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GCE Religious Studies
Unit L Islam 2 The Life of the Prophet
Example of Candidate’s Work from the January 2009
Examination
Candidate B
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1
2009 (January) Unit L Islam 2 The Life of the Prophet
Example of Candidate’s Work from the Examination
Candidate B
2
(a)
Explain how Muhammad was called to Prophethood and how he reacted to that
call.
(30 marks)
AO1
Candidate Response
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CANDIDATE B
2
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CANDIDATE B
3
Commentary
AO1 30 marks.
Approximately 25 minutes can be allocated to answering this question, including thinking time.
The answer sets the context for the first revelation including Muhammad’s prior belief that there was only
one God. The call is narrated in some detail, including the threefold command, the appearance of light
and the feeling of being held tight ‘as though the angel wanted to kill him’. Some explanation or comment
would have been useful here. The physical impact of the call is described along with the intense fear and
the need for comfort. The later command to ‘rise and warn’ completes the account of the call, and a later
addition to the answer (apart from pointlessly repeating what had already been said) adds the comment
that Muhammad reacted this way because he was only human, which is a key idea in Islam.
The answer is largely narrative but includes key facts with some development. However, this is limited
despite the detailed treatment of this topic in many Muslim and non-Muslim sources. The information is
generally organised clearly and coherently.
Level 5 (22 marks)
RSS11
CANDIDATE B
4
(b)
‘Muhammad’s claim to be a Prophet was rejected by the people of Makkah.’
To what extent is this true?
(15 marks)
AO2
Candidate Response
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CANDIDATE B
5
Commentary
AO2 15 marks
Approximately 12½ minutes, including thinking time, can be allocated to answering this question. Answers
to part (b) questions are not expected to be long.
A direct answer to this question is given in the opening paragraph. The answer offers a series of reasons
why the statement is true or false. This organises the ideas clearly, but does not encourage discussion.
Evidence of rejection is given with reference to Abu Jahl and his reaction to the call to Islam. There is also
explicit reference to Makkans who accepted Islam. In each case the candidate points out what the
evidence shows and how it is linked to the conclusion.
The candidate presents the evidence of the way those who chose Islam withstood persecution as the
strongest evidence that Muhammad’s claim was not rejected by everyone in Makkah. This is very
effective, although the persecution is evidence that his claim to be a Prophet was rejected by most.
Questions asking ‘To what extent’ require an answer of: ‘partly, completely or not at all.’ The candidate
has responded well, but some of the argument lacks development.
Level 6 (13 marks)
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CANDIDATE B
6
3
(a)
Examine the role of the Prophet in Madinah.
(30 marks)
AO1
Candidate Response
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CANDIDATE B
7
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CANDIDATE B
8
Commentary
AO1 30 marks
Approximately 25 minutes can be allocated to answering this question, including thinking time.
The command word ‘examine’ requires candidates to show: knowledge and understanding, some
unpacking of concepts and explanation with reasons, examples or illustrations.
The answer explores a range of different roles including political leader, arbitrator and law maker, spiritual
leader and teacher. There is some use of examples.
The idea of the Prophet as law maker needed clarifying – was he the channel for the laws from God, or did
he make law himself? Examples were needed here. What the candidate refers to as the ‘covenant’, is a
good example of The Prophet’s role as a diplomat, but his role as arbitrator or judge lacked an example.
Muhammad’s roles as military leader and spiritual leader are clear, although the idea that he ruled on
God’s behalf could have been better developed.
The information is mostly accurate and relevant. There is clear and coherent organisation of information,
and limited use of specialist vocabulary. A good range of ideas is covered and there is some effective use
of examples. The answer is a little short.
Level 6 (25 marks)
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CANDIDATE B
9
(b)
‘Muhammad’s most important role in Madinah was as a military leader.’
Assess this view.
(15 marks)
AO2
Candidate Response
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CANDIDATE B
10
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CANDIDATE B
11
Commentary
AO2 15 marks
Approximately 12½ minutes, including thinking time, can be allocated to answering this question. Answers
to part (b) questions are not expected to be long. This answer is as long as the answer given to part (a),
but it is worth only half the number of marks.
The candidate directly answers the question in the first paragraph but offers no evidence for the claim that
Muhammad raised the status of Muslims through battles. The candidate states a number of reasons why
the claim is true or false, but some of this style does not encourage reasoning and not all ideas are
developed. The answer loses sight of the claim that Muhammad’s role as military leader was his most
important role. For example, neither the fact that Muhammad led the battles, nor the fact that Jihad was
revealed during the Madinan period, support that claim, and at one point the candidate argues that the
claim is false because military leader was not his only role. Despite this a number of relevant and valid
points are made. There is a conclusion, but it is not supported by evidence.
Level 5 (11 marks)
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CANDIDATE B