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Examine the evolution of Islam and the origins of Sunni and Shiʿah sects, including (a) Sunni perspectives on Caliph Abu Bakr as the successor to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in leading Islam, (b) Sunni perspectives on Caliphs ʿUmar and ʿUthman as successors following Abu Bakr, (c) Shiʿah perspectives on Caliph ʿAli as the successor to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in leading Islam, and (d) Shiʿah beliefs regarding the Twelve Imams.

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Cambridge IGCSE Religious StudiesIslam: Beliefs and sacred writings

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Examine the evolution of Islam and the origins of Sunni and Shiʿah sects, including (a) Sunni perspectives on Caliph Abu Bakr as the successor to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in leading Islam, (b) Sunni perspectives on Caliphs ʿUmar and ʿUthman as successors following Abu Bakr, (c) Shiʿah perspectives on Caliph ʿAli as the successor to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in leading Islam, and (d) Shiʿah beliefs regarding the Twelve Imams

  • This point belongs to The development of Islam; origins of Sunni and Shiʿah, especially The development of Islam; origins of Sunni and Shiʿah outcomes.
  • You need to be able to examine the evolution of Islam and the origins of Sunni and Shiʿah sects, including (a) Sunni perspectives on Caliph Abu Bakr as the successor to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in leading Islam, (b) Sunni perspectives on Caliphs ʿUmar and ʿUthman as successors following Abu Bakr, (c) Shiʿah perspectives on Caliph ʿAli as the successor to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in leading Islam, and (d) Shiʿah beliefs regarding the Twelve Imams.
  • The key ideas to know are Describe, Explain, and Discuss.
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Key concepts

DescribeExplainDiscussEvaluate

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Paper 1 structured question: The development of Islam; origins of Sunni and Shiʿah

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Description

Leadership in Islam

After the death of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), the Muslim community faced challenges in determining its leadership. Sunnis and Shiʿah Muslims have different views on who should lead the community and the legitimacy of the early Caliphs.

  1. a

    Assess the significance of Caliph Abu Bakr's leadership in the early Islamic community.

    Aim for approximately 3 distinct marking points.

    [3]
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