AQA GCSE Religious Studies (8062) · Paper 1

☪️ Islam: Beliefs

Revision notes written to the specification, with examiner tips and the required practicals. Every point here has flashcards in the Stickwise app.

God, Sunni & Shi'a

Tawhid, God's absolute oneness, is at the centre of Islam: 'Say, He is Allah, the One' (Surah 112). Shirk, giving God partners, is regarded as the gravest sin. The 99 names describe a God who is both transcendent (beyond and greater than creation) and immanent ('closer than the jugular vein'), and who is above all merciful and just.

Sunni (~85–90%)Sunni Muslims believe that leadership rightly passed to elected caliphs, such as Abu Bakr, after Muhammad. They hold to six articles of faith: belief in one God, angels, holy books, prophets, the Day of Judgement, and al-Qadr (predestination).

Shi'aShi'a Muslims believe that leadership belonged to the Prophet's family, beginning with Ali and continuing through the Imams. They hold to five roots of religion: Tawhid, divine justice (Adalat), prophethood, imamate, and resurrection.

Prophets, books & Akhirah

Risalah is the belief that God speaks to humanity through prophets, including Adam, Ibrahim, Musa and Isa (Jesus), a line that closes with Muhammad, known as the Seal of the Prophets. The Quran is believed to be God's literal word, delivered by the angel Jibril and perfectly preserved in Arabic, whereas earlier scriptures are held to have been true when first given but altered over time. Angels are made of light and have no free will, and each serves God in a particular role: Jibril as messenger, Mika'il associated with mercy, and others who record every deed a person performs.

Al-Qadr teaches that everything lies within God's knowledge and decree, yet humans still choose their own actions and are answerable for them. Akhirah is the belief that life is a test: after barzakh, the waiting period in the grave, comes resurrection and judgement. A person who receives the book of their deeds in their right hand enters Jannah (paradise), while one who receives it in their left hand enters Jahannam. Because of this, daily conduct is believed to carry eternal weight.

🎯 Examiner tip: Contrast questions often ask about Sunni and Shi'a Islam. Remember that both branches share the same God, the same Quran and the same pillars: the split is about leadership, elected caliphs against the Prophet's own bloodline, and this is still reflected today in details of practice such as prayer sessions and Ashura.

Turn these notes into memory. 10 flashcards cover this topic. Short daily sessions, spaced repetition up to your exam date, quizzes with friends. Free during the beta.Practise Islam: Beliefs in the app ↗

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