured in Islam.
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 12
What is the difference between lesser and greater Jihad?
Answer this question and get it marked →Name three parts of the body which must be washed during wudu (ablution).
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 13
What is the relationship between the minaret and the adhan (call to prayer)?
Answer this question and get it marked →Give three things Muslims should avoid during sawm.
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 22
Give an account of the historical significance of Madinah to Islam.
Answer this question and get it marked →Describe the benefits to Muslims of belonging to the ummah.
Answer this question and get it marked →Describe traditional Muslim teachings on men and women.
Answer this question and get it marked →October–November 2023, Paper 23
Give an account of how one Muslim aid organisation helps to improve the lives of those in need.
Answer this question and get it marked →Describe rituals that happen after the death of a Muslim.
Answer this question and get it marked →Describe the giving and the use of zakah.
Answer this question and get it marked →Other IGCSE Religious Studies topics
- Christianity (20)
- Judaism (20)