Cambridge O Level Islamiyat (2058)
The Qur'an, the life of the Prophet (pbuh), the Hadiths, the Rightly Guided Caliphs and the beliefs and practices of Islam — studied closely, with understanding of why they matter in Muslims' lives today.
Checked against the official Cambridge syllabus for exams in 2026–2027 and 2028 (same content and papers) · 18 October 2026
1.Quick facts
2.Why study Islamiyat?
Cambridge's aims for this course, in plain words. It helps you to:
- Know the major sources of Islam, its main beliefs and its early history.
- Develop an enquiring approach to the study of Islam.
- Explore the religious, historical and moral questions raised by what you study.
Based on the 'Aims' in the official syllabus.
3.Why these topics?
The Qur'an
Set passages grouped around three themes — God in himself, God's relationship with the created world, and God's Messengers — studied in English with reference to the Arabic. Then the history of the revelation (610–632), its compilation under the Rightly Guided Caliphs, and its place in Islamic law alongside the Hadiths, ijma' and qiyas.
The life of the Prophet (pbuh)
From his birth and call to prophethood, through Makka and Madina, to his character and actions — and why they are an example for Muslim individuals and communities today.
The first Islamic community
The Prophet's wives and descendants, his leading Companions including the Ten Blessed Companions, his Scribes, the Emigrants and Helpers — who they were and why they matter.
The Hadiths
Set Hadiths on individual conduct and life in the community, then how the Hadiths were compiled, the main collections, and how scholars tested reliability through the isnad and matn.
The Rightly Guided Caliphs
The rules of the four Caliphs: their policies, leadership, achievements and difficulties — and their significance as examples of leadership.
Beliefs and practices
The Six Articles of Faith, the Five Pillars of Islam, and Jihad in its range of meanings — physical, mental and spiritual.
4.Topic map
Paper 1
- 1Major themes of the Qur'an (set passages)
- 2The history and importance of the Qur'an
- 3The life and importance of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
- 4The first Islamic community
Paper 2
- 1Major teachings in the Hadiths of the Prophet (set passages)
- 2The history and importance of the Hadiths
- 3The period of rule of the Rightly Guided Caliphs and their importance as leaders
- 4The Articles of Faith and the Pillars of Islam
5.Exam pattern
Both papers are marked by Cambridge and answered in English. The set passages are listed in the syllabus appendices and are reviewed periodically — always use the list for your exam year.
6.Types of questions
Examples are written by our teachers in Cambridge style to show the type of question — they are not copied from past papers.
7.What examiners reward
About two-thirds of the marks reward accurate, detailed knowledge; a third rewards explaining why it matters.
8.Grades
A*, A, B, C, D, E. 'Ungraded' means below E and is not shown on the certificate.
What it took in June 2026
| Grade | Marks out of 100 | Roughly |
|---|---|---|
| A* | 68 | 68% |
| A | 59–60 | about 59–60% |
| B | 50–52 | about 50–52% |
| C | 41–44 | about 41–44% |
| D | 35–36 | about 35–36% |
| E | 29 | 29% |
Minimum marks out of 100 in June 2026 (the range covers the two paper variants).
Islamiyat is a compulsory O Level subject for many students in Pakistan and a widely taken subject in the Gulf.
9.How to score well
- Learn every set Qur'an passage and Hadith for your exam year — their themes and how they apply to life today.
- For essay questions, give accurate detail: names, places, dates and events in order.
- Separate 'describe' (facts) from 'why is it important' (significance) — both earn marks.
- Use your four 14-mark answers to show depth: plan before writing.
- Practise timing: about 22 minutes per question in each 1 hour 30 minute paper.
10.Books & resources
11.Common mistakes
- Writing only facts when the question asks about importance or significance.
- Mixing up events of the Makkan and Madinan periods.
- Not knowing the set passages for the correct exam year.
- Spending too long on one question and rushing the last.
Tips from our teachers.
12.Study plan
- Term 1Qur'an set passages and the history of the Qur'an.
- Term 2Life of the Prophet (pbuh) and the first Islamic community.
- Term 3Hadith set passages and the history of the Hadiths.
- Term 4The Rightly Guided Caliphs; the Articles of Faith and the Pillars of Islam.
- Final monthsTimed past papers; flashcards for set passages; essay plans for every topic.
Cambridge designs the course for about 130 guided learning hours.
13.Where it can take you
Islamiyat builds knowledge, writing and analytical skills valued in many fields.
Typical subject requirements — always check each university's own entry rules.
14.Islamiyat in the real world
Sources of Islamic law
The syllabus explains how the Qur'an, Hadiths, ijma' (consensus) and qiyas (analogy) work together in Islamic legal thinking.
Testing a Hadith
Scholars examined the chain of narrators (isnad) and the text (matn) to judge reliability — an early, careful method of checking sources.
Leadership lessons
The rules of the Rightly Guided Caliphs are studied as examples of leadership and government.
15.Frequently asked questions
Do I need to have studied Islamiyat before?
No — Cambridge does not expect previous study of Islamiyat, Islamic Studies or Religious Studies.
Do I answer in Arabic?
No. All answers are in English. Passages are printed in both Arabic and English, and you should know the original as well as the translation.
How many questions do I answer?
Four in each paper: Questions 1 and 2, plus two others from the remaining three.
Is the 2028 syllabus different?
Cambridge says the 2028 syllabus is reformatted with no changes to the content or assessment. Always check the set passages for your exam year.
16.Study it with us
Live online classes with experienced Cambridge teachers, weekly quizzes and assignments in your portal, past-paper practice, and progress reports your parents can see.
17.Official sources
- Official syllabus 2058 for exams in 2026 and 2027 (PDF)
- Official syllabus 2058 for exams in 2028 (PDF)
- Grade threshold table, June 2026 (PDF)
Cambridge says its syllabuses and specimen materials are the final authority on the content and structure of its exams. Always check you are using the syllabus for the year you sit the exam.