O-LevelIslamiyatThe history and importance of the Quran2058/21 · Oct/Nov 2021 · Q414 Marks

Write an account of Muslim belief in divinely revealed books and their content and purpose.

(a)Write an account of Muslim belief in divinely revealed books and their content and purpose.[10]
(b)In your opinion, why is the Qur'an the most important source of Islamic law? Give reasons to support your answer.[4]

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2021). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[10] (a) Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant information must be credited.
[10] (a) Candidates could in their answers say that Muslims believe that God has revealed books to different prophets as a source of guidance to humanity. In order of revelation the books are:
[10] (a) The Scrolls (Suhuf) of Ibrahim;
[10] (a) The Torah (Taurah) revealed to Musa;
[10] (a) The Psalms (Zaboor) revealed to Dawood;
[10] (a) The Gospel (Ingeel) revealed to Isa; and
[10] (a) The Qur'an revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
[10] (a) The main purpose for sending the revealed books was for people to learn about the religion sent to them and to know of their obligations towards God and fellow human beings. Belief in divine books before the revelation of the Qur'an is an essential aspect of Muslim faith.
[10] (a) The most important message of all the revealed books was belief in the one God and that worship is due to none other than Him. The books prior to the Qur'an were sent to a community and its teachings were relevant to the time and to the area in which they were revealed. The Qur'an is for all humanity sent for all times and is the only revealed book whose language is spoken by millions even today.
[10] (a) The earlier books were lost or altered but Qur'an is in the form it was revealed and God has taken it upon Himself to protect its text until the end of the world.
[4] (b) Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant information must be credited.
[4] (b) An evaluative answer is needed here. Candidates could say that it is the primary source on which all other sources namely the Hadith, ijma and qiyas are based.
[4] (b) The laws devised by God in the Qur'an are meant to be followed to live life according to God's commands.