Using Qur'an passages you have studied from the syllabus, describe how God guided His messengers to increase their belief in Him. Refer to at least two messengers in your answer.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2015). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] (a) The relevant passages from the Qur'an are 2.30–37, 6.75–79, 5.110, 93 and 108. These passages mention the prophets Adam, Ibrahim, Isa and Muhammad. Candidates could say that Adam was guided by God through the knowledge he was given, which even the angels were not given. He was taught the names of all the things in creation, and because of his status near God, the angels were asked to bow to him. Iblis refused, and was banished. He vowed to lead Adam and his future generations astray. He did this by making Adam approach the tree he had been forbidden from. Adam realised his mistake and through this event turned to God for forgiveness. Ibrahim was guided to the truth through the law and order of the heavens and the earth. He was searching for his Lord, and looked to the stars and the moon and the sun, which other people worshipped. God inspired him to realise that the things in creation that do not last cannot be the things to be worshipped as God does not change. Through these events he turned himself to believe in God and did not associate partners with Him. Jesus/Isa was given special miracles which helped him understand the power of God. He was given the holy spirit which allowed him to speak to the people as a child and when he was older. He was also taught the Law and the Gospel to teach to the people. He was also able to give life to the dead and heal the sick, by the will of God. This all showed Isa the favours he was given by God which allowed him to believe in Him and follow Him. The Prophet Muhammad faced hardships like the other prophets, but God reminds him that he gave him blessings in this life and the next, which relieved the Prophet and gave him reassurance that God was looking after him. God gave him shelter, guidance and independence, and also gave him blessings in the form of Kawthar, a river in paradise. So he is told to believe in God and tell his people about Him so they can too turn to Him when in need. Candidates should expand on the above points and should write about at least two of the prophets mentioned, giving quotes and examples.
2. [4] (b) Candidates could say that prophets sent from amongst a community will be able to understand the needs and condition of the people which will make it easier for him to teach the message to them in a way that suits them. Also, if he is from the community the people are more likely to be able to relate to him as they can see that he is the same as them and he is also able to practise and benefit from the teachings he is giving. If angels were sent as opposed to humans, then people may not have been able to see that they can practise the message in their everyday lives, or they may have started to worship the angels instead.