Muslim beliefs, the Prophet, the Qur'an and Islamic history
Organise the beliefs and practices in the syllabus, trace key events and compare Sunni and Shi'ah perspectives with care.
Exam scope and assessment notes
This original foundation lesson maps Cambridge IGCSE Religious Studies 0490 I2 for exams 2026–2029. The 2025–2027 syllabus applies through 2027; use the 2028 Version 2 and 2029 Version 1 for later exams. The 2028 update removes Tzedek from the named Jewish aid organisations; the 2029 syllabus says there are no significant changes affecting teaching. These are neutral, original study notes, not religious rulings. Religious belief and practice vary within each tradition; use qualified teachers and the exact syllabus for the exam year. Specialist review by Christian, Muslim and Jewish Religious Studies teachers is pending. Cambridge 0490 has two externally assessed papers, each 1 hour 45 minutes, 80 marks and 50% of the qualification. Each structured question has a 6-mark factual part, a 6-mark explanation part and an 8-mark evaluation part. StudyForA practice is self-checked; it does not award Cambridge marks or grades.
Before you begin
Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.
Quick readiness check
Before you start: Which event marks the move from Makkah to Madinah in the syllabus?
What you will learn
- Distinguish the Six Articles of Faith from the five roots of Usul ad-Din.
- Explain the Five Pillars and connect beliefs or practices to Muslim life.
- Outline syllabus events in the Prophet's life and the development of Sunni and Shi'ah traditions.
- Explain the Qur'an as revelation, authority and moral guidance using the specified passages without reproducing them.
The syllabus names distinct sets of beliefs
The Six Articles of Faith are tawhid, risalah, akhirah, mala'ikah, qadar and kutub. The five roots of Usul ad-Din are tawhid, 'adl, risalah, imamah and mi'ad. The topics overlap in places but are not the same list; the syllabus also asks about importance and effects on daily life.
The Five Pillars are shahadah, salah, sawm, zakah and hajj. Explain what each practice means at syllabus level and how a Muslim might experience its significance, rather than listing terms alone.
History, scripture and differing perspectives
The syllabus follows the Prophet Muhammad's early life, first revelation at Hira', persecution in Makkah, hijrah to Madinah and significance as final messenger. It also studies Sunni views about Abu Bakr, 'Umar and 'Uthman, Shi'ah views about 'Ali and belief in the Twelve Imams.
The Qur'an is studied as revelation, authority and moral source, including the passages specified for the examination year. Use the official syllabus texts for close study. Describe Sunni and Shi'ah views as syllabus perspectives, not as complete accounts of every Muslim's beliefs.
Sources for this lesson
Pause and explain
Which term is listed among the five roots but not in the Six Articles list?
Worked example
A learner mixes the Six Articles with the five roots. How can they correct the notes?
Show the worked solution
- Write the two lists separately.
- Check that imamah appears among the roots and qadar among the Articles.
- Use a source from the exam-year syllabus and then learn significance.
Answer Keep the Six Articles and the five roots as separate syllabus lists. For example, qadar is one of the Articles, while imamah is one of the roots. Then explain the importance of a chosen belief in context.
Try a topic test
Choose Easy, Normal or Difficult. Save your answers and open worked review after finishing.
Test this topic →From guided practice to a new situation
Write your answer and reasoning first. Use a hint only if you are stuck. The model solution is for self-checking; your written work is not automatically marked.
Guided: Classify tawhid and imamah: which is in both lists, and which is named among the five roots?
Give me a hint
Compare the lists rather than relying on memory of only one.
Compare my reasoning
- Tawhid appears in both the Six Articles and the five roots.
- Imamah appears in the five roots of Usul ad-Din.
- State that the lists overlap but are not identical.
Tawhid appears in both lists; imamah is named among the five roots. The lists overlap, but the student should not merge them.
Look for these in your work
- Identifies the overlap
- Locates imamah
- Keeps the sets distinct
Independent: Explain how the hijrah can be significant beyond a journey between two cities.
Give me a hint
Connect the move to the establishment of the early Muslim community and its later importance.
Compare my reasoning
- Identify the destination as Madinah.
- Explain the syllabus link with establishing the first Muslim community.
- Describe a possible significance for Muslim identity or community today, without claiming identical views.
The hijrah to Madinah is significant in the syllabus because it enabled the establishment of the first Muslim community. It can also be remembered as a turning point in Muslim history, though its meaning may be expressed in different ways.
Look for these in your work
- Names the destination
- Explains the historical significance
- Connects past and present cautiously
Transfer: Evaluate, “The Five Pillars are the only beliefs that affect Muslim daily life.”
Give me a hint
Consider the role of practices and the wider belief topics in the syllabus.
Compare my reasoning
- Explain how a Pillar can shape daily or annual practice.
- Consider other beliefs such as tawhid, akhirah or the Qur'an's moral guidance.
- Make a judgement about the word “only.”
The Pillars can shape worship, charity and daily routines, but the syllabus also connects other beliefs and Qur'anic guidance to Muslim life. “Only” is too narrow because belief and practice interact in more than one way.
Look for these in your work
- Explains a Pillar's impact
- Uses another syllabus belief
- Evaluates the absolute claim
Common mistakes
- Merging the two belief lists
- Presenting one Sunni or Shi'ah view as universal
- Using a passage list from the wrong exam year
What can you explain now?
Which term is listed among the five roots but not in the Six Articles list?
Compare with the explanation
Imamah
The two syllabus lists should be learned separately.
After trying it yourself, choose your next review. This is your self-assessment.
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Make it stick
How do the Articles, roots, Pillars, the Prophet's life, Sunni and Shi'ah history, and Qur'anic guidance fit the syllabus?
If you needed the solution, close it and solve the problem again from a blank page. A correct answer is stronger when you can explain the reason for each step.