Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Islamic Studies (4IS1): syllabus, papers and marking

A single paper that pairs with 4PA1 for IBCC equivalence. The 12-mark passage-based answers are marked in levels against the set text in the specification appendix.

Specification Issue 3 (March 2026), first teaching 2017 · June series · grades 9–1

IGCSE Islamic Studies: where the marks go

Edexcel International GCSE Islamic Studies (4IS1) is one 2 h 30 min, 90-mark paper in three sections. Each question builds from short recall to a 6-mark explanation and a 12-mark response on a set Qur’an or Hadith passage. The 12-mark answer is marked in levels, and Pearson’s reports say it needs a balanced discussion with reference to the text and a justified conclusion; a one-sided argument is held at Level 2, a maximum of 8 out of 12.

Our papers follow the published structure with original questions and set-text references. Marking returns the level for the 12-mark answers with the descriptor quoted, and the point behind each mark on the shorter parts.

How we mark a real script

Paper structure and what we mark

PaperTimeMarksWeightQuestions
Paper 1 — Islamic Studies2 h 30 min90100%Four questions: one of two from Section A, one of two from Section B, both from Section C; each builds from short answers to a 6-mark explanation and a 12-mark response on a set Qur’an or Hadith passage

Syllabus outline

  1. The life, teachings and achievements of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
  2. Key beliefs, practices and features of the early Muslim community
  3. Living the Muslim life today: Shahadah, Salah, Sawm, Zakah and Khums, Hajj
  4. Jihad, festivals, marriage and the family, and Muslim citizenship
  5. Set Qur’an and Hadith passages from the specification

How each paper is marked here

Where IGCSE Islamic Studies candidates lose marks

  1. A series of simple reasons — On the 3-mark explanation, a list of undeveloped reasons scores one mark; one developed reason scores more.
  2. One-sided discussion — The 12-mark answer needs both sides of the statement and a conclusion; without them it stays at Level 2.
  3. No reference to the set text — The 12-mark question rewards using the passage; an answer that ignores it loses the text-based marks.
  4. Description where explanation is asked — Describing the Mi’raj earns the description marks; explaining its significance is a different part.
  5. Conclusion that does not follow — A conclusion that repeats the statement without weighing the points made does not earn the final level.

Sample papers, mark schemes and marked reports for IGCSE Islamic Studies

Sample material

Questions teachers ask

How does it pair with Pakistan Studies?
Together with Pakistan Studies (4PA1) it is the Edexcel route to the Pakistan credits that IBCC requires.
Which sitting?
Pearson offers 4IS1 in June only.
Are the passages from the specification?
The passages are the ones the specification sets; the questions are original.
Is this official Pearson Edexcel marking?
No. Pearson Edexcel International marks the real exam. This is examiner-style marking of mocks and homework for IGCSE Islamic Studies. Only you see the marking, and you decide what reaches the student.
Do you reproduce past-paper questions?
No. Every 4IS1 paper here is original and written to the specification issue 3 (march 2026), first teaching 2017, in the same structure as the real papers shown above.
Which papers are marked?
None yet are marked question by question. Practical exams sat at the centre are not marked here.
How is the next paper chosen?
From the marks a student lost: the concepts behind them are ranked by marks dropped, and the new paper weights those topics. It is the same syllabus and structure, with new questions.
When are the exams?
June series. Grades 9–1.

Other Pearson Edexcel International GCSE courses

Start marking Islamic Studies scripts · See a real marked script