O-LevelIslamiyatMajor themes of the Quran2058/12 · May/June 2015 · Q214 Marks

Using Qur'an passages from the syllabus, describe what the Qur'an teaches about God's responsibility to His creatures and their duties towards Him.

(a)Using Qur'an passages from the syllabus, describe what the Qur'an teaches about God's responsibility to His creatures and their duties towards Him.[10]
(b)'The Qur'an teaches that humans should be responsible towards the environment.' Give reasons to agree or disagree with this statement.[4]

Mark scheme

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

Part (a) tests AO1, and part (b) tests AO2.
(a) The suras which are in this section of the syllabus are Sura 1, Sura 2.21-22, Sura 96.1–5, Sura 99, Sura 114.
Candidates should choose themes from at least two prescribed passages from the syllabus to write about. They can reference other passages to support their answer, but it is not necessary for them to be able to gain high levels.
Candidates should give reference to the suras and how they talk about God's creation. They could mention how the suras that they have studied allow humankind to see the link between them and God. This link can be talked about in different ways, e.g. what God has given humankind and what God expects from humans in return. They should be able to give specific examples, e.g. God giving knowledge to humans; God judging humankind for their actions.
They could also say that the passages teach Muslims about the provision God has given them, as well as the fact that they have a responsibility to God and fellow creation and they will be accountable for their actions. These passages should help Muslims to remember their Lord and be grateful for what they have been given.
Candidates should elaborate on these points using examples.
(b) Candidates can choose to agree or disagree but they have to give a reason for their choice.
If they agree they could, for example, say that God has given humankind everything it needs for its survival and comfort, and they should not abuse this privilege by being ungrateful or wasteful.
If they disagree they could say, e.g., that everything has been provided by God and it is there to use for humans' benefit therefore there is no sin in using it how they please, or that everything is known by God therefore humans do not need to worry about how they act, as God can restore whatever is depleted.