Cambridge O Level Islamiyat 2058 Syllabus

At what age and in what manner did the Prophet Muhammad receive his first revelation?

At around age 40, in the Cave of Hira on Mount Nur, when the angel Jibril (Gabriel) brought the first verses of Surah Al-Alaq beginning 'Iqra' (Read!).

Who were the first people to accept Islam in Makkah?

Khadija (his wife) was the first; followed by Ali ibn Abi Talib (first young man), Abu Bakr (first free adult man), and Zayd ibn Harithah (first freed slave).

What forms did the Quraysh persecution of early Muslims in Makkah take?

Mockery, social and economic boycott, torture of weaker converts and slaves (e.g. Bilal, the family of Yasir), and attempts to bargain with or pressure the Prophet to stop preaching.

What was the first Hijra (migration) of the early Muslims, before the migration to Madinah?

A group of persecuted Muslims migrated to Abyssinia (Ethiopia), where the Christian king (the Negus/Najashi) gave them protection and refused to hand them back to the Quraysh.

What was the 'Year of Sorrow' (Aam al-Huzn) and why is it significant?

It was the year (around 619 CE) in which both Khadija, the Prophet's wife, and Abu Talib, his protective uncle, died, leaving the Prophet without his key emotional and tribal support in Makkah.

What were the Pledges of Aqaba and why were they important for the move to Madinah?

They were two pledges given by men of Yathrib (Madinah) at Aqaba in which they accepted Islam and pledged to protect the Prophet; they paved the way for the Hijra by securing him a base of support.

In what year did the Hijra (migration to Madinah) take place, and why is it significant?

622 CE; it marks the start of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar and the transformation of the Muslims from a persecuted group into an organised community (ummah) with its own state.

What was the Constitution (Charter) of Madinah?

An agreement drawn up by the Prophet defining the rights and duties of the Muslim emigrants, the Madinan helpers (Ansar), and the Jewish tribes; it made all parties one community for defence and guaranteed religious freedom.

How did the Prophet establish brotherhood between the Muhajirun and the Ansar in Madinah?

He paired each emigrant (Muhajir) with a Madinan helper (Ansari) as 'brothers', so the Ansar shared their homes, wealth and resources to support the destitute emigrants.

What were the three major battles of Madinah and their basic outcomes?

Badr (624 CE) - a decisive Muslim victory; Uhud (625 CE) - a setback when archers left their post; the Trench/Khandaq (627 CE) - a Muslim defensive victory after digging a trench around Madinah.

What was the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah (628 CE) and why is it called a 'clear victory'?

A ten-year truce with the Quraysh; though its terms seemed unfavourable, it recognised Muslims as an equal party, brought peace allowing Islam to spread, and led the way to the conquest of Makkah.

What happened during the Conquest of Makkah (630 CE)?

The Prophet entered Makkah almost without bloodshed, granted general amnesty to former enemies, cleared the Kaaba of its idols, and restored it to the worship of One God.

What were the key messages of the Prophet's Farewell Sermon?

The sanctity of life, property and honour; the abolition of usury and blood feuds; the equality of all people regardless of race; the rights of women; and to hold fast to the Quran and his Sunnah.

Identify three qualities of the Prophet Muhammad as a leader, with an example of each.

Justice (he judged fairly even against his own kin); humility (he shared in digging the Trench and did household chores); and mercy/forgiveness (the general amnesty at the Conquest of Makkah).

Why is the Prophet Muhammad described as 'uswa hasana' (the best example)?

Because the Quran (33:21) states he is an excellent model; his words and actions (Sunnah) demonstrate perfect application of Islamic teachings in worship, family life, leadership, and dealing with friend and foe.

Who were the four Rightly Guided Caliphs (al-Khulafa al-Rashidun) in order?

Abu Bakr (632-634), Umar ibn al-Khattab (634-644), Uthman ibn Affan (644-656), and Ali ibn Abi Talib (656-661).

What were Abu Bakr's main achievements as caliph?

He suppressed the Ridda (apostasy) wars and false prophets, secured the unity of Arabia, began the first collection of the Quran, and launched campaigns into Iraq and Syria.

What major administrative achievements is Umar ibn al-Khattab known for?

He established the diwan (state register/pension system), set up provinces with governors, founded the Islamic (Hijri) calendar, organised the army and taxation, and introduced public departments and a treasury (Bayt al-Mal).

What were the major events of Uthman ibn Affan's caliphate?

He produced the standardised edition of the Quran, expanded the empire (including building the first Muslim navy), but faced growing unrest over accusations of nepotism, which led to his murder.

What challenges did Ali ibn Abi Talib face as caliph?

Civil strife: the Battle of the Camel against Aisha, Talha and Zubayr; the Battle of Siffin against Muawiya; the arbitration crisis; and the breakaway of the Kharijites, one of whom assassinated him.

Why are the first four caliphs specifically called 'Rightly Guided'?

Because they were close Companions chosen by consultation, ruled by the Quran and Sunnah, lived simply and justly, and are regarded as upholding the ideal model of Islamic government.

How was the early Islamic state divided for administration under Umar?

It was divided into provinces, each headed by a governor (wali/amir) responsible for administration and prayer leadership, with separate officials for taxation and justice (qadis) to ensure checks on power.

What was the Bayt al-Mal in the early Islamic state?

The public treasury that collected revenues (zakat, jizya, kharaj, booty) and distributed funds for the army, public welfare, pensions and state needs; it was formalised under Umar.

What was jizya and who paid it in the early Islamic state?

Jizya was a protection tax paid by non-Muslim subjects (dhimmis) in exchange for state protection and exemption from military service and zakat; the able-bodied free males paid it.

What was kharaj in the early Islamic administration?

Kharaj was a land tax levied on agricultural land, particularly conquered land, forming an important source of revenue for the state treasury.

How did the early caliphs treat non-Muslim (dhimmi) communities?

Non-Muslims were generally allowed freedom of religion and protection of life and property in return for paying jizya; they were not forced to convert and could keep their own places of worship.

What is a Hadith and how does it differ from the Quran?

A Hadith is a report of the sayings, actions or approvals of the Prophet Muhammad (his Sunnah). Unlike the Quran, its wording is the Prophet's (or the narrator's), it is not God's literal speech, and it explains and supplements the Quran.

What is the difference between Hadith Qudsi and Hadith Nabawi?

In Hadith Qudsi the meaning is from God but the wording is the Prophet's; it is not recited in prayer and is not part of the Quran. Hadith Nabawi is the Prophet's own statement in both meaning and words.

Why is Hadith considered a source of authority in Islam, second to the Quran?

Because the Quran commands obedience to the Prophet (e.g. 'obey God and obey the Messenger'), and Hadith explains, details and applies Quranic teachings (such as how to pray), making it essential for understanding Islam.

What are the two main parts of a Hadith, and what does each contain?

The isnad (chain of narrators) lists who transmitted the report back to the Prophet; the matn is the actual text or content of the Prophet's saying or action.

What is the science of 'Asma al-Rijal' in Hadith collection?

It is the study of the biographies and character of the narrators in the isnad, used to verify their truthfulness, memory and reliability so that authentic Hadith can be distinguished from weak or forged ones.

How are Hadith classified by their reliability into three main grades?

Sahih (authentic - sound chain and reliable narrators), Hasan (good - slightly weaker but acceptable), and Da'if (weak - having a defect in the chain or a narrator).

What is a 'mawdu' (fabricated) Hadith, and why did fabrication occur?

A mawdu Hadith is a forged report falsely attributed to the Prophet; fabrications arose from political and sectarian disputes, storytelling, and attempts to support particular views, which is why scholars developed strict authentication methods.

What is the difference between a Mutawatir and an Ahad Hadith?

Mutawatir is reported by so many narrators at every stage that collusion on a lie is impossible, giving certain knowledge; Ahad is reported by a limited number of narrators and yields probable, not certain, knowledge.

Name the six canonical books of Sunni Hadith (the Kutub al-Sittah).

Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan Abu Dawud, Jami at-Tirmidhi, Sunan an-Nasa'i, and Sunan Ibn Majah.

Which two Hadith collections are regarded as the most authentic (the Sahihayn) and who compiled them?

Sahih al-Bukhari (compiled by Imam Muhammad al-Bukhari) and Sahih Muslim (compiled by Imam Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj).

What teaching is drawn from the Hadith: 'Actions are judged by intentions'?

That the moral and religious value of any deed depends on the niyyah (intention) behind it; sincerity towards God is required, and a good outward act done for the wrong reason loses its reward.

What does the Hadith 'None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself' teach?

That genuine faith requires selflessness and care for others; a Muslim should desire good for fellow believers as for himself, fostering brotherhood, equality and social harmony.

What lesson is taken from the Hadith 'The strong man is not the good wrestler; the strong man is the one who controls himself in anger'?

That true strength is self-control and restraint of temper rather than physical power; a believer should master their emotions and respond to provocation with patience.

What does the Hadith 'Whoever believes in God and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent; ...honour his neighbour; ...honour his guest' teach?

It links faith to good conduct, teaching kindness in speech, good treatment of neighbours, and generosity to guests as practical signs of true belief.

What are the Six Articles of Faith (Iman) in Islam?

Belief in God (Allah); in His angels; in His revealed books; in His Messengers; in the Day of Judgement (the Last Day); and in divine decree/predestination (Qadar), both good and bad.

What does belief in angels (Mala'ika) involve, and name key angels with their roles?

Belief that angels are beings of light created to obey God; Jibril (brings revelation), Mika'il (provides sustenance/rain), Israfil (will blow the trumpet), and Izra'il (the angel of death).

What does belief in the revealed Books require, and which scriptures are named in the Quran?

Belief that God sent guidance through scriptures: the Scrolls of Ibrahim, the Tawrat (Torah) to Musa, the Zabur (Psalms) to Dawud, the Injil (Gospel) to Isa, and the Quran to Muhammad, which is the final and preserved revelation.

What does belief in the Messengers (Risalah) entail?

Belief that God sent prophets to every people to guide them to His worship; many are named in the Quran (e.g. Adam, Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, Isa), and Muhammad is the last of the prophets (Khatam an-Nabiyyin).

What does belief in the Day of Judgement (Akhirah) include?

Belief in resurrection of the dead, accountability for one's deeds, the weighing of good and bad actions, and the final outcome of reward in Paradise (Jannah) or punishment in Hell (Jahannam).

What does belief in Qadar (divine decree/predestination) mean in Islam?

Belief that God has knowledge and power over all things and that nothing happens outside His will, yet humans still have responsibility and free choice for which they are accountable.