Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Islamic Studies Past Papers & Mark Schemes

The mark scheme rewards specific references. When a question asks about a Qur'anic teaching, name the surah and, where possible, the ayah number. When citing a hadith, identify the collection (Bukhari, Muslim, etc.) and the substance of the Prophet's words. Vague references like 'the Qur'an says' or 'a hadith mentions' rarely earn full marks. Historical questions about the Rightly Guided Caliphs test chronological understanding. Create a revision grid with four columns — Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali (may Allah be pleased with them all) — and for each caliph note three key achievements, two challenges they faced, and their lasting legacy for the Muslim community. This structured approach ensures you can respond to comparison questions as well as single-caliph prompts. Extended writing tasks often ask you to 'assess' or 'evaluate' a statement. These require balanced argument: present evidence supporting the statement, then evidence that challenges or qualifies it, and finally reach a substantiated conclusion. One-sided responses, however well-informed, are capped below the top marks. Practise connecting Islamic principles to contemporary situations — for example, how the concept of zakah addresses wealth inequality, or how the principle of shura (consultation) relates to modern governance. Examiners reward candidates who show that Islamic teachings have enduring relevance.