Edexcel IGCSE Islamic Studies specification (4IS1)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel IGCSE Islamic Studies exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Edexcel IGCSE Islamic Studies specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Edexcel IGCSE Islamic Studies (4IS1) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Edexcel specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Islamic Studies encourages students to explore the religion, history, and culture of Islam in both historical and contemporary contexts. The course aims to deepen understanding of Islamic beliefs, practices, and leadership while developing skills in analysis, reflection, and critical thinking. Students engage with questions relevant to global society today and are supported in forming well-informed, balanced arguments. The qualification is designed to be inclusive for learners of all backgrounds and supports progression to further study in Islamic Studies, religious education, and humanities subjects:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Section A: The life, teachings and achievements of the Prophet Muhammad
- Personal background, early influences, work, and family life.
- The revelation of the Qur’an: events, importance, compilation.
- Prophethood: significance, opposition in Makkah, ‘Seal of the Prophets’.
- Opposition and Hijrah: boycott, Mi'raj, migration to Madinah, support from key figures.
- The Sunnah: importance, recording, role in belief and practice.
- Teachings on justice, human rights, interfaith relations, women's rights.
- The Prophet as leader: Shari’ah establishment, expansion, diplomacy.
- Battles: Badr, Uhud, Trench, Khyber – causes and impact.
- Final acts and achievements: last sermon, social and political legacy.
Section B: Key beliefs, practices and features of the early Muslim community
- Belief in Allah: Tawhid, attributes, shirk, hypocrisy.
- Risalah: prophethood, lives of earlier prophets.
- Holy books: Tawrat, Zabur, Injil, Scrolls, role in Islam.
- al-Qadr: predestination, Day of Judgement, free will.
- Akhirah: afterlife, paradise/hell, judgment themes.
- Malaikah: angels’ roles and significance.
- Shari’ah: Qur’an, Sunnah, ijma, qiyas, categories of actions.
- Islamic etiquette: honesty, respect, conduct in social contexts.
- Early leaders: succession, achievements, contributions to community.
Section C: Living the Muslim life today
- Shahadah: role, significance, practice.
- Salah: rituals, timings, exemptions, Friday prayer.
- Sawm: fasting in Ramadan, Laylat al-Qadr, exemptions.
- Zakah and Khums: charity obligations, global importance.
- Hajj: rituals, significance, challenges and exemptions.
- Jihad: greater and lesser, conditions for armed struggle.
- Festivals: Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Ashura – origins and meaning.
- Marriage and family: roles, teachings, procreation, ceremonies.
- Citizenship and leadership: qualities, responsibilities, challenges today:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Islamic Studies (4IS1/01)
- 2 hours 30 minutes; 90 marks; 100% of qualification.
Three sections:
- Section A: choose 1 of 2 questions.
- Section B: choose 1 of 2 questions.
- Section C: answer both questions.
Each question includes:
- Short-answer questions.
- One 6-mark explanation question.
- One 12-mark essay linked to a Qur’an or Hadith passage.
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Recall of Islamic knowledge – 33%
- AO2: Understanding of Islamic concepts/themes – 40%
- AO3: Analysis and interpretation – 27%
- Note: 10 AO1 marks specifically assess factual recall.
Grading
- 9–1 scale; linear qualification with single exam at end of course.
- Texts assessed include both Arabic and English versions for inclusivity.
- First certification from August 2019:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel IGCSE Islamic Studies isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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