State the words of the Shahada and give an account of the Shahada's significance in Islam.

Mark scheme

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

1. [10] (General Guidance for part (a)) Mark according to the marking grid for AO1 – Knowledge, given on page 4. Answers may include some of the following ideas, but all valid material must be credited.
2. The Shahada is the first Pillar of Islam and is a pledge made by a Muslim towards God which sums up a person's faith and belief. Its words are few but extremely significant and in response to the first part of this answer the candidates need to say what they are: ‘I bear witness that there is no God except Allah, I bear witness that Muhammad (pbuh) is Allah's messenger'.
3. The second part of the question requires the candidates to say why the Shahada is significant in Islam. Candidates could say that the words of the Shahada commence with a Muslim declaring their complete faith in God and testifying that no one is worthy of worship but God. This belief is referred to as tawhid which forms the basis of a Muslim's faith and religion.
4. With the second part of the Shahada, ‘Muhammad (pbuh) is the messenger of Allah', believers acknowledge the Prophet's right to be respected and obeyed, knowing that he is the best of creation.
5. By reciting the Shahada a person, whether they were born amongst Muslims or are converting later in their lifetime, becomes part of the umma through their common faith and through brotherhood regardless of their race, caste or social position.
6. The significance of the Shahada is also highlighted by the fact that it is repeated in every prayer (salat). By reciting the Shahada, a believer not only affirms their faith in God but also rejects obedience or servitude to anyone or anything besides God. This firm faith helps Muslims through the challenges of life.
7. By acknowledging the status of the Prophet (pbuh) as the Messenger of God, a Muslim testifies that Muhammad (pbuh) is the best example, thus making it obligatory to obey and follow him.
8. The significance and importance of the Shahada is further highlighted by the various occasions upon which it is recited showing that it the most crucial statement of faith for every Muslim. It is recited during every salat, when converting to Islam, when a baby is born (it is recited in the baby's ear) and it is also said when death approaches a believer.
9. Another significance of the Shahada is that it rejects shirk and putting anyone above or equal to God.
10. Lastly, a believer must submit to the command and will of God, for Islam itself can be defined as submission to the will and commands of God.
11. Therefore, it can be said that the monotheistic nature of Islam is highlighted through the words of the Shahada and Muslims are reminded of the guidance given to them by God through Muhammad (pbuh).
12. [4] (General Guidance for part (b)) Mark according to the marking grid for AO2 – Understanding, given on page 5. Answers may include some of the following ideas, but all valid material must be credited.
13. Candidates can say that you only truly commit to something if you understand what you are committing to. For this reason, understanding the Shahada becomes really important for a believer because a testimony about which someone has no knowledge is undesirable.
14. Having certainty about the truth of the Shahada that 'there is no God but Allah' dispels disbelief or kufr from the heart of the believer and hence is critical in establishing faith.
15. To truly understand the significance of Shahada a Muslim must be aware of its different aspects and believe in them with complete faith and sincerity.