Cambridge Islamiyat 2058 Paper 2 (April 2026): Question List & Marking Insights
Published on April 24, 2026
April 2026 Exam Report: Islamiyat 2058 Paper 2
The Cambridge O Level Islamiyat Paper 2 (22) was sat on April 24, 2026. Following a deep dive into student reports and teacher network discussions, we have compiled the most accurate record of the paper to date.
1. The Verified Question List
| Section | Topic | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 (Passages) | Isa (AS), Al-Alaq, Az-Zilzal | Core Quranic themes: Prophethood, Revelation, and Accountability. |
| Q2 (Law) | Usul al-Fiqh | The relationship between the Quran and secondary sources (Sunnah, Ijma, Qiyas). |
| Q3 (History) | Post-Hijra Interactions | Three specific events involving the Prophet (PBUH) and the Quraysh. |
| Q4 (History) | Abyssinia | The first migration, the role of the Negus, and the migrants' return. |
| Q5 (Companions) | Umar (RA) & Khalid (RA) | Life, conversion, and contributions to the early Islamic state. |
2. Teacher Insight: The "Three Interactions" (Q3)
There has been significant discussion regarding which events qualify for Question 3. Educators have clarified that:
- Valid: Badr, Uhud, Trench (Khandaq), Hudaibiya, and the Conquest of Makkah.
- Invalid: The Battle of Hunain. Although the Quraysh were present, the primary opposition was from nomad tribes (Hawazin/Thaqif), making it an "indirect" or irrelevant choice for this specific mark scheme.
3. Cracking the Part (b) Questions
The evaluative questions (4 marks each) are where the 'A' grades are won. Based on teacher reports, the focus this year was on modern application and lessons:
- On Law: To what extent are these sources used in the developing world today?
- On Abyssinia: What lessons can be taken from this migration (patience, seeking refuge, diplomacy)?
- On Companions: What lessons can be learned specifically from the conduct of Umar (RA) and Khalid bin Walid (RA) after their conversion?
⚠️ Technical Note for Students: > Many students were worried about writing on the unlined pages at the end of the booklet. Do not panic. Feedback from the teacher network confirms that CAIE scans all pages within the booklet, including blank and unlined sections, as part of the digital marking process.
Question: To what extent can two of these sources [Sunnah, Ijma, or Qiyas] be used with the Quran in the developing world today?
Model Answer: The Sunnah and Qiyas (analogical reasoning) remain highly relevant today as they allow the fixed principles of the Quran to address modern complexities. In many developing nations, the Sunnah provides the essential "how-to" for daily ethics and governance that the Quran outlines broadly. For example, while the Quran prohibits interest (riba), the Sunnah’s specific examples of fair trade help modern Islamic banks in developing economies create Sharia-compliant micro-loans for farmers.
However, Qiyas is perhaps the most vital tool for the "developing world" specifically. It allows scholars to find solutions for issues that did not exist in the 7th century, such as organ donation or digital currency. By finding a common link ('illa) between an old ruling and a new problem like comparing the intoxication of wine to modern synthetic drugs Islamic law remains a living, breathing system. To a great extent, without these two sources, the Quran's legal framework might be seen as static rather than a dynamic guide for modern societal progress.
Why this gets 4/4 Marks
- Specific Identification: It clearly picks two sources (Sunnah and Qiyas).
- Modern Context: It mentions specific 21st-century issues (micro-loans, organ donation, digital currency).
- The "Extent" Factor: It answers the "To what extent" part of the prompt by arguing that these sources are vital for keeping the law "living and breathing" rather than "static."
- Logical Link: It explains the 'illa (reasoning) behind Qiyas, which shows higher-level understanding to the examiner.