2007 Unit K

Mark Scheme (Results)
Summer 2007
GCSE
GCSE Religious Studies (5581)
Edexcel Limited. Registered in England and Wales No. 4496750

Registered Office: One90 High Holborn, London WC1V 7BH
Unit K Mark Scheme – Summer 2007
QUESTION 1
(a) Name two prophets of Allah.

Award marks as follows:
Correct answer: any two of 2 marks
• Adam/Ibrahim/Musa/Dawud/Isa/Muhammad
• Any other prophet mentioned in the Qur’an, e.g. Ishmail
• Any of the above in anglicised spelling, e.g. Moses
Partially correct answers could be: 1 mark
• Any one correctly named prophet
Any alternative wording of the above points is acceptable.
(b) Outline the teaching of Islam about shirk.

The main teachings are:
• An example of shirk
• It involves associating anything/anyone with Allah
• It is the most serious of all sins/any suggestion that shirk is different
from other sins
• It undermines all other beliefs
• It will be most severely punished by Allah
• It opposes the main belief of tawhid
• Those who commit this sin exclude themselves from Islam
Other approaches are possible and must be marked according to the levels. If
you are unsure of the validity of an answer, it must be sent to review.
L1 • Any one teaching 2 marks
L2 • Any two teachings 4 marks
• OR one teaching developed
L3 • Any three teachings 6 marks
• OR two teachings with one developed
• OR one teaching fully developed
(c) Explain why Adam is important in Islam.
The main reasons are:
• He is the first prophet of Allah mentioned in the Qur’an
• He is the first khalifah of Allah
• He was taught the nature of all things by Allah
• He was the first to teach the message of Allah
• He made a mistake, but confessed at Arafat, and was forgiven by Allah
• He built the original Ka’bah in Makkah
you are unsure of the validity of an answer, it must be sent to review. Simple
reference to Adam as the first man/prophet/khalifah, without any further
qualification or explanation is max L1.
L1 • one reason 2 marks
• or a description
L2 • two reasons 4 marks
• OR one developed reason
L3 • Three reasons 6 marks
• OR one reason and one developed reason
• OR one fully developed reason
L4 • Four reasons 8 marks
• OR two developed reasons
• OR one fully developed reason and one basic reason
• OR one comprehensive explanation
(d) “The mercy and compassion of Allah is seen everywhere in the world”
Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion, showing you have considered
another point of view.
Reasons for supporting this statement could be:
• The way in which everything in life is provided for the benefit of people
• The way in which Allah protects and supports his people wherever they
are
Reasons for not supporting this statement could be:
• There is a lot of suffering in the world
• The laws of nature are about the survival of the fittest
If you are unsure about the validity of reasons, you must send to review.
L1 • One point of view with a supporting reason 1 mark
L2 • Two different points of view with one supporting reason for 2 marks
each view
• OR One point of view with more than one supporting reason
or a developed reason
L3 • One point of view with supporting reasons (or a developed 3 marks
reason) plus a different point of view with one supporting
reason
• Two points of view with supporting reasons for each
L4 Evaluation of two different points of view with supporting reasons (or 4 marks
a developed reason) for each view:
• EITHER showing clearly which they think is the stronger point
of view
• OR showing clearly that they think both points of view are
equally valid.
QUESTION 2
(a) What is Khalifah?

Correct answer 2 marks
• Custodian (or steward) of the world for Allah (must mention Allah for 2
marks)
• A ruler of the Muslim community
Partially correct answer 1 mark
• Custodian (or steward)
• Ruler
(b) Outline the teaching of Islam about the holy books other than the Qur’an.
• Allah has revealed his will to different people at different times
• E.g. he has revealed the Torah through Musa and the Injil through Isa
(books of Hadith are not revelations therefore no marks)
• These revelations have been distorted through tradition
• The authentic message has been lost
• Only the revelation of the Qur’an is authentic for all time
• The Peoples of the Book are to be treated with respect
L1 • any one correct teaching 2 marks
L2 • two correct teachings 4 marks
• OR one developed
L3 • three correct teachings 6 marks
• OR two teachings with one developed
• OR one fully developed teaching
(c) Explain why the ummah is important for Muslims.
• It embraces and binds together all Muslims, whatever their human
differences
• Allah makes no distinction within the community
• It is the living proof of the true unity of Islam
• It is the duty of all Muslims to maintain the unity of the ummah
• The ummah means that Muslims should support each other, eg through
zakah
• The ummah affirms that all Muslims are equal before Allah, eg at prayer
• Allah is one, therefore requires unity in humanity and the ummah
• OR a description
L3 • three reasons 6 marks
(d) “Only the judgement of Allah makes life fair.”
• The injustices and inequalities of life are resolved on the Day of
Judgement
• Allah is the only one who can be relied on to reward or punish justly
• Life is unfair anyway, because the wicked prosper and the innocent
suffer
• There is no afterlife when the injustices of life can be balanced
L2 • Two different points of view with one supporting reason for each 2 marks
view
• OR One point of view with more than one supporting reason or a
developed reason
reason) plus a different point of view with one supporting reason
L4 Evaluation of two different points of view with supporting reasons (or a 4 marks
developed reason) for each view:
• EITHER showing clearly which they think is the stronger point of
view
• OR showing clearly that they think both points of view are equally
valid.
QUESTION 3
(a) What is Makkah?

• The city in Saudi Arabia
• Where the Ka’bah is
• The place where the Prophet was born
• The direction in which Muslims face to pray
• The place where Muslims go on Hajj
Partially correct answer
• A city
• A holy place where Islam started
(b) Describe how Shi’ah Muslims celebrate 10 Muharram.

The main features are
• They remember the death of Imam Hussain
• Re-enacting the events of Karbala
• They join in processions in which they express their grief for this event
• They express their willingness to become martyrs
• They attend special congregational prayers
• They visit Karbala
If you are unsure of the validity of an answer, it must be sent to review.
L1 • any one correct feature 2 marks
L2 • two correct features 4 marks
L3 • three correct features 6 marks
• OR two features with one developed
(c) Explain why the work of the Prophet in Madinah is important for Muslims.
• His action in reconciling the Ansar and Muhajirun into a single
community was the basis on which the ummah developed
• His leadership of the community showed that he was chosen by Allah
• He established the first mosque and basic rules for the Muslim
community
• He established universal principles such as zakah and the avoidance of
riba as the basis of community life
(d) “The Qur’an is the only true guidance for Muslims”.
• It alone contains the exact words of Allah
• It is the final revelation from Allah and has absolute authority for all
Muslims
• Muslims need further guidance provided by the sayings and deeds of the
Prophet
• To deal with modern situations, the guidance of scholars today is needed
Answers which do not refer to a specific religion cannot go beyond level 2
each view
• OR One point of view with more than one supporting reason or
a developed reason
reason
view
equally valid.
QUESTION 4
(a) What are hadith?

• The (authenticated) sayings of the Prophet
• The (authenticated) deeds of the Prophet
• Any two (or more) named examples, eg the Sahih (Bukhari and Muslim)
• The Sunnah of the Prophet
• Sayings
• Deeds
(b) Outline the work of the Prophet in Makkah.

The main features are
• Receiving the Qur’an
• Teaching Islam
• Clearing and rebuilding the Ka’bah
• Conversion of local leaders
• Facing persecution
• Conquest of Makkah
(c) Explain why the revelation of the Qur’an is important for Muslims.
• It is the only way by which Allah can be understood
• It confirms that the Qur’an is the word of Allah
• It brings the guidance of Allah to all human beings
• It affirms that Muhammad is the final Prophet
• It carries the final authority of Allah for all Muslims
• or a description of the revelation
(d) “All Muslim leaders should be related to the Prophet Muhammad”
• It would ensure that authority in the community is handed down from
generation to generation within the family chosen by Allah
• It is one of the principle teachings of the Shi’ah
• The connection of leadership with Muhammad is one of faith and
practice, not family descent
• Muslim leaders should be chosen by the community on the basis of their
piety and knowledge of the Qur’an
Answers which do not refer to a religion cannot go beyond level 2.
each view
a developed reason
reason
view
equally valid.
QUESTION 5
(a) What is sawm?

• Fasting (during Ramadan)
• Going without food and drink (between dawn and sunset for a month)
• The (fourth) pillar of Islam
• Going without food
• Going without drink
(b) Describe what happens at Mina during hajj.

The main events are:
• Journey to Mina for midday prayers
• Remain in Mina until after the night (Isha) prayers
• Return to Mina collecting stones on the way
• Stoning the devil
• The sacrifice of Id-ul-Adha
• Shaving or cutting of hair
L1 • any one correct event 2 marks
L2 • two correct events 4 marks
L3 • three correct events 6 marks
• OR two events with one developed
(c) Explain why it is important for Muslims to prepare themselves before they
pray.
• They must be pure when they present themselves before Allah/or
touch the Qur’an
• They are instructed to do so in the Qur’an and the Sunnah
• Purity in prayer involves both inner and outward cleanliness
• It is important to exclude all worldly desires and concerns to
concentrate fully on the worship of Allah
• The intention to pray in accordance with the will of Allah is as
important as the performance of the prayer itself
(d) “It doesn’t matter how you earn your wealth as long as you pay zakah.”
• Paying zakah is an obligation for a Muslim who can afford it
• Islam does not disapprove of wealth in itself, just its misuse
• It is wrong to gain your wealth by immoral means
• Islam expressly forbids certain ways of actually gaining wealth, e.g. riba,
gambling
each view
a developed reason
reason
view
equally valid.
QUESTION 6
(a) What are the ju’mah prayers?

• Obligatory/congregational/weekly prayer (for men)
• Friday midday prayers (zuhr)
• Prayers which include a khutbah
• Congregational prayers
• Friday prayers
(b) Outline the practice of zakah.

The main features are:
• The giving of poor-due is an obligation for Muslims
• It applies to those who can afford to pay/reach the nisab
• 2.5% payable annually in cash or kind
• Based on residual wealth rather than income
• To be used for the needy (poor, widows, orphans, tax collectors, travellers
and madrasahs)
(c) Explain why Id-ul-Adha is an important part of the hajj.
• It reminds Muslims of the faith of prophet Ibrahim
• His faithfulness is an example to Muslims today
• It increases the determination of pilgrims to resist temptation and reject
the shaytan
• It is an expression of self-sacrifice, commitment and submission to Allah
• It encourages a spirit of sharing (food) and so strengthens the ummah
(d) “Reciting the shahadah makes you a Muslim.”
• It is the only essential requirement for becoming a Muslim
• The shahadah expresses in summary the faith of a Muslim
• More than mere recitation is required to make a person a Muslim
• Only if the words are said with complete faith and trust in Allah, and
commitment and submission to him, is the recitation of the words valid
each view
a developed reason
reason
view
equally valid.
QUESTION 7
(a) Give one example of the lesser jihad.

• A definition implying some element of ‘struggle’
• Engaging in a holy war in the cause of Islam/sake of Allah
• Fighting to defend Islam against aggressors
• Defending and upholding Islam against its detractors
• Holy war
• Fighting for Islam
Any alternative wording of the above points is acceptable: reference to any
example of striving e.g. personally, in the cause of Islam is acceptable.
(b) Outline how the shari’ah affects a Muslim’s daily life.

The main examples are:
• It determines what they can or cannot eat
• It guides them about appropriate and inappropriate dress
• It guides them about different degrees of permissiveness and forbidden-
ness
• It guides them about matters to do with business dealings
• It guides them about all aspects of family life
L1 • any one correct example 2 marks
L2 • two correct examples 4 marks
L3 • three correct examples 6 marks
• OR two examples with one developed
(c) Explain why Islamic rules about alcohol are important for Muslims today.
• They guard against base and irresponsible behaviour
• They guard against distorting the mind by increasing temptation and
reducing the will to resist evil
• Such rules are particularly important in a western secular context with
its permissive attitude to the consumption of alcohol
• They help to protect Muslim society from the harmful social
consequences of such permissiveness
L1 • a description of rules about alcohol 2 marks
• OR one reason
L2 • Two reasons 4 marks
(d) “It does not matter what Muslims wear as long as they dress modestly.”
• The Qur’an establishes the principle of modesty as the basis of any dress
code
• In practice, the interpretation of ‘modesty’ will vary between societies
and historical periods
• The shari’ah defines for \Muslims how to interpret ‘modesty’
• Muslims must be even more careful about dressing modestly in western
society
each view
a developed reason
reason
view
equally valid.
QUESTION 8
(a) Give two examples of food which are halal.

Correct answer: any two 2 marks
• Vegetables
• Fruit
• Meat slaughtered according Shari’ah law/in the name of Allah
• Fish
• Kosher meat if no Muslim slaughter is available
• Processed foods, eg cheese, not containing any animal products
• Any one of the above
• Lamb/chicken
Any alternative wording of the above points is acceptable
(b) Outline what happens at the aqiqa ceremony.

The main features are:
• (allow) saying the adhan
• Relatives and friends come together seven days after a baby is born
• The child is given names in accordance with Muslim tradition and custom
• The baby’s head is shaved
• An animal is sacrificed and the meat distributed
• Other practices such as making donations, or sharing food, vary according
to custom
(c) Explain why rules about riba are difficult to follow in a capitalist society.
• Capitalist societies operate largely on the basis of lending and interest
• This applies to such basic aspects of life as buying houses with a
mortgage
• As rules about riba undermine this approach, there is a clash of
economic principles
• But these rules are hard to follow when the majority in society follow a
capitalist road and difficult to operate because of the prevailing
economic climate
• But not impossible, as there are ways of avoiding compromising Islamic
law
L1 • a description of the rules of riba and capitalist societies 2 marks
• OR one valid reason
L2 • Two reasons 4 marks
(d) “The real jihad is the struggle for goodness in your own life.”
• You cannot improve society until you know how to improve yourself
• Islam regards the inward struggle as the ‘greater’ jihad
• The inward struggle is only in your mind; it is much harder to struggle
physically
• The real struggle is for the cause of Islam and you have to be prepared
to sacrifice your own life for that, which is much harder
Answers which do not refer to one religion cannot go beyond level 2.
each view
a developed reason
reason
view
equally valid.
QUESTION 9
(a) Outline the role of the mosque in the local Muslim community.
The main roles are:
• A public place for congregational prayers
• A focus for the community to assemble with a shared Muslim identity
• A place of education, particularly through the madrasah
• A social gathering place for groups within the community such as the
elderly
• A focus for service in the community through schemes run by the mosque
• A place for weddings and funerals
L1 • any one correct role 1 mark
L2 • two correct roles 2 marks
L3 • three correct types 3 marks
• OR two roles with one developed
L4 • Four correct roles 4 marks
• OR two correct roles developed
• OR two correct roles plus one correct role developed
(b) Explain why there are differences in the places of worship used by Muslims.
• Some differences reflect the relative wealth or population of
communities
• Some reflect different architectural styles occasioned by location or
history
• There may be minor internal differences between Sunni and Shi’ah
mosques
• Some worship in adapted houses and some in purpose-built mosques
• A mosque is any clean place where Muslims congregate to pray
• Whilst there are differences, these are purely superficial, and
completely secondary to the purpose of worshipping Allah
If they have the question as “Explain why Muslim places of worships are
different from the places of worship of other religions”, this should be treated
as a valid response and can gain up to L4, but only if they explain why they are
different.
We should also allow up to L4 for any who have places of worship to refer to
‘the communities who meet in those places and who explain differences
(communal or theological) between communities.
• OR one developed description
(c) “An imam is essential to keep the Muslim community faithful to Allah.”
• He has been properly trained in the traditional schools to act as a
‘gatekeeper’ for the community
• He is proficient in his knowledge of the Qur’an which is the foundation of
Islamic teaching
• Muslims can be faithful to Allah by following the teaching of the Qur’an in
their own homes
• Other teachers and guides, together with the ulema, also help to keep
believers faithful
L1 • One point of view with a supporting reason 2 marks
L2 • Two different points of view with one supporting reason for each 4 marks
view
• OR One point of view with more than one supporting reason or a
developed reason
L3 • One point of view with supporting reasons (or a developed reason) 6 marks
plus a different point of view with one supporting reason
L4 Evaluation of two different points of view with supporting reasons (or a 8 marks
developed reason) for each view:
view
• OR showing clearly that they think both points of view are equally
valid.
]
Quality of Written Communication
You must now mark the QWC for question 9
Quality 1 - relevant information has been provided in a form which suits its
purpose:
• add up the marks for a), b) and c). If it is 14 or more award Quality 1.
Quality 2 - legible text with spelling, grammar and punctuation accurate so that
meaning is clear:
• If you have been able to understand the answer easily and spelling mistakes
have not detracted from clear meaning, you can award Quality 2.
Quality 3 - a suitable structure and style of writing has been used:

• ‘Have sentences and paragraphs been used?’ ‘Have bullet points or slang
been used?’ If the answer to the first question is Yes and the answer to the
second question is No, you should award Quality 3.
QUESTION 10
a) Outline the influence of Sufism on the Muslim community in Britain.

The main factors are:
• individuals or groups may influence communities by emphasising the
importance of the inner spiritual experience of Allah rather than the
simple outward observance of correct ritual
• some local mosques may be influenced by the leadership of a respected
pir or sheikh
• some mosques may have a traditional link with a particular order of Sufis
• some Muslims may recognise a more general, pervasive influence in the
way in which e.g. zikr is practised
L1 • any one correct factor 1 mark
L2 • two correct factors 2 marks
L3 • three correct factors 3 marks

• OR two factors with one developed
L4 • Four correct factors 4 marks

• OR two factors developed
• OR two correct factors plus one correct factor developed
(b) Explain why Rumi is an important figure in the Sufi tradition.
• His spiritual poetry has been strongly influential in representing the
relationship between the believer and Allah
• He was the inspiration behind the Mevlevi order which focused on the
spiritual benefits of ritual dance
• His teaching, that self-sacrifice is experienced through the acceptance
of the will of Allah
• His teaching about the experience of love for and union with the divine
as the most important form of the knowledge of Allah
• Some of his sayings (e.g. the roads are various but the goal is one) have
passed into everyday language and influence some attitudes today



(c) “Music and dance have no place in Islam.”
• They are a dangerous distraction from the faithful practice of one’s din
• They are an excursion into non-Islamic practices which have traditionally
been discouraged
• They help, under proper spiritual direction, to draw the believer closer
to Allah
• They have never been part of the mainstream practice of Islam
L1 • One point of view with a supporting reason 2 marks
each view
• OR One point of view with more than one supporting reason
or a developed reason
reason
• EITHER showing clearly which they think is the stronger point
of view
equally valid.
Quality of Written Communication

You must now mark the QWC for question 10
Quality 1 - relevant information has been provided in a form which suits its
purpose:
• add up the marks for a), b) and c). If it is 14 or more award Quality 1.
Quality 2 - legible text with spelling, grammar and punctuation accurate so that
meaning is clear:
• If you have been able to understand the answer easily and spelling mistakes
have not detracted from clear meaning, you can award Quality 2
Quality 3 - a suitable structure and style of writing has been used:

• ‘Have sentences and paragraphs been used?’ ‘Have bullet points or slang
been used?’ If the answer to the first question is Yes and the answer to the
second question is No, you should award Quality 3.

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Mark Scheme (Results)

GCSE Religious Studies (5581)

Edexcel Limited. Registered in England and Wales No. 4496750

(a) Name two prophets of Allah.

(b) Outline the teaching of Islam about shirk.

(a) What is Khalifah?

(a) What is Makkah?

(b) Describe how Shi’ah Muslims celebrate 10 Muharram.

(a) What are hadith?

(b) Outline the work of the Prophet in Makkah.

(a) What is sawm?

(b) Describe what happens at Mina during hajj.

(a) What are the ju’mah prayers?

(b) Outline the practice of zakah.

(a) Give one example of the lesser jihad.

(b) Outline how the shari’ah affects a Muslim’s daily life.

(a) Give two examples of food which are halal.

(b) Outline what happens at the aqiqa ceremony.

You must now mark the QWC for question 9

Quality 3 - a suitable structure and style of writing has been used:

a) Outline the influence of Sufism on the Muslim community in Britain.

L3 • three correct factors 3 marks

L4 • Four correct factors 4 marks

L2 • two reasons 4 marks

L3 • Three reasons 6 marks

L4 • Four reasons 8 marks

Quality of Written Communication

Quality 3 - a suitable structure and style of writing has been used:

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