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Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2023). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. Candidates may explain what the revealed word of God means to Muslims, that it is the books that God sent down to messengers as a mercy and as guidance for humankind.
2. They can further explain what these revealed books are: Gospel (Injeel) revealed to Isa; Torah revealed to Musa; Psalms (Zabur) revealed to Dawud; Scrolls (Suhuf) revealed to Ibrahim and Qur'an revealed to Prophet Muhammmad (pbuh). For Muslims, these books are designed to lead humankind to what brings them happiness in this life and in the afterlife and what prevents them from being harmed in this life and the afterlife.
3. Qur'an 5.46 - 'And in their footsteps We sent Jesus the son of Mary, confirming the Law that had come before him: We sent him the Gospel: therein was guidance and light, and confirmation of the Law that had come before him: a guidance and an admonition to those who fear Allah.'
4. Were it not for the revealed word of God, humans would have gone astray, not knowing what the purpose of their existence was and what was expected of them by God.
5. Qur'an 7.145 – 'And We ordained laws for him (Musa) in the tablets in all matters, both commanding and explaining all things, (and said): 'Take and hold these with firmness, and enjoin thy people to hold fast by the best in the precepts: soon shall I show you the homes of the wicked, – (How they lie desolate).'
6. Because each book was revealed to a specific group of people, it means it was tailor-made guidance for them as each nation had their own challenges, though the central message of monotheism (tawhid) was the same.
7. The revealed words of God were what made humans aware of their duties to God, and how to serve him best.
8. The Qur'an, being the last book revealed, was sent to confirm the guiding nature of all the other books. Qur'an 3.3 'It is He Who sent down to thee (step by step), in truth, the Book, confirming what went before it; and He sent down the Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this, as a guide to mankind and He sent down the criterion (of judgment between right and wrong).' It is a universal book for the guidance of all humankind, not just the Arabs.
9. Candidates may begin by explaining what the statement means and then evaluate the statement, coming to a conclusion as to whether they agree with the statement or not, supporting their argument. The best answers will focus on the word 'necessary' in their evaluation.
10. Agree Candidates could say that none apart from God can guide people therefore Muslims should seek guidance from God (Qur'an 28.56 – ‘It is true thou wilt not be able to guide every one, whom thou lovest; but Allah guides those whom He will and He knows best those who receive guidance.').
11. Qur'an 1.6 - 'Show us the straight way' – sura Fatihah is read in every prayer, so God wants Muslims to ask for guidance.
12. The Prophet (pbuh) has taught Ali to say: ‘O Allah, guide me and direct me.' (Muslim). This shows that Muslims should ask for guidance from God.
13. A person can be Muslim, but not practising or a bit neglectful of their Islamic duties, therefore asking for guidance can help to strengthen their faith and their resolve to do good deeds.
14. Muslims must ask God to guide them through their life, especially when unsure between two choices e.g. in the prayer of seeking counsel (istikhara).
15. Muslims can also ask for guidance for their non-Muslim relatives or friends as the Prophet (pbuh) made du'a for the guidance of Umar and also the people of Ta'if.
16. Disagree Candidates might disagree with this statement partially or completely.
17. Guidance is sought only when someone has gone astray, the fact that a Muslim is following the religion of Islam means they are guided, and they therefore do not need to ask for guidance.
18. God gives guidance to whomsoever he wants, therefore it does not matter whether a Muslim asks for it or not.
19. Candidates could also argue that, since du'a is not a Pillar of Islam, it is optional, not necessary and not doing it does not incur any sin.