Mark Scheme (Results)

November 2020

Pearson Edexcel GCSE

In Religious Studies A (1RA0)
Paper 1: Area of Study 1- Study of Religion
Option 1C Islam
Edexcel and BTEC Qualifications

Edexcel and BTEC qualifications are awarded by Pearson, the UK’s largest awarding body. We provide
a wide range of qualifications including academic, vocational, occupational and specific programmes
for employers. For further information visit our qualifications websites at www.edexcel.com or
www.btec.co.uk. Alternatively, you can get in touch with us using the details on our contact us page at
www.edexcel.com/contactus.

Pearson: helping people progress, everywhere

Pearson aspires to be the world’s leading learning company. Our aim is to help everyone progress in
their lives through education. We believe in every kind of learning, for all kinds of people, wherever
they are in the world. We’ve been involved in education for over 150 years, and by working across 70
countries, in 100 languages, we have built an international reputation for our commitment to high
standards and raising achievement through innovation in education. Find out more about how we can
help you and your students at: www.pearson.com/uk

Autumn 2020
Publications Code 1RA0_1C_2011_MS
All the material in this publication is copyright
© Pearson Education Ltd 2020
General Marking Guidance

• All candidates must receive the same treatment. Examiners

must mark the first candidate in exactly the same way as they
mark the last.
• Mark schemes should be applied positively. Candidates must be
rewarded for what they have shown they can do rather than
penalised for omissions.
• Examiners should mark according to the mark scheme not
according to their perception of where the grade boundaries
may lie.
• There is no ceiling on achievement. All marks on the mark
scheme should be used appropriately.
• All the marks on the mark scheme are designed to be awarded.
Examiners should always award full marks if deserved, i.e. if the
answer matches the mark scheme. Examiners should also be
prepared to award zero marks if the candidate’s response is not
worthy of credit according to the mark scheme.
• Where some judgement is required, mark schemes will provide
the principles by which marks will be awarded and
exemplification may be limited.
• When examiners are in doubt regarding the application of the
mark scheme to a candidate’s response, the team leader must
be consulted.
• Crossed out work should be marked UNLESS the candidate has
replaced it with an alternative response.
Paper 1: Study of Religion 1C - Islam Mark Scheme - 2020

Question Answer Reject Mark

number
1(a) AO1 3 marks • Lists (maximum of
one mark)
Award one mark for each point identified up
to a maximum of three.

• Allah is one (1)

• He is immanent (1)
• He is transcendent (1)
• He is omnipotent (1)
• He is just (1).

Accept any other valid response.

3

Question Answer Reject Mark

number
1(b) AO1 4 marks • Repeated reason/
development
Award one mark for providing a reason. • Development that
Award a second mark for development of the does not relate
reason. Up to a maximum of four marks. both to the reason
given and to the
• Prophets brought the guidance of Allah (1) question.
to different nations showing Islam is from
the beginning of time (1)
• All prophets brought the same message
(1) showing Allah is unchanging (1)
• Muhammad received the revelation of the
Qur’an (1) which was the final message
from Allah (1).

Accept any other valid response.

4
Question Answer Reject Mark
number
1(c) AO2 5 marks • Repeated teaching/
development
Award one mark for each teaching. Award • Development that
further marks for each development of the does not relate both
teaching up to a maximum of four marks. to the teaching and to
Award one further mark for any relevant the question
source of wisdom or authority. • Reference to a
source of wisdom that
• Jibril brought the message of the Qur’an (1) does not relate to the
so that Muhammad recited the direct teaching given.
words of Allah (1) Surah 2:97 records it
was Jibril who, by permission from Allah
brought the Qur’an to Muhammad (1)
• Angels bring messages from Allah (1) such
as to Zachariah (1) Surah 19:7 says, ‘indeed
We give you good tidings of a boy whose
name will be John.’ (1)
• Some angels have specific roles (1) like
Izra’il, the angel of death (1) Surah 32:11,
‘the angel of death will take you...Then to
your Lord you will be returned.’ (1).

Accept any other valid response.

5
Question Indicative content Mark
number
1(d) AO2 12 marks, SPaG 3 marks

Candidates must underpin their analysis and evaluation with

knowledge and understanding. Candidates will be required to
demonstrate thorough knowledge and understanding as well as
accuracy of religion and belief when responding to the question and in
meeting AO2 descriptors.

AO2
Arguments for the statement

• Muslims will be judged after death therefore they are submissive to

Allah and follow the teachings of the Qur’an in the way that they live
their life today
• Belief in life after death is important to the way Muslims live their
life today, because they believe that Allah is just and after death the
good will be rewarded and the bad punished
• Muslims believe that if someone they love dies then they will be
taken to be with Allah and this brings comfort to them helping them
to move on with their lives today.

Arguments against the statement:

• Some Muslims think that it is more important to live a good life

now, pleasing to Allah, rather than worry about a life after death in
the future
• Living a life in submission to Allah, by following the Shari’ah laws
provides the basis for the way Muslims live today rather than the
promise of life after death
• Some Muslims believe that life should not be lived in the fear of hell
or desire of paradise, as Rabia Basri taught the purpose of life is to
love Allah.

Accept any other valid response.

Candidates who do not consider different viewpoints within the

religious tradition or non-religious viewpoints (as instructed in the
question) cannot achieve marks beyond Level 2.
15
Level Mark Descriptor
0 No rewardable response
Level 1 1–3 • Information/issues are identified and make superficial connections
among a limited range of elements in the question, underpinned by
isolated elements of understanding of religion and belief.
• Judgements are supported by generic arguments to produce a
conclusion that is not fully justified.
Level 2 4–6 • Superficial connections are made among many, but not all, of the
elements in the question, underpinned by a limited understanding
of religion and belief.
• Judgements of a limited range of elements in the question are
made. Judgements are supported by an attempt to appraise
evidence, much of which may be superficial, leading to a conclusion
that is not fully justified.
Level 3 7–9 • Deconstructs religious information/issues, leading to coherent and
logical chains of reasoning that consider different viewpoints. These
are underpinned by an accurate understanding of religion and
belief. Connections are made among many, but not all, of the
elements in the question.
• Constructs coherent and reasoned judgements of many, but not all,
of the elements in the question. Judgements are supported by the
appraisal of evidence, some of which may be superficial, leading to
a partially justified conclusion.
Level 4 10–12 • Critically deconstructs religious information/issues, leading to
coherent and logical chains of reasoning that consider different
viewpoints. These are underpinned by a sustained, accurate and
thorough understanding of religion and belief. Connections are
made among the full range of elements in the question.
• Constructs coherent and reasoned judgements of the full range of
elements in the question. Judgements are fully supported by the
comprehensive appraisal of evidence, leading to a fully justified
conclusion.
SPaG
Marks Descriptors
• The candidate writes nothing.
• The candidate’s response does not relate to the question.
No marks • The candidate’s achievement in SPaG does not reach the
0 marks
awarded threshold performance level, for example errors in
spelling, punctuation and grammar severely hinder
meaning.
• Candidates spell and punctuate with reasonable accuracy.
• Candidates use rules of grammar with some control of
Threshold meaning and any errors do not significantly hinder
1 mark
performance meaning overall.
• Candidates use a limited range of specialist terms as
appropriate.
• Candidates spell and punctuate with considerable
accuracy.
Intermediate • Candidates use rules of grammar with general control of
2 marks
performance meaning overall.
• Candidates use a good range of specialist terms as
appropriate.
• Candidates spell and punctuate with consistent accuracy.
• Candidates use rules of grammar with effective control of
High
3 marks meaning overall.
performance
• Candidates use a wide range of specialist terms as
appropriate.
Question Answer Reject Mark
number
2(a) AO1 3 marks • Lists (maximum of
one mark)
Award one mark for each point identified up
to a maximum of three.

• Pilgrims put on the ihram (1)

• They walk around the Ka’ba seven times
(1)
• Running between the hills As-Safa and Al-
Marwah (1)
• Standing at the plain of Arafat (1)
• Stoning the pillars in Mina (1).

Accept any other valid response.

3

Question Answer Reject Mark

number
2(b) AO1 4 marks • Repeated teaching/
development
Award one mark for providing a teaching. • Development that
Award a second mark for development of the does not relate
teaching up to a maximum of four marks. both to the
teaching given and
• Sawm is obligatory (1) because Allah has to the question.
commanded it (1)
• Sawm should last from dawn until sunset
(1) unless a person is exempt from fasting
(1)
• It is prescribed in the Qur’an (1) so that a
person may achieve taqwa (1).

Accept any other valid response.

4
Question Answer Reject Mark
number
2(c) AO1 5 marks • Repeated reason/
development
Award one mark for each reason. Award • Development that
further marks for each development of the does not relate both
reason up to a maximum of four marks. to the reason and to
Award one further mark for any relevant the question
source of wisdom or authority. • Reference to a
source of wisdom that
• Muslims remember the willingness of does not relate to the
Ibrahim to sacrifice his son (1) and obey reason given.
Allah by sacrificing an animal (1) in Surah
37:105, Allah says ‘You have fulfilled the
vision (1)
• The festival unites all Muslims (1) and
reminds them that Allah is forgiving so
they can have a new beginning (1) Surah
22:37 reminds Muslims that piety and
purity are the most important things in
Allah’s eyes (1)
• It remembers the mercy of Allah for giving
them the hajj (1) so the community gather
together to pray (1) Muhammad said that
the first thing to be done of first day of Id-
ul-Adha is to pray (Bukhari, 15:71) (1).
5
Accept any other valid response.
Question Indicative content Mark
number
2(d) AO2 12 marks, SPaG 3 marks

Candidates must underpin their analysis and evaluation with

knowledge and understanding. Candidates will be required to
demonstrate thorough knowledge and understanding as well as
accuracy of religion and belief when responding to the question and in
meeting AO2 descriptors.

AO2
Arguments for the statement

• Wudu must be performed correctly before praying as set out in

Surah 5:6. At the mosque there are facilities which enable a person
to wash immediately before prayer which means it is the best place
to pray
• Salah is ritual prayer, not private du’a, and is best done in
congregation with others to gain the most benefit and this is best
achieved in a mosque
• Prayer must be performed facing Makkah and the Qiblah which is
mentioned in Surah 2:144, going to the mosque means there is no
chance of facing the wrong way.

Arguments against the statement

• Muhammad said that anywhere a person prays, that place becomes

a mosque which means a Muslim can pray anywhere
• Mosques, with many people, can be distracting for the person
praying which may mean a Muslim can lose their focus on Allah,
this is the main intention of the prayer
• Women are recommended to pray at home which means that a
mosque is not the only place where prayer can be performed.

Accept any other valid response.

Candidates who do not consider different viewpoints within the

religious tradition or non-religious viewpoints (as instructed in the
question) cannot achieve marks beyond Level 2.
12
Level Mark Descriptor
0 No rewardable response.
Level 1 1–3 • Information/issues are identified and make superficial connections
among a limited range of elements in the question, underpinned by
isolated elements of understanding of religion and belief.
• Judgements are supported by generic arguments to produce a
conclusion that is not fully justified.
Level 2 4–6 • Superficial connections are made among many, but not all, of the
elements in the question, underpinned by a limited understanding
of religion and belief.
• Judgements of a limited range of elements in the question are
made. Judgements are supported by an attempt to appraise
evidence, much of which may be superficial, leading to a conclusion
that is not fully justified.
Level 3 7–9 • Deconstructs religious information/issues, leading to coherent and
logical chains of reasoning that consider different viewpoints. These
are underpinned by an accurate understanding of religion and
belief. Connections are made among many, but not all, of the
elements in the question.
• Constructs coherent and reasoned judgements of many, but not all,
of the elements in the question. Judgements are supported by the
appraisal of evidence, some of which may be superficial, leading to
a partially justified conclusion.
Level 4 10–12 • Critically deconstructs religious information/issues, leading to
coherent and logical chains of reasoning that consider different
viewpoints. These are underpinned by a sustained, accurate and
thorough understanding of religion and belief. Connections are
made among the full range of elements in the question.
• Constructs coherent and reasoned judgements of the full range of
elements in the question. Judgements are fully supported by the
comprehensive appraisal of evidence, leading to a fully justified
conclusion.
Question Answer Reject Mark
number
3(a) AO1 – 2 marks • Lists (maximum of
one mark)
Award one mark for each point identified up
to a maximum of three.

• Muhammad was the final messenger (1)

• He brought the last word from Allah (1)
• He is the role model for Muslims (1)
• He fulfilled the teaching of all other
prophets (1)
• He was given the revelation of the Qur’an
(1).

Accept any other valid response.

3

Question Answer Reject Mark

number
3(b) AO1 4 marks • Repeated role/
development
Award one mark for providing a role. Award a • Development that
second mark for development of the role. Up does not relate
to a maximum of four marks. both to the role
given and to the
• He is a teacher (1) so that children and question.
new converts learn about Islam (1)
• He leads prayers at the mosque (1) which
ensures everyone is praying in
congregation (1)
• He preaches the Friday sermon (1) which
encourages believers to continue on the
straight path (1).

Accept any other valid response.

4
Question Answer Reject Mark
number
3(c) AO1 5 marks • Repeated way/
development
Award one mark for each way. Award further • Development that
marks for each development of the way up to a does not relate both
maximum of four marks. Award one further to the way and to the
mark for any relevant source of wisdom or question
authority. • Reference to a
source of wisdom
• The Qur’an helps Muslims know how to that does not relate
obey the will of Allah (1) it contains the rules to the way given.
for halal and haram (1) Surah 23: 51, says
‘eat from the good food and work
righteousness’ (1)
• It helps to keep society stable (1) it
highlights the importance of caring for
families (1) Surah 2:83 says, ‘…to parents do
good and to relatives and to the needy’ (1)
• It provides guidelines for modesty (1) so
that neither men nor women break his rules
(1) ‘tell the believing men to reduce (some)
of their vision and guard their private parts’
(Surah 24:30) (1)

Accept any other valid response.

5
Question Indicative content Mark
number
3(d) AO2 12 marks, SPaG 3 marks

Candidates must underpin their analysis and evaluation with

knowledge and understanding. Candidates will be required to
demonstrate thorough knowledge and understanding as well as
accuracy of religion and belief when responding to the question and
in meeting AO2 descriptors.

AO2
Arguments to support the statement

• The Hadith are the sayings of Muhammad who was called the best
exemplar by Allah so are necessary for Muslims to lead a good life
• The Hadith interpret many of the teachings of the Qur’an and so
accepting them help Muslims understand the will of Allah which
will lead to rewards after death
• They are one of the sources for Shari’ah law and so accepting
them prevents Muslims from disobeying Allah which is vitally
important

Arguments against the statement

• The only real authority for Muslims to follow is the teaching of the
Qur’an as it was sent directly from Allah and so is the best
guidance
• Many Hadith cannot be accurately attributed to Muhammad so
may not be the best way of pleasing Allah as they have no real
authority
• Shi’a Muslims do not accept the authority of Hadith attributed to
some of Muhammad’s companions and use different criteria for
authentic Hadith.

Accept any other valid response.

Candidates who do not consider different viewpoints within the

religious tradition or non-religious viewpoints (as instructed in the
question) cannot achieve marks beyond Level 2. 15
Level Mark Descriptor
0 No rewardable response.
Level 1 1–3 • Information/issues are identified and make superficial
connections among a limited range of elements in the question,
underpinned by isolated elements of understanding of religion
and belief.
• Judgements are supported by generic arguments to produce a
conclusion that is not fully justified.
Level 2 4–6 • Superficial connections are made among many, but not all, of the
elements in the question, underpinned by a limited
understanding of religion and belief.
• Judgements of a limited range of elements in the question are
made. Judgements are supported by an attempt to appraise
evidence, much of which may be superficial, leading to a
conclusion that is not fully justified.
Level 3 7–9 • Deconstructs religious information/issues, leading to coherent
and logical chains of reasoning that consider different
viewpoints. These are underpinned by an accurate
understanding of religion and belief. Connections are made
among many, but not all, of the elements in the question.
• Constructs coherent and reasoned judgements of many, but not
all, of the elements in the question. Judgements are supported
by the appraisal of evidence, some of which may be superficial,
leading to a partially justified conclusion.
Level 4 10–12 • Critically deconstructs religious information/issues, leading to
coherent and logical chains of reasoning that consider different
viewpoints. These are underpinned by a sustained, accurate and
thorough understanding of religion and belief. Connections are
made among the full range of elements in the question.
• Constructs coherent and reasoned judgements of the full range
of elements in the question. Judgements are fully supported by
the comprehensive appraisal of evidence, leading to a fully
justified conclusion.
SPaG
Marks Descriptors
• The candidate writes nothing.
• The candidate’s response does not relate to the question.
No marks • The candidate’s achievement in SPaG does not reach the
0 marks
awarded threshold performance level, for example errors in
spelling, punctuation and grammar severely hinder
meaning.
• Candidates spell and punctuate with reasonable accuracy.
• Candidates use rules of grammar with some control of
Threshold meaning and any errors do not significantly hinder
1 mark
performance meaning overall.
• Candidates use a limited range of specialist terms as
appropriate.
• Candidates spell and punctuate with considerable
accuracy.
Intermediate • Candidates use rules of grammar with general control of
2 marks
performance meaning overall.
• Candidates use a good range of specialist terms as
appropriate.
• Candidates spell and punctuate with consistent accuracy.
• Candidates use rules of grammar with effective control of
High
3 marks meaning overall.
performance
• Candidates use a wide range of specialist terms as
appropriate.
Question Answer Reject Mark
number
4(a) AO1 – 32 marks • Lists (maximum of
one mark)
Award one mark for each point identified up
to a maximum of three.

• The remembrance of Allah (1)

• Constantly repeating Allah’s name (1)
• Living a simple life (1)
• Dance used in worship (1)
• Fasting to get closer to Allah (1).

Accept any other valid response.

3

Question Answer Reject Mark

number
4(b) AO1 – 4 marks • Repeated way/
development
Award one mark for providing a way. Award • Development that
a second mark for development of the way. does not relate
Up to a maximum of four marks. both to the way
given and to the
• It is a form of decorative art (1) in a question.
society which discourages representation
of people or animals (1)
• It is often used to add beauty to the
mosque (1) as other forms of decoration
could lead to idolatry (1)
• Calligraphy is used by scribes to write
verses from the Qur’an (1) which helps
Muslims memorise the words (1).

Accept any other valid response.

4
Question Answer Reject Mark
number
4(c) AO1 5 marks • Repeated action/
development
Award one mark for each action. Award • Development that
further marks for each development of the does not relate both
action up to a maximum of four marks. Award to the action and to
one further mark for any relevant source of the question
wisdom or authority. • Reference to a
source of wisdom that
• Shi’as should encourage others to do good does not relate to the
(1) which will be rewarded by Allah (1) action given.
Surah 42:23 says, ‘Allah gives good tidings
to His servants who believe and do
righteous deeds’ (1)
• Khums is given (1) ‘for Allah is one fifth of
it’ (Surah 8:41) (1) and this purifies all
wealth (1)
• Showing love for the Prophet (1) means
that the believer also obeys and loves
Allah (1) Surah 3:31 says, ‘If you should
love Allah, follow me, so Allah will love you’
(1).

Accept any other valid response.

5
Question Indicative content Mark
number
4(d) AO2 12 marks

Candidates must underpin their analysis and evaluation with

knowledge and understanding. Candidates will be required to
demonstrate thorough knowledge and understanding as well as
accuracy of religion and belief when responding to the question and in
meeting AO2 descriptors.

AO2
Arguments for the statement

• The Qur’an encourages Muslim men and women to dress modestly

and cover themselves as set out in Surah 24:30-31. By doing so
they are expressing their Muslim identity and following the
commandments of Allah
• Dressing modestly is a visible marker of Muslim identity and is a
way to express identity and commitment to the Muslim faith,
particularly in non-Muslim and multi faith societies
• The expectation is that modest dress will encourage modest
behaviour through enforcing boundaries so Muslims will be
encouraged not to just ‘look’ Muslim but to ‘act’ Muslim too, thus
reinforcing Muslim identity.

Arguments against the statement

• Islamic practices are the best way to express Muslim identity, for
example praying five times a day shows other people a
commitment to the Muslim faith that goes beyond merely wearing
a certain item of clothing
• Following the laws of halal and haram are a better way to express
Muslim identity as this ensures all actions Muslims partake in, and
not just their dress, are carefully considered
• Islamic ceremonies, such as at birth, are the best way to mark
Muslim identity as the ummah is able to unite and collectively
celebrate and express pride in their Muslim rituals and identity.

Accept any other valid response.

Candidates who do not consider different viewpoints within the

religious tradition or non-religious viewpoints (as instructed in the
question) cannot achieve marks beyond Level 2. 12
 Level Mark Descriptor
0 No rewardable response.
Level 1 1–3 • Information/issues are identified and make superficial connections
among a limited range of elements in the question, underpinned
by isolated elements of understanding of religion and belief.
• Judgements are supported by generic arguments to produce a
conclusion that is not fully justified.
Level 2 4–6 • Superficial connections are made among many, but not all, of the
elements in the question, underpinned by a limited understanding
of religion and belief.
• Judgements of a limited range of elements in the question are
made. Judgements are supported by an attempt to appraise
evidence, much of which may be superficial, leading to a
conclusion that is not fully justified.
Level 3 7–9 • Deconstructs religious information/issues, leading to coherent and
logical chains of reasoning that consider different viewpoints.
These are underpinned by an accurate understanding of religion
and belief. Connections are made among many, but not all, of the
elements in the question.
• Constructs coherent and reasoned judgements of many, but not
all, of the elements in the question. Judgements are supported by
the appraisal of evidence, some of which may be superficial,
leading to a partially justified conclusion.
Level 4 10–12 • Critically deconstructs religious information/issues, leading to
coherent and logical chains of reasoning that consider different
viewpoints. These are underpinned by a sustained, accurate and
thorough understanding of religion and belief. Connections are
made among the full range of elements in the question.
• Constructs coherent and reasoned judgements of the full range of
elements in the question. Judgements are fully supported by the
comprehensive appraisal of evidence, leading to a fully justified
conclusion.

Pearson Education Limited. Registered company number 872828

with its registered office at 80 Strand, London, WC2R 0RL, United Kingdom