Using the set passages you have studied, outline the relationship between God and his Messengers: Adam and Abraham.

Mark scheme

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

1. God chose His Messengers mainly to make Himself known and to guide human beings. All of them were tested and all of them were given blessings and guidance to draw them closer to God. They were also asked to submit to God completely.
2. From passage 2.30–37 we learn that God's relationship with Adam was one of creator and the created, teacher and student. God was also merciful and forgiving. Candidates may use the following points when they write about this relationship:
3. Adam was the first human to be created by God and was given special status by God. When God spoke to Adam, He taught him and gave him knowledge of things that the angels did not know. This shows the superiority of humans over angels due to what they know and that God gave Adam the knowledge he needed to live on earth.
4. God gave Adam instructions not to touch a specific tree, without explaining why - so God tested Adam from the beginning. Part of this test was when Satan came to tempt Adam and his wife into eating from the tree.
5. God sent Adam and his wife to live on Earth. Adam realised his mistake and through this event turned to God for forgiveness. And God, because He is the most merciful, turned towards Adam, meaning He forgave Him. It is the nature of humans to sin and God wants them to turn to Him for forgiveness.
6. This passage shows that God gave Adam what he needed, tested him as He tests all humans, and wanted Adam to turn back to Him after making a mistake.
7. From passage 6.75–79 we learn that God's relationship with Abraham (Ibrahim) was one of being a guide and a teacher. God gave Ibrahim knowledge and understanding of the created world. Ibrahim accepted and trusted in God's guidance. Candidates may use the following points when they write about this relationship:
8. Ibrahim was given knowledge of God through the law and order of the heavens and the earth. God inspired him through His signs, and Ibrahim turned towards Him, turning away from thinking that created things were his lord.
9. Through these events he turned himself to believe in God and did not associate partners with Him. Ibrahim used his intellect and reasoning to decide that none of them can be the Supreme Being.
10. Their relationship is shown through the creation of God, with Ibrahim waiting to be guided by God, and in return God inspired Him through the blessings of the sun and the moon to see His order, His Unity and His control over creation. God does not change unlike the things He has created.
11. God showed Ibrahim how to see Him through His signs in creation, without believing those signs are God Himself.
12. Candidates could say that the Qur'an is the word of God so it gives Muslims a connection to God.
13. It contains guidance from God, so it lets them know what God wants and expects from them.
14. There is a communication with God through the Qur'an, whether it is through reciting it or using certain passages as supplications.
15. Reading it, memorising it, teaching it to others all have benefits and may allow Muslims to increase their connection to God.