Pearson EdexcelInternational GCSE24 resources
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Islamiyat Past Papers & Mark Schemes
Free Edexcel iGCSE Islamiyat (4IA1) past papers & mark schemes. Qur'an, Hadith, pillars, and the history of early Islam. 24 resources.
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June 2018
3 filesJune 2017
3 filesJune 2016
3 filesJune 2015
3 filesJune 2014
3 filesJune 2013
3 filesJune 2012
3 filesInternational GCSE Islamiyat (4IA1): The 9–1 Specification for Islamic Theology, History, and Ethics
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Islamiyat (4IA1) is the current 9–1 specification for the study of Islam, replacing the legacy Islamic Studies (4IS0) for new registrations. The full grade comes from one externally set written paper examining candidates' knowledge of the Qur'an, Hadith, Islamic history, worship, and ethical principles.
The paper is structured around compulsory and optional sections. Compulsory questions cover core Islamic beliefs and practices — the articles of faith (iman), the Five Pillars, and the significance of the Qur'an and Sunnah as sources of authority. Optional sections allow candidates to focus on either the history of early Islam (including the Seerah and the Rightly Guided Caliphs) or the application of Islamic principles to contemporary ethical issues.
Assessment objectives balance knowledge recall (AO1) with understanding and evaluation (AO2). The highest-graded responses demonstrate not just factual accuracy but the ability to analyse the significance of Islamic teachings and evaluate different perspectives on ethical questions. Candidates must support their arguments with precise Qur'anic and Hadith references.
With 24 resources available, the collection provides sufficient material for thorough exam preparation, covering both the compulsory and optional elements of the specification.
Exam Paper Structure
Paper 1
Islamiyat
⏱ Varies by session🎯 marks📊 100% of grade
Core beliefs — tawhid, risalah, akhirah, and the articles of faithThe Qur'an and Hadith as sources of authorityThe Five Pillars — practice and spiritual significanceHistory of early Islam or contemporary ethical applications (optional)
Key Information
| Exam Board | Pearson Edexcel |
| Specification Code | 4IA1 |
| Qualification | International GCSE |
| Grading Scale | 9–1 |
| Assessment Type | 1 written exam |
| Tiers | None (single tier) |
| Number Of Papers | 1 |
| Exam Duration | Varies by session |
| Total Marks | Varies by session |
| Calculator Status | Not applicable |
| Total Resources | 24 |
Key Topics in Islamiyat
Topics you need to know
Tawhid, risalah, and akhirah — the core beliefs of IslamThe Qur'an — revelation, compilation, and authorityHadith — classification, collections, and role in Islamic lawThe Five Pillars — shahada, salah, zakah, sawm, and hajjThe Seerah and the Rightly Guided CaliphsIslamic ethics — justice, equality, and stewardship
Exam Command Words
| Command word | What the examiner expects |
|---|---|
| State | Give a brief factual answer |
| Describe | Provide a detailed account of the main features |
| Explain | Give developed reasons showing how or why something is significant |
| Evaluate | Weigh up different perspectives and reach a substantiated judgement |
Typical Grade Boundaries
| Grade | Approximate mark needed |
|---|---|
| 9 | 78–88% |
| 8 | 68–77% |
| 7 | 58–67% |
| 6 | 48–57% |
| 5 | 39–47% |
| 4 | 30–38% |
| 3 | 22–29% |
| 2 | 14–21% |
| 1 | ~6–13% |
⚠️ Boundaries vary by session. Check Pearson Edexcel's website for exact figures.
Precise Qur'anic Citation and Structured Evaluation: Excelling in iGCSE Islamiyat
Islamiyat rewards precision. When you revise a topic — for example, the concept of tawhid — prepare at least three Qur'anic references (surah name and ayah) and two relevant ahadith. Write these on flashcards and test yourself until you can recall them from memory. In the exam, candidates who cite 'Surah Al-Ikhlas, Ayah 1–4' consistently outscore those who write 'the Qur'an teaches that God is one'.
The evaluation questions (typically worth the most marks) require a structured approach. Use a three-paragraph framework: first, present the case supporting the statement with evidence; second, present a counter-argument or qualification with evidence; third, reach a personal conclusion that weighs both sides. Avoid sitting on the fence — the mark scheme rewards candidates who take a clear, reasoned position.
When revising the history of early Islam, focus on causation and significance rather than pure narrative. Instead of simply recounting what Abu Bakr did as caliph, explain why his decisions — such as compiling the Qur'an and addressing the Ridda Wars — were significant for the survival and development of the Muslim community. This analytical habit transforms your responses from descriptive to evaluative.
Time management is crucial in a single-paper exam. Allocate your time proportionally to the marks available — a 4-mark question deserves roughly four minutes, while a 12-mark evaluation deserves twelve. Leaving a high-mark question unfinished because you over-wrote on lower-mark questions is the most common cause of underperformance.
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