Read the following text passages then answer the questions which follow. Qur'an 17.32-33 Nor come nigh to adultery: for it is a shameful (deed) and an evil, opening the road (to other evils). Nor take life – which Allah has made sacred – except for just cause. And if anyone is slain wrongfully, we have given his heir authority (to demand qisas or to forgive): but let him not exceed bounds in the matter of taking life; for he is helped (by the Law). Hadith 85 Steadfastness Sufyan bin Abdullah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I said, "O Messenger of Allah, tell me something of Islam which I will not ask anyone else about it." He (pbuh) said, "Say, 'I believe in Allah' and then be steadfast".

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2025). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1] These verses are about importance of chastity and the sanctity and preservation of life in Islam.
2. [1] Verse 32 is warning Muslims against committing any action that can lead to adultery.
3. [1] This implies that adultery itself is forbidden in Islam.
4. [1] Verse 33 is about the prohibition in Islam to kill someone.
5. [1] However, permission is given for retributive justice, seeking the execution of the culprit as a retaliation (eye for eye...).
6. [1] Killing a person for any other reason is strictly prohibited, so the family of the victim should not take more than was taken in the law of retaliation.
7. [1] They can choose an alternative punishment, such as blood money (diya) or financial compensation, instead of execution.
8. [1] However, it is better for the heir to forgive.
9. [1] This Hadith talks about the importance of being steadfast for a Muslim and of not abandoning one's faith even when faced with trials. Qur'an: 2.155 says: 'Be sure We shall test you with something of fear and hunger some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil) but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere.'
10. [1] From the moment he received prophethood, Muhammad (pbuh) faced opposition and persecution from the Quraish. But this did not lead him to renounce his mission.
11. [1] He faced emotional abuse, such as his daughters were divorced by the two sons of Abu Lahab, he was called someone with no heir (abtar) at the death of his son and offered bribes, but he did not abandon his mission.
12. [1] He was also subjected to harsh treatment, such as being strangled while praying near the Ka'ba, or having dirt thrown on his way.
13. [1] Seeing that the persecutions were having no effect on him, the Quraish proceeded with a financial and social boycott of his whole tribe.
14. [1] Throughout the entire episode of Shi‘b Abu Talib, the Prophet (pbuh) never stopped inviting people to God. The zeal and intensity to preach increased after their return to Mecca, after three very long years.
15. [1] Having met with disappointment and frustration in every direction, he decided to proceed to Ta'if and invite its people to Islam. But even there he was treated in a rude way and returned to Mecca even more disappointed.
16. [1] But he did not stop there, he kept on preaching until he met with the few people from Medina, which will lead to the spread of Islam in Medina, and eventually to the migration (hijrah).
17. [1] When at the end, he conquered Mecca with his big army of Muslims, he gave the order not to attack and the element of surprise that he used, helped in limiting the amount of blood spilt.
18. [1] Candidates can write about the different types of opposition/adversity, but their focus should be to show how the Prophet (pbuh) showed steadfastness.
19. [1] Candidates can define what being steadfast in doing what is right means, it can be to remain constant in good deeds, by performing them regularly (istiqama) or attempting to resist the devil's aim to lead them away from Islam.
20. [1] Some argue that it is harder for Muslims and non-Muslims to be steadfast and resist falling into sins nowadays, due to free access to internet which has changed the way people live their life.
21. [1] Committing adultery is easier now, with dedicated websites for the unfaithful, and online messaging. Social media sites make it easy for young people to contact each other and engage in flirting through online chatting, sexting on Snapchat, emailing, and messaging as well as online dating sites.
22. [1] The internet offers ready access to pornography. Internet algorithm makes it a vicious circle to get away from.
23. [1] Online adverts encourage people to get into sinful activities, such as gambling.
24. [1] 'New technology is not good or evil in and of itself. It's all about how people choose to use it.' - David Wong (Writer).
25. [1] It is the change of social customs, such as more liberalism that has normalised adultery, and other sins, not the internet.
26. [1] The internet cannot be blamed for the choices people make; everyone is endowed with a conscience.
27. [1] New technology has also made people more knowledgeable about their religion, there is more access to Islamic books, online courses etc, so it is easier for Muslims to resist temptations.
28. [1] Muslims of all time have had to face challenges, but the more resolute they are in following God's laws the harder it is for them to give in to temptations.
29. [1] The devil is there to make all evil actions seem tempting, and it is up to Muslims to strengthen their faith, so they do not fall into his traps.
30. [1] Candidates should come to a judgement in conclusion particularly focusing on the key word in the statement: harder. The extent to which they agree or disagree with the question, based on their argument, should be summed up at the end.