Using the Qur'an passages set for special study in the syllabus, outline the relationship between God and two of His Messengers: • Adam, • Abraham, • Jesus.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2019). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] (a) A comprehensive answer will provide an account of two prophets, focusing on their relationship with God, not on an explanation of the verses referenced. Candidates may include some of the following points. All other relevant points must be credited. If candidates only write about one prophet, maximum marks are level 3/5.
2. [10] (a) Adam (2.30-37): God is the creator and prophet Adam was His first creation. God bestowed special status on Adam by making him first human and the first prophet. God's relationship with Adam was that of a teacher and student. He granted him knowledge that shows the superiority of humans over angels due to what they know. God required obedience from Adam and tested him by forbidding him from touching a specific tree, without explaining why – so God tested Adam from the beginning. Part of this test was when Satan came to tempt Adam and his wife into eating from the tree. Adam's disobedience led to his expulsion from Paradise. God sent Adam and his wife to live on earth. Adam realised his mistake and through this event turned to God in repentance for forgiveness. And God, because He is the most merciful, turned towards Adam, meaning He forgave Him. It is the nature of humans to sin and for God to forgive.
3. [10] (a) Abraham (6.75–79): God gave Ibrahim knowledge of Himself through the law and order of the heavens and the earth. God guided him through His signs, and Abraham turned towards Him, turning away from thinking created things were his Lord. Abraham used his intellect and reasoning to work out that there was one unseen God and rejected the idols. Their relationship comes through the created order with God showing Abraham, through this order, His Unity and His control over creation. Once Ibrahim found who his creator was, he stayed firm.
4. [10] (a) Jesus (5.110): Jesus/Isa was given special guidance and miracles to realise God's status as Creator and his status as a prophet. God gave Jesus miracles as a sign of His power and to support him: The Holy Spirit allowed him to speak to the people as an infant and give life to the dead and heal the sick. God gave knowledge of the Law and the Gospel to Jesus to teach the people how to live their lives in accordance to God's laws. Gods helps his prophets and He saved Jesus from execution, which showed God's love and protection for him.
5. [4] (b) God sends trials to everyone, including prophets who are closest to Him. So Muslims should realise that going through hardships does not mean that they are far from God, but that being tested means they have an opportunity to become closer to Him. Trials are also sent to teach people, so Muslims should try to reflect upon what God is trying to teach them. Candidates can give examples such as being steadfast in difficulty, not turning away from God, showing patience and having hope of something good coming from their hardship. These are just some examples, candidates can offer others and all valid responses should be credited. Any prophet can be mentioned.