Explain the role of prophets as a connection between God and humans.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2024). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] (a) Muslims believe that God has always chosen individuals to communicate with other human beings and has then sent these prophets to convey his words and will on earth.
2. [10] (a) There were 125 000 prophets sent by God, since the beginning of mankind and each was sent to a specific community.
3. [10] (a) 'We believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and that which Moses and Jesus received, and that which the prophets received from their Lord.' (Qur'an 2.136)
4. [10] (a) The Qur'an mentions 25 of the prophets by name, five of whom are famous for their perseverance (Ulul Adhm)
5. [10] (a) The prophets are individuals in Islam, who are believed to spread God's message on earth, and to serve as models of ideal human behaviour. 'Nor did We send before thee (as messengers) any but men, whom we did inspire,- (men) living in human habitations.' (Qur'an 12.109)
6. [10] (a) They teach people the principles of belief and forms of worshipping that they received from God.
7. [10] (a) They also have gone through different difficult experiences in life and act as models for other human beings who might be going through the same situations.
8. [10] (a) For clarity of the message and proper understanding, God chose to send human prophets to humankind rather than angels: 'Say, “If there were settled, On earth, angels walking about In peace and quiet, We should Certainly have sent them Down from the heavens An angel for an apostle." (Qur'an 17.95)
9. [15] (b) Introduction: Candidates could start by mentioning the different books revealed by God; the Torah (Tawrat) given to prophet Musa, the Psalms (Zabur) given to prophet Dawud, the Gospel (Injil) given to prophet 'Isa and the Qur'an to Muhammad (pbuh).
10. [15] (b) Agree: Candidates could agree with the statement, explaining that the main purpose for God sending prophets on earth was to guide people to the right path. 'And verily, you (O Muhammad) are indeed guiding (mankind) to the Straight Path'. (Qur'an 42.52)
11. [15] (b) Agree: The prophets were all humans and therefore it is easier to take them as model as they went through similar situations as other humans.
12. [15] (b) Agree: Each prophet was sent to a specific people, so spoke their language and shared the same culture/traditions and were therefore relatable to them. (Qur'an 16.36) says: 'And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], “Worship Allah and avoid Taghut.' And among them were those whom Allah guided, and among them were those upon whom error was [deservedly] decreed.
13. [15] (b) Agree: The prophets were a direct link between God and humans. '(We sent) messengers as givers of glad tidings and as warners, so that people might have no argument against Allah after the (invitations of) the messengers, and Allah is the Mighty, the Wise.' (Qur'an 4.165)
14. [15] (b) Disagree: Candidates could disagree partially or completely with the statement.
15. [15] (b) Disagree: God has sent books in order to teach humans how to follow the good path. They contain the principles by which God wants humans to lead their life. "The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion". (Qur'an 2.185)
16. [15] (b) Disagree: There are numerous verses in the Qur'an that mention the different books sent as guidance: 'Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light.' (Qur'an 5.44)
17. [15] (b) Disagree: The books were sent to prophets, so their role in guiding towards God is of equal importance. 'And thus We have revealed to you an inspiration of Our command. You did not know what is the Book or [what is] faith, but We have made it a light by which We guide whom We will of Our servants.' (Qur'an 42.52)
18. [15] (b) Disagree: As with every new equipment, a manual on how to use it is included, the books sent by God is the manual by which Muslims are to lead their life on earth, so it is much needed.
19. [15] (b) Conclusion: A general judgement might be drawn as to whether it is easier to understand guidance from books rather than prophets or vice versa or both together.