Cambridge (CIE) O Level Islamiyat specification (2058)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) O Level 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) O Level 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) O Level Islamiyat (2058) 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 O Level Islamiyat helps learners develop a deeper understanding of Islam’s core beliefs, teachings, and historical foundations. The course encourages students to explore the significance of the Qur’an and Hadith in the daily lives of Muslims and to understand the early development of the Islamic community. By engaging with classical texts in Arabic and English, learners build skills in critical thinking and interpretation, gaining insight into the moral, legal, and spiritual dimensions of Islam. The syllabus promotes intellectual curiosity and personal reflection, laying the groundwork for further study and informed faith practice.Subject content breakdown
Paper 1
1. Major themes of the Qur’an
- Themes of: God in Himself, God’s relationship with the created world, and God’s Messengers.
- Study and interpretation of selected Qur’anic passages in Arabic and English.
- Relevance and importance of themes in Muslim life today.
2. The history and importance of the Qur’an
- Revelation to the Prophet (pbuh) from 610–632 CE.
- Compilation under the Rightly Guided Caliphs.
- Major themes of the Qur’an and its use in legal thinking.
- Relationship with Hadith, ijma‘, and qiyas.
3. The life and importance of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
- Events from birth to prophethood, life in Makka and Madina.
- Character, actions, and leadership.
- Significance as the Seal of the Prophets.
- Relevance to individual and communal life.
4. The first Islamic community
- The Prophet’s wives, descendants, and leading Companions.
- The Emigrants, Helpers, and the Rightly Guided Caliphs during the Prophet’s lifetime.
- Their role in shaping early Islamic history and beliefs.
Paper 2
1. Major teachings in the Hadiths of the Prophet
- Teachings on individual conduct and community life.
- Close study of selected Hadiths in Arabic and English.
2. The history and importance of the Hadiths
- Compilation and classification of Hadiths.
- Major compilers and collections (Sunni and Shi‘a).
- Reliability methods: isnad and matn.
- Hadith in legal thought and its link to Qur’an, ijma‘, and qiyas.
3. The Rightly Guided Caliphs and their leadership
- Main events and achievements of each Caliph’s rule.
- Leadership style, policies, challenges, and models for governance.
4. The Articles of Faith and the Pillars of Islam
- Six Articles of Faith: God, angels, books, prophets, predestination, resurrection.
- Five Pillars: shahada, salat, zakat, sawm, hajj.
- Broader understanding of jihad.
- Relevance in the lives of individuals and communities.
Assessment structure
Paper 1
- 1½ hours, 50 marks.
- Answer four questions: Q1 (Qur’an passages), Q2 (Qur’an history), and two others.
- Mixture of source-based and essay-style responses.
- Questions test knowledge (AO1) and understanding (AO2).
Paper 2
- 1½ hours, 50 marks.
- Answer four questions: Q1 (Hadith passages), Q2 (Hadith history), and two others.
- Questions assess recall, analysis, and significance in Muslim life.
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Recall, select, present relevant facts – 68%
- AO2: Demonstrate understanding and significance – 32%
Response Structure
- Short (4-mark) and extended (10- and 4-mark) parts per question.
Arabic and English text comprehension required for selected Qur’an and Hadith passages.
- Grades awarded: A* to E.
- Assessment language: English.
- Both papers compulsory; no coursework.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) O Level 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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