Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Islamiyat specification (0493)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Islamiyat 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 Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Islamiyat 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 Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Islamiyat (0493) 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 Cambridge (CIE) specification PDF.
Specification overview
Cambridge IGCSE Islamiyat enables learners to acquire knowledge of the major sources of Islam, its central beliefs, and early history. The syllabus fosters a reflective and enquiring approach to studying Islam, aiming to deepen understanding of religious, historical, and moral questions. It encourages critical engagement with how these elements influence Muslims' lives today and builds familiarity with key Islamic texts, particularly the Qur’an and Hadith in Arabic. The course supports further study or employment, with progression to A Level Islamic Studies or equivalent qualifications.
Subject content breakdown
5.1 Paper 1
1. Major themes of the Qur’an
- Study of three passage groups: God in himself; God’s relationship with the created world; God’s Messengers.
- Focus on main themes and their relevance to Muslim life.
- Passages to be studied in Arabic and English.
2. The history and importance of the Qur’an
- Revelation between 610–632 CE.
- Compilation under the Rightly Guided Caliphs.
- Qur’anic themes in assigned and similar passages.
- Qur’an’s role in legal thinking and its relation to Hadith, ijma‘, and qiyas.
- Its importance in Islamic thought and practice.
3. The life and importance of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
- Events from birth to prophethood.
- Opposition in Makka, leadership in Madina, and key conflicts.
- Personal conduct and community leadership.
- Importance as the final Messenger and model for Muslims.
4. The first Islamic community
- The Prophet’s wives, descendants, and key Companions.
- Roles of Emigrants, Helpers, and the four Caliphs during his lifetime.
- Their contributions and relevance to Islamic belief and history.
5.2 Paper 2
1. Major teachings in the Hadiths of the Prophet
- Study of two passage groups: individual conduct; life in the community.
- Interpretation of beliefs and actions drawn from Hadith.
- Arabic and English versions examined.
2. The history and importance of the Hadiths
- Compilation and early collections.
- Major compilers and collection types (musnad, musannaf).
- Authenticity methods using isnad and matn.
- Key Sunni and Shi‘a Hadith collections.
- Role in legal thought and link to Qur’an, ijma‘, and qiyas.
3. The period of rule of the Rightly Guided Caliphs and their importance
- Events, policies, and achievements of the four Caliphs.
- Their leadership style, challenges, and lasting influence.
- Importance as leadership models for modern governance.
4. The Articles of Faith and the Pillars of Islam
- Six Articles of Faith: God, angels, books, prophets, predestination, Resurrection.
- Jihad in physical, mental, and spiritual contexts.
- Five Pillars: shahada, salat, zakat, sawm, hajj, including practices and significance.
- Focus on how these shape Muslim life and community identity.
Assessment structure
Paper 1
- Duration: 1½ hours
- Five questions, answer Question 1, Question 2, and two others
- Includes Qur’anic passages and essay-style questions
- Total marks: 50
Paper 2
- Duration: 1½ hours
- Five questions, answer Question 1, Question 2, and two others
- Includes Hadith passages and essay-style questions
Total marks: 50
- All candidates take both papers
- Grades awarded: A* to G
- Answers written in English
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Islamiyat 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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