Using three passages you have studied from the syllabus, write about God's relationship with His created world.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2020). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [0] General guidance for 2(a): There are five passages from which they can choose: 1, 2.21–22, 96.1–5, 99, and 114.
2. [0] General guidance for 2(a): Candidates should write about the relationship between God and His creation showing how the relationship is brought out specifically in that passage and what particular aspect of relationship is discussed.
3. [0] General guidance for 2(a): The passages allow humankind to see the link between them and God. It is not just about God giving human beings things for their sustenance, but humans need to give thanks in return and live their life remembering Him and doing what He has asked, which can be done in different ways.
4. [~1] Sura 1 points: talks about humankind being created to worship God and that can be done in many ways: praying, following the sunnah, making dua etc.
5. [~1] Sura 1 points: It emphasises that He is the creator and controller of all that is in the heavens and the earth, and that He will judge over humankind. They should keep this in mind when they do anything.
6. [~1] Sura 1 points: In return they should ask Him for help to remain guided. Asking for help is important which is why this is used as a prayer.
7. [~1] Sura 1 points: It also shows that perfect guidance is provided by God, humans should seek it and follow it.
8. [~1] Sura 2.21-22 points: this passage shows that God provides sustenance for His creation. He gives so that they can have shelter, food and drink.
9. [~1] Sura 2.21-22 points: They should therefore look after their environment and protect the things that God has provided for them.
10. [~1] Sura 2.21-22 points: God wants humans to acknowledge that He is the one who provides them with this, and not anyone else, and so they should not seek to praise others for what they have been given by God.
11. [~1] Sura 2.21-22 points: Humans should also show humbleness to God as the real provider.
12. [~1] Sura 96.1-5 points: this shows the link between humankind and God by emphasising the creation of humans, that He is their creator and no one else.
13. [~1] Sura 96.1-5 points: He then gave knowledge to humans, the tool for their learning.
14. [~1] Sura 96.1-5 points: They in return should seek knowledge whenever they can as well as teaching it.
15. [~1] Sura 96.1-5 points: While highlighting the teacher-student relationship, candidates can talk about how God has made provisions for fulfilling the intellectual needs of humans in addition to their physical and emotional needs.
16. [~1] Sura 99 points: this shows that God is not only the creator of everything, but He can also destroy His creation with ease. This passage talks about God's power as the Destroyer, the vulnerability of humans and their surroundings as well as God's power of judgement.
17. [~1] Sura 99 points: That could be related to fact that those who followed God and His Messenger (pbuh), fulfilled their obligations and will be rewarded, while those who disobeyed will be condemned to Hell by God.
18. [~1] Sura 99 points: Humans have a responsibility for their actions, so although God provides for humans, they must do good to show God that they are grateful and not be forgetful of their accountability.
19. [~1] Sura 114 points: this passage warns humans that there are those looking to lead them astray by trying to influence their actions.
20. [~1] Sura 114 points: God wants humans to know that only He is the Lord, King and God over all humankind and so everyone should turn to Him for help in difficult times, and that protection comes from Him.
21. [0] General guidance for 2(a): Candidates do not have to quote the verse they are writing about, a reference to it is enough.
22. [1] For 2(b): Some of the passages describe how God has made various things for the benefit of humans – the earth, the rain/water, food and drink, and that the earth will have a voice to say what humans have done whilst living on it.
23. [1] For 2(b): This will be their good deeds and bad deeds, but also how they have looked after all these provisions.
24. [1] For 2(b): Humans are therefore not just encouraged to pray and fast and worship God, but also to do good actions, including those relating to looking after the soil from which their crops grow, the water which helps them grow, etc.
25. [0] For 2(b): Candidates can give other points but should make reference to what is mentioned in some of the suras that suggests humans should care for the environment.