Prophets ( ) life

4 (a) Give an account of the Prophets life up to the time the

revelations began.
[10][O/N/2014]
(b) Despite living through the days of ignorance, the Prophet
remained true to his
mission. What lessons can Muslims learn from this today?
[4]
(a) Candidates should write a detailed narrative elaborating on any of the
points mentioned below. He was born in the year of the elephant; his parents
were Amina and Abdullah; as with the custom of the time, he was sent to the
desert with a wet nurse; Halima Saadia narrates that they had good fortune
with the arrival of the Prophet in their household, and ask he stay with them
another two years; during this time the incident of the angels coming to clean
his heart happened; Halima returned him to his mother; his mother died
when he was six on the way back from Yathrib; his grandfather looked after
him and then Abu Talib when he was eight; he went on trade journeys with
Abu Talib and this is where Bahira the monk saw him; he picked up arrows in
the sacrilegious wars, and was present at the subsequent Fudul confederacy;
he was employed by Khadija to go on a trade journey to Syria and on account
of his honesty she sent a marriage proposal to him; they had six children
together; he helped resolve the issue of the fixing of the black stone; he
spent longer periods in the cave of Hira and at age of 40 the angel Jibril came
with the first revelation.
(b) Candidates could choose one or two events from the life of the Prophet
and explain how he was not swayed by falsehood and would only exemplify
good character, even when under pressure from others. By losing his parents
at young age he was growing up to be independent. Despite living in age of
immorality, he was known as al-amin, the trustworthy. Candidates could
explain how when Muslims today can be under pressure to be dishonest in
business or become less committed to their prayers, they can remain the
example of the Prophet and look up to his steadfastness in very challenging
circumstances and use this as a model to follow. These are just some
examples, candidates could offer their own but must give a reason to explain
what they have written.

[ER] [11]
Question 4
(a) The answers to this question varied from satisfactory to very good. Those who gave
satisfactory answers wrote about a few events in the Prophets life, such as him being
left an orphan, his trade journeys and his marriage to Khadija. Those who answered it
well gave detailed and relevant information about the Prophets life from his childhood to
when he attained prophethood.

(b) Most answers to this question were poor, suggesting that candidates misunderstood
the question. Candidates often focused on the ignorance of the Quraysh and the fact
that the Prophet had to deal with lots of abuse, which he dealt with patiently.
There were some good, thoughtful answers that said that Muslims face many
distractions and problems today but they should not succumb to them; rather, they
should be good examples of Islam, and also use modern tools such as the Internet for
good, such as teaching or spreading Islam.
3 (a) Write about the life of the Prophet up until the first revelation.
[10](M/J/10)
Candidates can provide details of any events related to the Prophet
Muhammads life up until he received the first revelation. However, good
answers will write a narrative naming key figures, important events and
sequence them in the order in which they happened. Candidates could talk
about the Prophets parents, his guardianship under his uncle Abu Talib, and
his relationship with the Quraysh. They could mention special events that
occurred in his childhood, e.g. the angels washing his heart. They should also
mention his trade journeys, and related to this, his subsequent marriage to
Khadija, as well as the meeting with Bahira. Better answers may also give
elaborations about his character and mention his increasing seclusions just
before revelation with any relevant supporting quotations.
(b) Why was his relationship with his wife Khadija important for him?
[4]
Good answers to this part will mention Khadijas support of the Prophet,
financially and
spiritually, and being the first Muslim. They could also mention that her
support allowed him to spend time in seclusion and that his seclusion
prepared him for receiving revelation. They could also mention that her
maturity allowed her to console and believe in the Prophet when he received
revelation [reference to Sura 93:8]. Candidates should look to give thoughtful
and insightful explanations as to why this was important to the Prophet and
the subsequent development of Islam.
Question 3 [ER]
This question was a popular choice with candidates out of the three optional questions
and was well answered.
(a) Where candidates answered this very well, they gave detailed and chronological
descriptions of the main events of the Prophets life from infancy to prophethood.
The best candidates wrote at length on the life of the Prophet but there was often little
discrimination between major, significant events and trivial detail. Some candidates
wrote two pages on details of rearing the infant Muhammad and then moved directly to
his marriage to Khadija. There was a lot of confused chronology, which made the
answers appear confused. However, it was good to see that the more perceptive
answers attempted to demonstrate how the events of his early life showed the formation
of his character and his predestination as a prophet. A few answers wrote about the
Prophets revelation showing they did not read the question properly.

(b) This was the best answered of the part (b) questions. Khadijas support and
assistance to the Prophet and the importance of this to the development of his mission
was analysed fairly well, although some candidates only managed to explain the nature
of her support and not its importance. Most answers talked about her wealth and the
implications for the Prophet of not having financial worries. There were a lot of answers
that wrote about her wealth but offered no evaluation about its significance.
4 (a) Describe the events relating to the Prophets experiences in
caves.
[10](M/J/10)
Candidates should be able to give an in-depth narrative of the Prophets
experiences in the two caves, namely Cave Hira and Cave Thawr/Saur. They
should be able to name the caves and give details of what happened in each
cave.They should also be able to name the key figures involved, e.g. Jibrail
and Abu Bakr. Related to Cave Hira, candidates could mention why the
Prophet was in the cave, the appearance of the angel, the quotation of Sura
96:15, as well as a description of what happened to the Prophet when he left
the cave. Related to Cave Thawr/Saur, candidates could mention why the
Prophet found himself in the cave, who he was with, details about Abu Bakrs
role as well as a reference to the Quranic verse relating to this incident.
(b) Explain the significance of one of these experiences for the
development of Islam.
[4]
Candidates should try to show some understanding of the importance of one
of these
incidences, and try to relate its significance to Muslims today. Cave Hira This
event started Gods final guidance for mankind as it was when the Prophet
was given the first revelation of the Quran, which is the most important book
for Muslims to get guidance. The event was also significant for the Prophet as
he was given his prophethood. It highlighted the transition from polytheism to
monotheism. Candidates should try to reflect upon these reasons and their
significance to themselves or the wider community of Muslims. Cave Thawr
This event was significant because there was a threat to the Prophet in Makka
and God gave permission to leave. Candidates should mention that at this
time, the Prophet had to have trust in God as well as his followers to escape
the threat. If he hadnt trusted them and if he had been captured Islam would
not have developed. It was the beginning of a new phase for the Muslims
because they left everything behind. Candidates should try to reflect upon
these reasons and their significance to themselves or the wider community of
Muslims.
Question 4 [ER]
This question was also popular with candidates to answer.
(a) This was generally a well answered question, with candidates being able to give
details about the two caves, Hira and Thawr, and the main events that happened. Hira
was usually described better than Thawr. The descriptions of what happened at Thawr

were sometimes vague and incomplete with candidates failing to refer to key Quranic
teachings when describing the events in this cave. Some candidates mixed up the
names of the caves. Also, some candidates, instead of describing events that happened
inside the caves, wrote about what happened outside the caves before and after the
actual events in the caves. For example, candidates gave a brief description of the
revelation inside the cave of Hira, but had written a lot about the social situation of the
Makkans at that time before revelation, or, they wrote about the plot to kill the Prophet
rather than giving details of what happened when the Prophet and Abu Bakr entered the
cave. However, most candidates scored highly in this question.
(b) There were some good answers to this part of the question. There were some
perceptive answers particularly on the significance of the events at Thawr and the
importance of the migration to Madina for the development of Islam. The most common
mistakes were to write vaguely that Islam began with the revelation in cave Hira or that it
spread widely after that event. However a number of candidates mistakenly attempted to
write about both experiences instead of just one, as the question asks.

2 (a) Give a brief description of the Prophets experiences in caves.

[12] (O/N/07)
The Prophet had two experiences in caves. His experience in the valley of
Abu Talib during the Makkan boycott does not count.
(i) The cave on Mount Hira allow up to 6 marks
This incident took place in 610; Muhammad was 40.
Muhammad had withdrawn to the cave to meditate and pray.
A figure appeared and ordered him Recite!
Muhammad protested that he could not recite.
The figure squeezed him tightly.
This squeezing and the command happened three times in all.
Then the figure recited to him Sura 96.1-5.
He returned home to Khadija, confused and afraid.
(No details of the rest of the story.)
(ii) The cave of Thawr allow up to 6 marks
This incident took place in 622; Muhammad was 52.
After his followers had left Makka, Muhammad departed with Abu Bakr.
When the two knew they were being pursued they hid in the cave of Thawr.
The pursuers saw two nesting birds at the mouth of the cave and saw no
need to
look inside.
Abu Bakr was bitten by a scorpion or snake but did not cry out.
Muhammad reassured Abu Bakr by telling him God was with them.
Abu Bakr's daughter brought them food.

(b) Explain why one of these experiences was important in the

history of Islam. [4]
(i) Mount Hira
This was the occasion on which the Quran was first sent down.
It marks the beginning of Gods final guidance for humans, telling them how
to live
their lives.
It marked the change from polytheism to monotheism.
Muhammad was changed and was chosen for prophethood.
(ii) Thawr
If Muhammad had been captured Islam might not have developed.
The success of his mission depended on his leaving his home.
He had to trust to God and to his followers for survival.
It shows that meeting force with force is not always the way to success.
The importance of the incident is such that the Quran refers to it.
Question 2 [ER]
(a) This part was answered well by many candidates, although there was
more weight given to the Prophets experience in Mount Hira over Mount
Thawr. In this question, good answers focused on the significant events in
these two caves. The best answers began their narration from the Prophets
first visit in Mount Hira at the age of 40 by the angel Jibrail, an account of the
conversation between them, and the Prophet returning home to his wife
shaken and asking to be covered, without giving details about his life before
prophethood or what happened after he returned home. Then the answers
would continue with the story of the Prophet leaving his house with Abu Bakr
for Madinah, staying in Mount Thawr to escape their enemies, and the
relationship between the Prophet and his companion in the cave. Candidates
should be careful in these answers not to present too much information that
is not related to the question, and Examiners also look for accuracy of facts.
Some candidates were confusing the names of the two caves, or giving the
wrong names completely, and some gave the name of Abu Bakrs daughter
who brought them food as Aishah. Candidates again should read the
question carefully, as it asks for the Prophets experience in caves (plural),
but a few candidates only related an account of one cave.
(b) There were some good answers to this part, but generally answers were
vague or repetitive. Here, candidates were expected to show how these
events were important, not just the time they happened, but in later years.
The experience at Mount Hira was important because not only was the Quran
first sent down, but it was the beginning of Gods final guidance. It also
changed the way the people of the time were living and its teachings were
also important for future generations. The experience at Mount Thawr was
important because if the Prophet had not left his home in Makkah, he may
have been killed and Islam would not have spread and flourished. He also had
to put a lot of trust in God and his followers which is a significant lesson for
building future communities.
Question 4

(O/N/02)

Most candidates answered this question reasonably well, identifying the cave
on Mount Hira and the cave of Thawr as the two places associated with the
Prophet.
(a) Marks were given for concise and accurate accounts of the experience of
the Prophet in each, and candidates were faced with having to decide the
point at which to begin and end their description. The best accounts began
with the Prophets retreats in the cave of Hira in his middle age and ended
with his return to Khadija, and then with his departure from Mecca and after
three days his onward journey to Medina, and covered the main incidents
between each. Marks were particularly given in each case for relevant
quotations from the Quran.
(b) Marks were given for such comments as: Muhammads experience on
Mount Hira was the beginning of his career as a prophet; this was the first
revelation of the Quran; his experience in the cave of Thawr showed that
God was with him; his survival there meant that the growth of Islam went
ahead. The main difficulties candidates appeared to encounter were
concerned with having to decide what points to put in part (a) and what to
put in (b). In questions such as this, it is generally safest to give only
descriptions
in (a) and explanatory comments in (b).
(a) Outline the Prophets experiences in the caves of Hira and Thawr.
[10][O/N/2014]
Candidates have to write about both caves, and the answers should generally
be of equal volume.
Cave Hira is where the Prophet received the first revelation, when he was 40.
He had been spending longer periods of time there. One night, an angel
appeared in the form of a man and said Iqra (read/recite). The Prophet
replied, I cannot recite. This happened three times, the third time the Angel
Jibril squeezed the Prophet and recited the words of surah Alaq, verses 1-5.
The Prophet felt the words were imprinted on his heart. He ran out the cave
and could see the Angel on the horizon. He ran home and asked his wife to
cover him and narrated what had happened.
Cave Thawr is where the Prophet hid with his companion Abu Bakr when they
left Makka on the migration to Madina. They were followed by men hired by
the Quraysh to kill the Prophet. They stayed in the cave for three days. Abu
Bakr entered to clear the cave for the Prophet; while the Prophet slept on his
lap, something stung Abu Bakr but he did not cry out. A spider wove its web
at the entrance, and birds made a nest, so when the Quraysh got to the cave
they did not go in. Abu Bakr was scared and the Prophet reassured him that
God was with them (9.40). After three days they left the cave for Madina. Abu
Bakrs son would come to give them news of Makka and his daughter brought
them food for their journey.

Candidates should expand on these details to gain the highest level.

(b) In what respects were the Prophets experiences in the cave of
Thawr important for his prophethood?
[4]
The events in the cave of Thawr were important to the Prophet because it
gave him
reassurance that God was looking after him, as the web that was spun on the
cave saved his life, so Islam was spread. It also confirmed the loyalty of Abu
Bakr to the Prophet, as Abu Bakr was afraid but did not give himself or the
Prophet away to the Quraysh. These are not the only valid answers, and
candidates should be credited where they give reasons for their answer.
[ER][12]
Question 4
(a) This was also a popular question, and was well attempted by the candidates.
However, many candidates focused on the events of Hira and less so those at Thawr.
For those who mentioned Thawr, the information was not always wholly accurate. Many
answers wrote more in detail about the events leading up to the incident in Thawr, and
less about the actual incidence in the cave, the latter information being more relevant
than the former for this question.
(b) Most of the answers were good, and candidates understood that this experience
increased the
Prophets faith in God and the confidence in his mission, and how it could have resulted
in the end of his own life and the end of Islam consequently. There were a few
candidates who wrote about the importance of Abu Bakrs enduring support
towards the Prophet. A few mistakenly wrote about the experience in Hira.
Weaker candidates merely mentioned that the incident of Thawr ensured that he was not
killed and was able to continue with his mission.

2 (a) Give an account of the Prophet's first experience of receiving

revelation.
[10]
(O/N/04)
(b) Explain the significance of the actions of the angel and Waraqa
lbn
Nawfal in this event.
[2 x
3]

(a) For full marks answers should include all the points marked *.
*Muhammad was meditating in a cave on Mount Hira.
This was when he was 40.
*A being unknown to him but later identified as Gabriel appeared.
*This being seized him and crushed him, and gave him the order 'Recite!'
*He could not, and the crushing and order were repeated twice (three times
in all).
*Then the being itself recited Recite, in the name of your Lord who
created, etc.
(give one mark for a reference to the Qur'anic verses, and 2 marks for a full
quotation).
Muhammad left the cave and returned home.
On the way he again saw the being as a giant figure astride the horizon.
He went to his wife Khadija in confusion.
She took him to her relative Waraqa lbn Nawfal for an explanation of what
had happened.
He said the being was the Angel of the Law.
(b) The angel was performing the duty he had previously performed with
other
messengers.
He was the first to alert the Prophet to his new career.
His appearance is a sign that the revelations were truly from God.
Waraqa was the first to explain to the Prophet the significance of his
experience.
He helped him realise that he had been visited by the angel who had
appeared to other messengers.
This helped the Prophet understand the responsibilities to which he had
been called.
Question 2
(a) This part was answered very well by many candidates, though some
answers were fuller than others. The fullest detailed the triple crushing of the
Prophet, quoted the verses revealed to him, referred to his second vision of
the angel after leaving the cave, his comforting by Khadija and his visit to
Waraqa. In descriptive questions, the Examiners look for accuracy and
completeness, and candidates often lose marks by getting basic facts wrong
or leaving them out altogether. The need for planning answers is paramount.
There were some surprising interpretations in a few answers. One was that
the angel did not crush the Prophet but held him in order to reassure him,
and another was that the angel first visited the Prophet six months before
coming to him in the cave with the first revelation. If any teachers know an
authentic source for such interpretations, they are asked to share them in the
Discussion Group (see above). The Hadith preserved by al-Bukhari is
generally taken as the most reliable source;
this is quoted in full in the Islamiyat textbook, pages 10-12 (see above).
(b) There were some good answers to this part, though many candidates
were unable to say why the two characters of the angel and Waraqa were
important. The best answers explained that the angel who appeared was

Gods messenger to all Prophets, and was the first to inform the Prophet
Muhammad of this new career that had been chosen for him, and that
Waraqa helped him to understand what this new career was, who the angel
was, and the difficulties that lay ahead.
2 (a) Write about the Prophets different experiences of revelation,
after the first revelation.
[10] [O/N/12]
Answers here should not give a narrative of the first revelation in the cave of
Hira, though brief mention of it is fine. Candidates should also focus on the
Makkan period, i.e. the first 13 years of revelation.
Candidates should mention that the Quran was revealed to the Prophet over
a period of 23 years, and not as a complete book. After the first revelation,
sura al-alaq, revelation stopped for a period which caused the Prophet to
worry. Once they started again they came strongly and frequently.
Candidates could mention that there were different ways in which the verses
were revealed to the Prophet, sometimes the Angel Jibrail brought the
revelations and sometimes they were revealed like the ringing of a bell. They
were not within his control (sura 75:16-19) and he had no idea when they
were coming. Candidates could give specific examples of verses that were
revealed to the Prophet in Makka in different circumstances. They could also
mention that the main task of the Prophet in Makka
was to call people to Islam and so the Makkan suras are primarily based on
the Oneness of Allah and righteous conduct. Better candidates will include
specific examples and quotations to support their answers.
(b) Explain the significance of the Quran being revealed over a
period of time. [4]
Good answers here will give a thoughtful insight as to the reasons for the
Quran being revealed over 23 years, rather than at the same time. Answers
could include that they strengthened the heart of the Prophet by addressing
him continuously and whenever the need for guidance arose; that it eased
the burden of revelation upon him due to its intensity; that it allowed the
new Muslims to gradually implement Gods orders; and it made it easier for
them to understand, apply and memorise the revelation.
Candidates could offer other valid answers which should be credited
accordingly.
Question 2

[ER]

(a) It was important for candidates to write about the different ways in which the Prophet
received revelation. Most candidates wrote about the first revelation in the cave of Hira,
and some were able to write about the Prophet receiving revelation in different
circumstances, e.g. at the battle of Badr. Many candidates did not write about the Angel
Jibrail coming to the Prophet as an angel and sometimes as a man, or that the Prophet
received the revelation as the ringing of a bell, and that it weighed down heavily on him.
Candidates could also have written about the difference between the Makkan and
Madinan revelations. Most of the candidates who did write about these details, wrote
briefly about them. There were a few higher scoring candidates who were able to

mention these events amongst others, and gave good examples and quotations of when
the revelations came, e.g. that the Prophets leg was on another companions leg and
when revelation came the companion thought his leg would get crushed.
(b) In part (b) many candidates gave a thoughtful answer to the reason the Quran was
revealed over a period of time, from easing the burden on the Prophets heart, to
allowing the new Muslims time to implement the new teachings. There were a number of
candidates though who focused on the importance of the Quran and the teachings that
it contains.

2 (a) Give an account of how the Quran was first revealed to

the Prophet.
[10]
(b) Was it significant that the Quran was revealed to someone
who could not read or write? Give reasons for your answer.
[4] [M/J/2014]
Part (a) tests AO1, and part (b) tests AO2.
(a) Good answers will focus on the revelation in the cave of Hira.
Candidates could start by writing about the Prophets increasing
solitude in the cave; when he was 40 the revelation came to him; the
angel Jibril came to him and instructed him to read, iqra, and the
Prophet replied he could not; the angel squeezed him and said it again;
after a third time the angel recited the first three verses of sura alaq
(96); the Prophet came out of the cave and saw the angel on the
horizon; he was confused and shaken; he ran home and told his wife
who consoled him and took him to see her cousin, who confirmed his
Prophethood. Development of these points is required for higher levels.
(a) Answers could say that being unable to read or write it would not

have been possible for the Prophet to have composed the Quran
himself; the implication is that not being able to compose the
Quran himself, it shows that the Quran is from God; the Arabs
had a strong oral tradition which allowed the Quran to be
preserved through memory alone; he showed his faith in his
companions when he allowed them to write down the verses
revealed to him. Whichever reason the candidates choose to
write about they should elaborate on it to emphasise the
importance or significance of it.

[ER]
Question 2
10

(a) This question was generally well answered. Most candidates were able to
provide a good outline of the revelation in the cave of Hira. Weaker candidates
did not develop the points with relevant details, such as quoting the first
revelation or what Khadija said or did when the Prophet narrated the event to her.
Better candidates wrote about the conditions at the time of the Prophets
increasing seclusion, provided a detailed narrative about the Angel Jibril coming
to the Prophet and how Khadija reacted to the news, and gave relevant
quotations.
(b) Part (b) proved challenging for many candidates, with some candidates not
understanding the aim of the question. Weaker answers mentioned that God
giving the Quran to someone who could not read or write showed how He can
make someone read if He wants, and did not provide reasons for the answer
provided. Better answers wrote about the importance of poetry and language at
that time which helped people see that someone who could not read or write
could not produce this kind of work.
2 (a) The Angel Jibril brought the revelation of the Quran to
the Prophet Muhammad at different times and places. Give
examples to show how this took place.
[10]
(b) What was the significance of the Prophet being given the
revelation by word rather than in writing?
[4][M/J/2015]
Part (a) tests AO1, and part (b) tests AO2.
(a) Answers here should not give a narrative of the first revelation in
the cave of Hira, though brief mention of it is fine.
Candidates could mention that the Quran was revealed to the Prophet
over a period of 23 years, and not as a complete book. After the first
revelation, sura al-Alaq, revelation stopped for a period which caused
the Prophet to worry. Once they started again they came strongly and
frequently.
More detailed answers will mention that there were different ways in
which the verses were revealed to the Prophet. Sometimes the Angel
Jibril would come in the form of a man, which the companions
witnessed, and a few times the Prophet saw the Angel in his original
form, e.g. on the night journey (sura najm). The most difficult was
when they came as the ringing of a bell, and this would weigh down on
him, so much so that his camel could not withstand the weight.
They were not within his control (sura 75:1619), he had no idea when
they were coming and they were safeguarded by God.

11

Candidates could also give specific examples of verses that were

revealed to the Prophet in different circumstances, or narrate stories
related to these revelations, such as the pressure that it put on Zayds
thigh when he was sitting next to the Prophet during one of the
revelations, or that the revelations were responses to specific events,
e.g. the revelation during the migration when Abu Bakr was worried
(sura tawba:40).
Better candidates may mention that the Prophet also received
revelation directly from God during the night journey.
(b) Candidates should be careful not to give statements, but try to
qualify their answers with some reasoning. Candidates could say that
the Arabs at the time had an oral tradition and it was in keeping with
that. As people committed things to memory it was a more reliable
way of ensuring the Qurans preservation. Had it been delivered in a
book, it would have been harder to check if any changes had been
made. If the Prophet had been given it in written form, he would not
have been able to read or write it, and because of this the oral
revelation allowed the message to be memorised by him and
committed to heart, again ensuring there were no errors. It is
significant because the Quran is primarily a book of worship, in a
vocative tone, rather than a legal written guide.
[ER/11]

12

3 (a) Give an account of the way in which the Prophet started to

preach Islam in the first few years after he began to receive the
revelation.
[10]
(b) Was it significant that the Prophet began preaching the message
in secret?
[4][M/J/2015]
(a) Answers should focus on the Prophets deliverance of the message, and
not the
events of the revelation itself, although brief mention of it is fine. After the
Prophet received his first revelation in the cave of Hira, he only told his wife
Khadija and her cousin Waraqa bin Nawfal, about the event. Khadija was the
first to accept the
message. Waraqa confirmed the prophethood, and for some days there was a
break in
revelation. After verses from sura Mudaththir were revealed to him, the
revelation came
frequently and regularly. The main message at this point was to reject idols
and believe in one God. For three years the Prophet taught and practised in
secret. The first converts were those who were close to him in his household,
such as Khadija, Zayd bin Harith and Ali ibn Abu Talib. After this Abu Bakr the
Prophets close friend, converted. Abu Bakr invited many people to Islam, and
many prominent companions became Muslim through him. The Prophet
would meet and teach these new converts in secret from the revelations he
was continuing to receive. The Muslims prayed twice a day and would retreat
to the mountains to do so. After there were more than 40 or so converts it
could not be kept a secret any more. Then sura 26:214 was revealed to
preach the message openly. He called his own clan to dinner; Abu Lahab
rejected the message while Abu Talib promised protection. Then the Prophet
called the people of Makka to the mount of Safa and told them about the new
faith and believing in one God. His message was rejected. After this
persecutions started on the early converts but Makkans continued to convert
to Islam. Candidates should give details in their answer and need to avoid
giving a narrative about the persecutions.
(b) Candidates could say that it was significant because the message was
new and so the Prophet and his closest followers needed time to get used to
it. Also, they did not know how the Quraysh would react so it was better to
wait until they had some strength in numbers before openly preaching. It was
also better to wait until they were guided by God to preach Islam openly.
Candidates could also say that it was not significant, for example, because
they were only preaching in secret because they were unsure about the
message, or had very little to tell people in terms of what had been revealed.
Candidates can offer their own answers but need to give reasons.
[ER/12]

13

2 (a) Write an account of the major difficulties encountered by

(i) the Prophet, and
(ii) his followers
[6]
during the years when they lived in Makka.
(b) Explain how their reaction to these difficulties can set an
example for Muslims today.
[4](M/J/07)

[6]

(a) (i)
The Quraysh rejected Muhammad when he began his preaching (1 extra
mark for
the full story).
An old woman regularly pelted him with rubbish on his way to prayer.
He was once nearly strangled while praying.
The Quraysh subjected him to temptation, insults and verbal abuse (1 mark
for a
mention or brief story, 2 marks maximum).
The death of his uncle Abu Talib deprived him of protection.

14

 He was rejected and assaulted when he preached at al-Taif.

He and his family were boycotted and forced to live in a narrow valley
outside Makka
(1 extra mark for comments about their steadfastness - credit this point
either
here or in (ii) but not in both).
The death of Khadija discouraged him.
(ii)
Many of his followers were subjected to torture (1 extra mark for the story
of Bilal
or of Sumayya).
Some followers were forced to flee to Abyssinia to the protection of the king
(1 extra
mark for comments about the pursuit by Quraysh and their reception by the
king).
They were boycotted and forced to live in a narrow valley outside Makka (1
extra
mark for comments about their steadfastness - credit this point either here or
in
(i) but not in both).
They were prevented from worshipping at the ka`ba.
Their means of livelihood were taken away.
(b) Main points include:
Muhammad was not deflected from preaching even when offered bribes.
He retained dignity and patience at all times.
His followers preferred to undergo hardships and death rather than give up
their faith.
Muhammad showed concern for his persecutors and forgiveness towards
them.
Muslims under persecution should remain loyal to one another.
(Allow up to 2 marks for mention of moral points such as these.
Allow 1 extra mark for one lesson derived from these points.
Allow 1 extra mark for more than one lesson.)
Question 2 [ER]

This asked about the difficulties encountered by the Prophet and his followers while they
lived in Makka, and how their reaction can provide lessons for Muslims today.
In part (a) candidates were asked for accurate accounts of the personal difficulties of the
Prophet, including the insults and abuses he suffered in Makka and al-Taif, the boycott,
and the problems presented by the deaths of Abu Talib and Khadija; and also for equally
detailed accounts of the difficulties faced by the first Muslims, including the tortures
inflicted on some of them, the difficulty of worshipping in public and the necessity to flee
to Abyssinia. Many candidates gave full accounts, and this tended to be a high-scoring
question. Inaccuracies seen in some papers were that the Prophet was stoned until his
shoes filled with blood while in Makka not al-Taif, that he himself took part in the flight to

15

Abyssinia, and that during the boycott the Muslims took refuge in the cave of Thawr
(which is where the Prophet and Abu Bakr hid during their migration to Madina).
Part (b) was more demanding, asking candidates to reflect on the facts given in part (a)
and to make a connection between the response of the early Muslims to their difficulties
and Muslims today. Good answers would have referred to the first Muslims
steadfastness and refusal to abandon their faith, the dignity they maintained, their
unfailing loyalty towards one another, and the concern shown by the Prophet himself for
his persecutors. The best answers would have gone on to add comments about the
lessons these reactions can teach Muslims now. A shortcoming seen in some answers to
this part was that they gave general comments about Muslim behaviour without
connecting these to the conduct of the Prophet and his first followers. Candidates who
gave answers such as these had clearly not thought about the Question.
3 (a) Describe the main difficulties encountered by the Prophet
himself during his time in Makka after his call to prophethood.
[10] (O/N/10)
Candidates should write a detailed account of the difficulties faced by the
prophet, and
should write about the events as they happened. Candidates could give a
brief description of the Prophet beginning to preach openly after years of
secret worship, including an account of when he stood on the hill and made
his speech declaring his faith, and the reaction of the Quraysh. They could go
on to give a description of the subsequent mocking and torture he faced,
mentioning the key figures involved in the persecutions, and mention of the
tolerance and patience of the Prophet. They could also include relevant
references from the Quran.
(b) How does his conduct in one of these difficulties provide an
example for Muslims today?
[4]
Candidates should take one of the incidents mentioned in part (a) and
comment on how it can be used as an example to Muslims. They should give
a brief mention of one incident, e.g. throwing intestines on Prophet,
preaching at Taif, etc., and elaborate by saying how the Prophet reacted and
the characteristics displayed e.g. patience, tolerance, forgiveness. They
should then go on to give an example of how this could be related to a
present day situation. Better answers will be able to give a detailed
explanation of how the prophets morals give guidance for the contemporary
situation.
Question 3 [ER]
This question was a popular choice with candidates out of the three optional questions.
(a) Overall this part was answered well, with most candidates writing about the
difficulties faced by the Prophet once he was given the order to preach openly. Excellent
answers provided a clear and detailed narrative of the key events, the main people

16

involved in the persecution as well as giving relevant quotations. As well as showing that
they had knowledge of the topic (mentioning a lot of the key events relating to the
persecution of the Prophet, e.g. the events at Taif, the mocking and boycott) candidates
needed to give details of what happened and mention specific names of those involved.
The persecution inflicted upon the companions of the Prophet was not required for this
question. There were a few candidates who seemed to have memorised a completely
different answer, usually about the wars the Prophet took part in, and simply narrated
that without checking what the actual question was asking.
(b) Answers for this part were too general. Many candidates were able to pick out the
Prophets conduct, e.g. his forgiveness. This then needed to be linked with Muslims
today. General statements such as the Prophet showed forgiveness and so Muslims
today should also needed more detail. The best answers showed a mature reflection on
behaviour and attitude to events today rather than just a general comment about
behaviour, e.g. linking the Prophets patience or forgiveness to the situation in Kashmir.

5 (a) Describe the difficulties faced by the followers of the

Prophet in Makka.
[10] (M/J/11)
Candidates should give a detailed narrative of the persecutions faced
by the early converts in the days after the Prophet started preaching
Islam. Good answers will be able to name key figures involved in the
persecution, and the names of the Muslims who were being
persecuted, stating that it included slaves and those without tribal
protection. They could talk about the type of difficulties they faced and
give an account of the persecutions. Good answers will be able to
present their narratives in a clear and comprehensive manner without
confusing details.
(b) What can these stories teach Muslims in their everyday
lives today? [4]
Answers should reflect on the accounts the candidates have given in
part (a) and be able to put their answers in a modern context. They
may be able to say e.g. that Muslims should remain steadfast under all
circumstances, or that they should not retaliate, but the better answers
will be able to give clear examples from the lives of the candidates or
the world they live in. Better answers will refer to (a) but not repeat the
description, rather will explain the accounts/stories in a modern
context or related to their everyday lives.
Question 5 [ER]
(a) Where chosen, this question was answered reasonably well, and again where
candidates did not gain the highest level marks it was due to a lack of detail in their
answers. Most candidates wrote about the persecution of various companions, giving

17

their names and the way in which they were tortured. Some included mention of the
boycott and the migration to Abyssinia. The better answers wrote about all this, giving
names and clear details about these events. There were a significant number of
candidates who concentrated on the persecutions upon the Prophet, some starting with
the companions then concentrating on the Prophet and others only talking about the
treatment of the Prophet. Candidates should always keep the focus of the question in
mind when preparing answers, and perhaps a minute spent planning their answer would
aid this.
(b) This part of the question was not so well answered with most candidates repeating
the fact that the followers of the Prophet were steadfast, and that Muslims today also
need to be steadfast. There was not much attempt at evaluation.
Better candidates gave real life examples whether personal, national or global.
5 (a) Describe the persecution faced by the first Muslims in Makka.
[10] [O/N/12]
Candidates should give a detailed narrative of the persecutions faced by the
first Muslims in the days after the Prophet started preaching Islam.
Good answers will be able to name key figures involved in the persecution,
and the names of the Muslims who were being persecuted, stating that it
included slaves and those without tribal protection. They could talk about the
type of difficulties they faced and give an account of the persecutions. Good
answers will be able to present their narratives in a clear and comprehensive
manner without confusing details.
Some of the information that could be mentioned: Abu Jahl put foetus of
camel on the
Prophets back; Abu Lahab flung stones on the Prophet and made his sons
divorce the
Prophets daughters; Uthman was wrapped in leaves by his uncle and set on
fire; Bilal
severely beaten by his master Umaiyah, and deprived of food and drink etc;
Ammar bin
Yasser, beaten severely and made to lie on hot embers; his father died due to
severe
tortures, his mother Sumayyah was bayoneted to death; Harith bin Hala,
blacksmith, tortured and killed; there was the boycott to Shib i Abi Talib and
the migration to Abyssinia.
(b) What can Muslims in modern times learn from these stories?
[4]
Answers should reflect on the accounts the candidates have given in part (a)
and be able to put their answers in a modern context. They may be able to
say e.g. that Muslims should remain firm in their faith under all
circumstances, but the better answers will be able to give clear examples
from the lives of Muslims or the world they live in as to how and in what
circumstances they should remain steadfast. Better answers will refer to (a)
but not repeat the description, rather will explain the accounts/stories in a
modern context or related to everyday lives.

18

Question 5
[ER]
(a) This was the most popular of the optional questions.
Most answers were a little above average but few were excellent or very good. The main
reason was that candidates seemed to focus their answer on the persecution faced by
the Prophet, with some mention of Bilal, without focusing on the early Muslim converts
who faced harsh persecutions from the non-Muslims. Candidates could have talked
about Uthman, Ammar bin Yasser, his mother and father, Harith bin Hala (amongst
others), the need for migration to Abyssinia, and the boycott to Shib Abi-Talib.
Candidates who answered this question well answered it very well and gave details of
many converts who were tortured as well as mentioning the migration and boycott.
(b) Most answers here wrote about being patient and steadfast in difficult times like Bilal,
which is a general answer, and so most answers were satisfactory. Better answers could
have elaborated by saying that Muslims need to be patient and keep their faith in times
of difficulty like in Burma or Palestine, or that Muslims should not get angry when people
make films of the Prophet which insult him. Reference to current issues and relating
them to the question are a good way to gain high levels in part (b) questions.
5 (a) Give an account of the persecutions faced by the early converts
to Islam in Makka.
[10][M/J/2013]
(b) How are these accounts relevant to Muslims now?
[4]
(a) Candidates should give a detailed narrative of the persecutions faced by
the first Muslims in the years after the Prophet started preaching Islam.
Good answers will be able to name key figures involved in the persecution,
and the names of the Muslims who were being persecuted, stating that it
included slaves and those without tribal protection. They could talk about the
type of difficulties they faced, e.g. the physical torture, and give an account
of the persecutions. They could also mention the migration to Abyssinia and
the social and economic boycott.
Good answers will be able to present their narratives in a clear and
comprehensive manner without confusing details. Answers about the
Prophets persecution will not be credited.
(b) Answers should reflect on the accounts the candidates have given in part
(a) and be able to put their answers in a modern context. They may be able
to say e.g. that these stories tell Muslims to remain patient in times of
difficulty, but the better answers will be able to show depth and
understanding, e.g. Muslims facing hardships now should look at these
examples to compare the difficulties they faced/these examples allow
Muslims to reflect on how they behave in times of difficulty or oppression.
These stories can be a source of encouragement and comfort if Muslims can
see that the first generation of Muslims went through these hardships. Better
answers will be able to give definite examples from the lives of Muslims or
the world they live in. Better answers will refer to (a) but not repeat the
description.

19

[ER]
Question 5
(a) This question was attempted by most of the candidates and the level was mostly
good. Most of them wrote in depth about the persecutions faced by early converts along
with the details of different types of physical tortures inflicted on them. Able candidates
mentioned the names of prominent figures, such as Walib ibn Mugheerah, Utba, Abu
Jahl, Umayyah ibn Khalaf, for the persecutors as well as those persecuted, such as
Bilal. It was important to respond to the question for converts, not the Prophet (pbuh)
himself.
In part (b) the best candidates drew parallels between the situation then and the
situation now. Some mentioned Palestine, Burma and Kashmir. Most stressed on the
need to be steadfast in religion.
2 (a) Write brief accounts of the following two incidents in the life of
the Prophet:
(M/J/05)
(i)
his attempt to preach to the people of al-Taif; [5]
Muhammad went to al-Taif when the persecution at Mecca was intense.
He was looking for a new place where his teachings would be accepted.
The townspeople rejected his message.
Boys pelted him with stones as he left.
He was badly injured.
Angels offered to destroy the town for him, but he forgave the people.
(1 mark for quotation of his words: I was sent as a blessing to the worlds)

(ii)
his conquest of Mecca. [5]
By 630 Muhammad had grown powerful in Arabia.
He decided to attack Mecca because the people had broken their treaty.
He promised that those Meccans who did not resist would be safe.
He approached Mecca with a great army.
There was no resistance when he entered.
He spared all who sought his pardon.
He executed a few stubborn people who resisted him.
He cleansed the ka`ba of its idols.

(b) What lessons can Muslims today learn from the Prophets
conduct in each of these incidents?
[2 x 3]
[Candidates should make at least 3 comments about each incident, e.g.:]
(i) Muhammad attempted to find a realistic solution to his difficulties in
Mecca.
He did not try to resist the people of al-Taif when they rejected him.
He responded to cruelty with forgiveness.
He attempted to understand the peoples ignorance of who he was and
what he
said.

20

[Reserve the third mark for clear applications of these lessons to

contemporary
conditions.]
Question 2 [ER]
(a) This part was generally well answered. Nearly all candidates gave full
accounts of the Prophets failure in al-Taif, though some thought he went
there from Madina rather than Makka, and some thought he went with an
army to conquer the town. Most candidates also gave full accounts of the
Prophets conquest of Makka, explaining why he gathered an army against it,
how he approached the town, and what he did when he got there. Some
candidates gained full marks for their concise and full answers to this part.
(b) This more challenging part was on the whole not answered so well. Good
answers would have commented on the Prophets reaction of forgiveness in
al-Taif to the peoples rejection and his refusal to allow revenge; also his
peaceful approach to Makka, his willingness to allow his enemies every
chance to abandon their resistance and his concern to instate Islamic
practices. And they would have made links between these examples from the
Prophets life to their own lives. While a number of candidates did exactly
this, many more made general comments about the Prophet being a perfect
example of forgiveness without showing how this quality was brought out in
the two stories in (a), and without making links with contemporary situations.
It is important in this part to be specific in identifying precise elements in the
Prophets conduct, and showing exactly how these can be applied in actual
situations today.

3 (a) Describe the events of the Prophets visit to Taif.

[10][O/N/2014]
(b) How can Muslims apply in practice the lessons learnt from the
Prophets behaviour in this situation?
[4]
(a) The Prophet had been preaching to the people of Makka for ten years and
they had faced many hardships; the number of Muslims was relatively small;
his greatest supporters Khadija and Abu Talib had passed away; he looked out
of Makka to preach his message and went to Taif with Zaid bin Haritha; he
thought people would be favourable to his message but they were hostile
towards him; he stayed ten days there delivering the message to the people,
but he was abused and jeered; they were chased out by being pelted with
stones til blood flowed down the Prophets legs; Zaid was injured too; they
took refuge in an orchard a few miles away; seeing his condition, Rabias two
sons sent their servant with a tray of grapes; Jibril later appeared with

21

another angel and asked the Prophet for permission to bury the city; the
Prophet refused and instead prayed for believers to be born from their
progeny. The best answers will be able to expand and give depth to these
events, and whilst not all of the above needs to be mentioned, highest level
answers will describe and elaborate on most of these details.
(b) Candidates can present any lesson thats relevant to the events of Taif,
but thoughtful answers will present the lesson within the context of a
situation.
Examples could be, that the Prophet did not give up his faith in times of
difficulty, despite few conversions and losing his wife and uncle, but rather he
persevered. Muslims should learn to persevere in times of difficulty, when
they have lost family members or they are living in difficult circumstances in
their community; the Prophet did not curse or wish the worst for those people
who had treated him so badly, but rather prayed for them. So Muslims now
should not get angry and wish bad things towards those who insult Islam or
the Prophet, but should try to do or say good things for them.
[ER] [11]
Question 3
(a) This was a popular question from the optional questions. Most of the candidates
gave good, detailed accounts of the events at Taif. There were some candidates who
wrote very briefly about this event.
(b) Most of the candidates wrote general comments about being forgiving and patient.
Those who gave good answers wrote about how Muslims can forgive those who have
wronged them and gave examples from their lives, or wrote that this example of mercy is
a good way to attract people to Islam and so Muslims should think about this when they
interact with others.
Question 2
(M/J/03)
In part (a) candidates were expected to give a concise but accurate account
of the main difficulties experienced by the young Muslim community in the
years between the first revelation to the Prophet Muhammad and the hijra.
An immediate challenge was to decide when to start and when to finish the
account. Good answers would not have started with the first revelation itself,
but with the Prophets first public preaching and the rejection he
encountered. Answers should have concluded at the point of the hijra, but
should not have described it, since the Prophet left Mecca at this time. They
would have included, e.g. the sufferings of Muhammads followers, especially
Bilal and others known to have been tortured; the insults and physical
assaults on the Prophet himself; the flight to Abyssinia; the boycott imposed
on the Prophets family; the deaths of the Prophets wife and uncle.
Examiners looked for sharp accounts of these sufferings, and there were
many very full answers, leading to high scores in this part. However, some
candidates
omitted a number of these events, others brought in events from the
Prophets youth or the hijra, and one or two wrote about the battles waged
between the Prophets forces and the Meccans in the years following 622.
Part (b) was answered very well by some candidates, and a few were able to
draw moral comparisons between the events of the Prophets time and

22

events taking place in the Arab world at the time of the examination itself.
This is exactly what the Examiners wish to encourage, since it shows a lively
ability to see in the crucial happenings of the Prophets life lessons for
Muslims today. Others wrote more generally about the examples of patience
and acceptance set by the first Muslims, though some continued to give facts
about the period referred to in the question without addressing the question
asked in (b) itself.

3 (a) Give an account of the events of the Prophets night

journey and ascension [Isra wa miraj].
[10] (M/J/11)
Candidates should talk about the events of the night journey as they
happened, and be able to provide an in-depth narrative of the journey.
They could talk about the Prophet being woken from his sleep and
taken on al-Buraq from Makka to Jerusalem by the angel Jibril They
could mention all the things that he saw on his way, the prophets that
he met, the questions that he asked Jibril, and the fact that he led the
prophets in prayer. They should also go on to mention that he was
taken through the heavens and was finally in the presence of his Lord.
Answers should also mention that this all took place in one night, and
what the people of Makka said when he told them about his journey.
(b) Explain the importance of this event to the Prophet himself.
[4]
Good answers here will be able to mention the conditions for the
Prophet in Makka at this time that he had lost his closest supporters
and was being mocked for being left by God. They should talk about
the importance of physical and spiritual support needed by the
Prophet. The events reassured him of his closeness with God and his
status among other messengers, and gave him spiritual support. His
physical support came from his companions who believed that if the
Prophet said it happened, then it did.
Question 3 [ER]
(a) This part was answered well, with most candidates being able to write about some of
the key events of this journey. Many answers narrated different aspects of the story.
More detail was needed for the higher levels. Excellent answers provided a clear and
detailed narrative of the key events, from the Prophet being awoken in Makka by Jibrail,
being taken to Jerusalem, his journey to the heavens, his meeting with God, giving
details of what happened at the different stages, as well as including relevant quotations.
Some responses focused too much on what happened at each level of the skies at the
expense of e.g. mentioning the stop at Masjid al-Aqsa and the gift of prayers, and there
were a few confused scripts where the events were totally out of sequence or major and
important parts missed or not well covered.

23

(b) It was important to write about the significance of this journey in answering this
question not just to give a general answer. Good answers showed how this event was
important to the Prophet e.g. it was to boost his morale especially after the loss of his
wife and uncle, he found support amongst his companions such as Abu Bakr, or in fact
that it was a vindication for the prophets claim that he was a messenger of god.
3 (a) Write about the Prophets night journey and ascension [al-isra
wa-miraj].
[10]
(b) How did this journey help the Prophet in his mission? [4]
[O/N/2013]
(a) Candidates should talk about the events of the night journey as they
happened.
They could talk about the Prophet being woken from his sleep and taken on
al-Buraq from Makka to Jerusalem by the angel Jibril. They could mention all
the things that he saw on his way, the prophets that he met, the questions
that he asked Jibril, and the fact that he led the prophets in prayer. They
should also go on to mention that he was taken through the heavens and was
finally in the presence of his Lord. He was given the five daily prayers.
Answers should also mention that this all took place in one night, and what
the people of Makka said when he told them about his journey.
(b) Candidates should give thoughtful answers as to how this event could
have been beneficial for the Prophet. They could mention that it gave him
comfort after a period of difficulty in Makka, and he realised God had not left
him. It gave him the encouragement he needed to carry on preaching in the
face of continued opposition. It allowed him to see what he, and all Muslims,
should be striving for which gave him renewed strength.
He realised his status amongst prophets (as seal of the prophets, he led them
in prayer), and realised the blessings God had given his community (by giving
the five prayers). It confirmed his prophethood as he met with God, going
further than anyone else had been.Candidates do not have to mention all of
the above, but should have some depth to any answers they give.

[ER] Question 3
(a) This question about the night journey and ascension was averagely
answered, with candidates knowing that the Prophet was taken from Makka to
the heavens to meet God. However, many of the significant details were missing
from their answers, and so answers could not reach higher levels. The best
answers gave details of Jibrail coming to the Prophet, washing his heart, taking
him to Jerusalem on Buraq to lead the prophets in prayer, the things that he saw
and the conversations that he had when he ascended the heavens, his dialogue
with God and the reaction of the Quraysh when he returned. Average answers
mentioned only a few of these things, without many details.

24

(b) This was satisfactorily answered, with most candidates saying that it

consoled the Prophet after the death of his wife. Better answers went on
to say that this event was to console him and show Gods love and
protection for him, as well as showing his status amongst all the prophets.
It showed his closeness to God which allowed him to gain confidence in
his preaching again.
4 (a) Write an account of the first migration (hijra) of the Muslims to
Abyssinia.
[10](M/J/09)
Good answers should be able to narrate the story of the migration to
Abyssinia with
considerable detail, being able to name the main Muslims involved. Answers
could give an account of the persecution faced by Muslims in Makkah and
why these persecutions had increased on the Prophets followers; that the
Prophet ordered some followers to go to Abyssinia to seek protection from its
just king; they were led by the Prophets cousin, Jafar Ibn Abu Talib; the
Quraysh followed them and asked the king to return them; what happened
when Sura Maryam was recited to the king. Excellent answers will give indepth details of the story as it happened, as well as saying why these
particular Muslims took part.
(b) Why did the people of Makka pursue these Muslims?
[4]
Good answers here will be able to give reasons for the migration rather than
repeat the story again. They could say why the Makkans wanted to destroy
the new faith, as it threatened their own religious and economic stability, and
therefore didnt want the Muslims to escape and for Islam to flourish.
Excellent answers will show a clear understanding of the threat the Makkans
felt and the fears they had due to the increasing number of Muslims.
Question 4 [ER]
This question was also popular with candidates to answer.
(a) This was generally well answered, and good answers were able to give a
detailed and concise narrative about the migration to Abyssinia, from the
persecution of the new Muslims to the events in King Neguss court. Many
candidates gave an excellent account including the names and number of
migrants, the difficulties faced during the hijra and the acceptance of Islam.
Candidates made the connection between Christianity and Islam being similar
and also pointed out why they thought so.
Some lower level answers were unbalanced with a lot of detail about
persecution and a lack of detail of about why they decided to go (lack of
protection/vulnerability) as well as what happened in Abyssinia. Unfortunately
a significant minority of candidates wrote at length about the Hijra to
Madinah.
(c) This part was answered well on the whole, but there was some
confusion with a number of candidates misunderstanding that the
question was referring to the pursuit by the Quraish of the Muslims

25

who escaped to Abyssinia. Many answers were further descriptions of

the persecution of the Muslims in Makkah, possibly because candidates
confused the word pursue with persecution. Again, candidates
should do their best to read the question carefully and understand it
before attempting to answer it.

3 (a) Write about the Prophet Muhammads interaction with the

Quraysh while he lived in Makka, before and after revelation.
[10] (O/N/2011)
Good answers will be able to provide a detailed and concise narrative of
events that occurred between the Prophet and the Quraysh. Candidates
should talk about the Prophets status in the community prior to Islam. They
could talk about the fact that the Prophet was known as Al-Amin or the
trustworthy. They could mention, using examples, that prior to his
Prophethood, the Quraysh used to consult him in important matters, trust him
with their goods, and look to him for advice. For example they could mention
that when the Prophet was younger he was chosen by the Quraysh to settle
the dispute of who should replace the sacred black stone to its position at the
Kaba.
Answers should also mention that after Prophethood, the Prophet Muhammad
was rejected when he invited the Quraysh to Islam. He was taunted, mocked
and openly humiliated by different members of the Quraysh. The best
answers will include details of events before the period of revelation and after
revelation.

(b) Why did the Quraysh feel they needed to reject the Prophets
message?
[4]
Good answers here will be able to mention that the Quraysh had their own
belief system and that they worshipped many idols opposed to the Prophet
Muhammads message of
monotheism. By changing their ways, they faced losing their status and
position as leaders and keepers of the Kaba. They also faced losing income,
felt threatened by the Prophets influence upon the youth of Makka, and his
growing support. This should not just be a description of the reasons,
candidates should include evaluation.
Question 3 [ER]

26

(a) This part was well answered by most candidates. Many candidates understood that
they needed to write about the Prophets character but from the viewpoint of the
Quraysh. Many wrote about the major events before prophethood for e.g. the flooding of
the Kaba and how the resolving of the dispute highlighted the Qurayshs respect for the
Prophets decision making. Many candidates also wrote that the relation altered after
prophethood, detailing the persecution he faced and continued to highlight the nobility of
the Prophets character by mentioning he was still entrusted with the Qurayshs goods.
Some candidates were able to mention the events before and after prophethood, but
without details. Some answers focused on the question being about persecution or the
Prophets character being al-sadiq or al-amin, which it was not. Some candidates
narrated the childhood and life of the Prophet; others made general comments re the
Prophets interaction before the revelation of the Quran without reference to specific
events.
(b) Part (b) was generally well answered by candidates, with most being able to write
about the main reasons the Quraysh rejected the Prophets message; not wanting to
renounce their religion, losing the economic benefit of Kaba as a house of polytheism,
not being able to give up their un-Islamic way of life and not accepting power from one
lower in status than them. Good answers wrote and reflected upon these points.

3 (a) Write about the changes in the relationship between the

Prophet and the Quraysh in the years between his marriage to
Khadija and the death of Abu Talib.
[10]
(b) Why is it significant that the Quraysh were still willing to
keep their belongings with the Prophet after he started to
preach Islam? [4][M/J/2015]
(a) Candidates should talk about the Prophets status in the
community prior to him becoming a prophet. He was known as AlAmin or the trustworthy. Candidates should mention, using examples,
that prior to his prophethood, the Quraysh used to consult him in
important matters, trust him with their goods, and look to him for
advice. For example they could mention that when the Prophet was
younger he was chosen by the Quraysh to settle the dispute of who
should
replace the sacred black stone to its position at the Kaba. Answers
should also mention that after revelation, the Prophet Muhammad was
rejected when he invited the Quraysh to Islam. They still trusted him
but did not want to believe in his message. He was taunted, mocked
and openly humiliated by different members of the Quraysh. The best
answers will include details of events before the period of revelation
and after revelation.

27

Candidates should not mention only one or two events, such as the
boycott, but give a wider narrative of events before and after
prophethood. Details about the events themselves should be credited.
(b) Candidates can offer a variety of answers, but they should try to
explain their answers with reasoning. They could say that despite the
message he was preaching, they still knew that his character would not
have changed because they had never found any discrepancies in his
character. Despite not liking what the Prophet was saying they still
valued their belongings and wanted to keep them where they knew
they would get them back. The reasons the Quraysh changed were
political and social, not because the Prophet had changed, or because
they felt he was lying/spreading falsehood.
[ER/11]

4 (a) Describe the main events relating to the first migration (hijrah)
of Muslims to Abyssinia.
[10] [M/J/12]
(b) What was the importance of making this migration at that time?
[4]
(a) Good answers should be able to narrate the story of the migration to
Abyssinia with
considerable detail, being able to name the main Muslims involved. Answers
could give an account of the persecution faced by Muslims in Makkah and
why these persecutions had increased on the Prophets followers; that the
Prophet ordered some followers to go to Abyssinia to seek protection from its
just king; amongst the first group was Uthman and Ruqayyah; the second
group was led by the Prophets cousin, Jafar Ibn Abu Talib; the Quraysh
followed them and asked the king to return them; what happened when
Sura Maryam was recited to the king.
Excellent answers will give in-depth details of the story as it happened, name
the Muslims who migrated, as well as saying why these particular Muslims
took part.

28

(b) Candidates could mention that the Muslims being persecuted meant they
could not establish their religion in Makka, and moving to Abyssinia allowed
them religious freedom. Those not willing to renounce Islam were in danger of
torture or death. The migration therefore safeguarded the new converts to
Islam and the future Muslim community. Importantly, it was the Prophet who
encouraged them to go.
Question 4

[ER] [M/J/2012]

(a) This was generally a well answered question. There were some very good,
developed answers to this question. The main events of the migration were well known
and some candidates described or highlighted the importance of Jafars speech and
recitation of Sura Maryam. Many candidates who answered this question were very
good with quoting the Quranic instruction to migrate, gave the names and number of
emigrants, names of Quraysh who pursued them, were able to report the speech of
Jafar, quoted the name of the sura (some even quoted the verse) and the kings
response. Occasionally candidates were confused about who went to Abyssinia (some
thought the Prophet had) and whether Abu Talib and the Prophets wife Khadija had died
by this time. Most understood that it was a Christian land the emigrants had gone to.
(b) This question was answered quite well. Candidates needed to do more than repeat
elements from part (a). Good answers mentioned the fact that the immigrants were
considered to be in Jihad, that they were able to practice their religion freely, they
founded a society without the presence of the Prophet and that it paved the way to a
bigger migration to Madina.
4 (a) Give an account of the migration of the early Muslims to
Abyssinia. [10]
(b) What was the significance of this migration for the early Muslim
community?
[4] [O/N/2013]
(a) Good answers should be able to narrate the story of the migration to
Abyssinia with
considerable detail, being able to name the main Muslims involved.
Answers could give an account of the persecution faced by Muslims in Makka
and why these persecutions had increased on the Prophets followers; that
the Prophet ordered some followers to go to Abyssinia to seek protection from
its just king; Uthman and Ruqayya went in the first migration, and later the
second delegation was led by the Prophets cousin, Jafar Ibn Abi Talib; the
Quraysh followed them and asked the king to return them; and what
happened when Jafar spoke and then recited verses of Sura Maryam to the
king. Excellent answers will give in-depth details of the story as it happened,
name the Muslims who migrated, as well as saying why these particular
Muslims took part.
(b) Candidates could mention that the Muslims being persecuted meant they
could not establish their religion in Makka, and moving to Abyssinia allowed
them religious freedom. Those not willing to renounce Islam were in danger of

29

torture or death. The migration therefore safeguarded the new converts to

Islam and the future Muslim community. Importantly, it was the Prophet who
encouraged them to go. They migrated to Madina once the Prophet had
completed his hijra.
[ER]

Question 4
(a) This was averagely answered with most candidates giving only a general
outline of the migration to Abyssinia and the security given by the King. Many
candidates did not give details of the number who migrated, and did not give
details of the dialogue that took place between the King, the Quraysh and the
Muslim migrants. Generally it was said that the Muslims recited verses from sura
Maryam and the King said that this and the bible were lights of the same candle.
The better candidates gave details of the speech of Jafar, the verses he quoted
and the subsequent response of the King and the Quraysh.
(b) Candidates wrote about the Muslims escaping persecution and finding safety,
but many of the answers were general and did achieve the higher level.
3 (a) Write about the Prophets activities in spreading Islam outside
Makka, before the migration to Madina.
[10][O/N/2014]
The two main events related to this are the visit to Taif and the Pledges of
Aqaba.
Candidates should write about both events to reach higher levels. As the
number of converts to Islam was not increasing, and due to the persecution
by the Quraysh, the Prophet turned his attention to communities outside
Makka. He first went to Taif, where he called the people to Islam for ten days.
The people of the city chased the Prophet and Zaid bin Harith out, pelting
them with stones. Blood flowed down his legs and Zaid was injured too. They
took refuge in an orchard. God sent the Angel Jibril, with the angel of the
mountain, to crush the town and its inhabitants with the mountains
surrounding
it, with the Prophets permission. The Prophet instead prayed for them that
they become
Muslim. The Prophet then focused on preaching to pilgrims coming to Makka
for the pilgrimage. In the eleventh year of prophethood, six men from Yathrib
listened to the Prophets message. They accepted Islam and went back to
Yathrib and preached the message of Islam. The following year, twelve men
came to offer their allegiance to the Prophet. They pledged to worship one
God, not steal or commit adultery, nor kill their children. The Prophet sent
Musab bin Umair to teach the people of Yathrib. In the following year, over
70 pilgrims came to Makka from Yathrib and swore allegiance to
the Prophet. In this pledge they agreed to listen and obey the Prophet, to
spend when they had lots and when they had less, to enjoin good and forbid

30

evil, to fear no one, and to defend the Prophet. After this the Prophet gave
the Muslims permission to start migrating to Madina.
(b) Choose one quality shown by the Prophet in these activities and
explain how Muslims today can learn from it.
[4]
Candidates could, e.g. write about the forgiveness shown by the Prophet. He
had an
opportunity to have revenge on those who had harmed him but instead he
chose to pray for them. Muslims can learn that prayer can be more powerful
than retaliation. That it is not necessary to fight violence with violence. In
difficult circumstances, such as oppression, or when people are harming you,
forgiveness can be a powerful tool. Muslims should learn to be more forgiving
in all circumstances, e.g. if someone has stolen from them, or has called
them names. Candidates can choose to write about other qualities, but they
need to justify their answer with an example.
[ER] [12] Question 3
(a) This was a popular question from the optional questions. Most of the candidates
gave good, detailed accounts of the events at Taif but fewer gave detailed accounts of
the pledges of Aqaba. On occasion, the details of the pledges were lacking and the
names of the figures involved were wrong. Some did not make a clear distinction that
there were in fact two pledges. There was a general confusion on the number of people
who made the pledges, or details and conditions of the actual pledges themselves.
There seemed to be great focus on the Muslims seeking refuge in Abyssinia and using
this as a means to spread Islam. However, the question asks about the Prophets
activities in spreading Islam outside Makka - the Prophet did not migrate to Abyssinia.
(b) Most of the candidates wrote about the Prophets remarkable magnanimity towards
the people of Taif after the treatment he received from them.
A few also mentioned his perseverance in giving dawah, even though the outcomes
were meager and how Muslims should persevere in doing dawah, despite the negative
outcomes. Many candidates wrote general comments about being forgiving and patient.
5 (a) Trace the events that led up to the Prophets migration (hijra).
[10]
(O/N/09)
For this answer an account should be given about the events before the
prophet migrated to Madina, not the actual journey or events of migration
itself.
Answers could briefly discuss the persecution of the Muslims by the Makkans
and their
migration to Abyssinia which later encouraged them to make the migration to
Yathrib. The boycott of the Banu Hashim clan by the Quraysh followed by the
deaths of Abu Talib and Hazrat Khadije are points that candidates can discuss
when answering this question. Answers could also talk about the prophets
reaction to the loss of protection and his attempts to spread Islam elsewhere.
The prophet met six men in Makka, who had come from Yathrib for the annual

31

pilgrimage. They became Muslim and returned to Makka the following year
with more people who took an oath at Aqaba in 621. The following year more
people came to take the oath with the prophet. They invited the prophet to
come to Yathrib as their leader. The best answers will be able to give details
of the number of pledges, the number of Yathribites/Madinans involved, some
brief details of what was in the pledges, and an indication of the result of the
pledges.
(b) Explain the importance of the Pledges of Aqaba to the Prophet
in the period leading up to the migration.
[4]
Good answers should be able to talk about the prophets vulnerability at this
time, and his attempt to gain support from other places (e.g. in Al-Taif). They
could also mention the tribal system of the time and the difficulties the
prophet faced without protection within this system. Also, the pledges gave
hope to the Muslims and the prophet as they found support and protection
from a different, but willing, source.
Question 5 [ER]
For this Part (a) answer an account had to be given about events before the Prophet
migrated to Madina, not the actual journey. Some candidates did make the mistake of
writing the latter in great detail. Very few discussed the point that the migration to
Abyssinia gave the Prophet and Muslims in general the encouragement to make the
greater migration to Madina. Even from those who mentioned the migration to
Abyssinia, many failed to point out the link that its success encouraged the greater
migration. Candidates should be encouraged to think for themselves and link answers to
the question being asked. Also, in this answer the Pledges of Aqaba had to be discussed
in detail to get good marks. The question was well done on the whole by those who
attempted it.
In Part (b) of this question many focused on writing a detailed account of the Pledges of
Aqaba (even if they had not done so in Part (a) where it would have earned them marks)
which was not what was being asked. Good answers needed to talk of the Prophets
vulnerability at this time and the difficulties he was facing due to lack of tribal support
and how, due to the pledges, the Prophet found support and protection from a different
but willing source.
3 (a) Give an account of the events surrounding the Pledges of
Aqaba and the main details in them.
[10] [O/N/12]
Good answers will be able to provide a detailed and concise narrative of
events that occurred between the Prophet and the people of Yathrib.
Answers could talk about the Prophets attempts to spread Islam outside
Makka without
success. Soon after the events of al-Taif he met six men in Makka, who had
come from
Yathrib for the annual pilgrimage. They became Muslim and returned to
Makka the following year with more people (12) who took an oath at Aqaba

32

in 621 which is known as the First Pledge of Aqaba. Musab bin Umair sent
with them to teach them about Islam. The following year more people came
to take the oath with the Prophet (70). They invited the Prophet to come to
Yathrib as their leader. The Prophet told Muslims to start migrating. Initially
the six men said they would go back and tell people about the Prophet. The
first pledge had details relating to worshipping one God, not stealing,
committing adultery, killing their children, not slandering or disobeying the
Prophet. The second pledge was to listen to and obey the Prophet, to spend in
plenty as well as scarcity, to enjoin good and forbid evil, fear no one but Allah
and defend the Prophet if he needs it.
The best answers will be able to give details of the number of pledges, the
number of
Yathribites/Madinans involved and the names of some key figures, the main
details of what was in the pledges, and an indication of the result of the
pledges.
(b) How were these pledges important for the future community of
Muslims? [4]
Good answers could give some insight as to what important lessons they
provide for
Muslims. Candidates could mention that the pledges set the foundation for a
Muslim community to live in harmony and with religious freedom. They
brought a change to the conditions of the Muslims and allowed Islam to be
established. Ideas in the pledges still hold true for today, like the pledge to
not kill their children.
Question 3

[ER]

(a) This part was generally well answered by most candidates, but few candidates
managed to get to a level four answer. Most candidates were able to mention some of
the key points about the pledges, the number of people who came to Aqaba, and the
subsequent migration. Few candidates were able to give details as to what was pledged
(not taking partners with God, not killing their children, protecting the Prophet, etc.).
Most answers focused on the events at Taif beforehand and the subsequent migration,
with a short paragraph in between about the pledges, and a significant minority of
candidates wrote about the Prophets attempts to spread Islam from the moment he
received revelation. This was not only unnecessary but led to a shift away from what the
actual question was about.
(b) For part (b) most candidates were able to give some reasons as to why the pledges
were important to the future Muslim community, saying that they allowed them religious
freedom which they never had in Makkah, that they allowed Islam to be established and
some candidates were able to relate it to Muslims now, saying that these pledges
allowed Islam to have a base and spread to other places.

33

3 (a) Abu Talib died in 619. Describe the events following this that
led to the Prophets migration (hijra) to Madina.
[10][M/J/2013]
(b) Why was this migration important for the Muslim community?
[4]
(a) For this answer an account should be given about the events before the
Prophet migrated to Madina, not the actual journey or events of migration
itself. Good answers will be able to tell the story fully and concisely, with a
clear starting point (e.g. the death of Abu Talib and the loss of protection for
the Prophet, or they could start from the
failure at Taif), and end point. Answers could talk about the Prophets
reaction to the loss of protection and his attempts to spread Islam elsewhere.
The Prophet met six men in Makka, who had come from Yathrib for the annual
pilgrimage. They became Muslim and returned to Makka the following year
with more people who took an oath at Aqaba in 621. The following year more
people came to take the oath with the Prophet. They invited the Prophet to
come to Yathrib as their leader. In Makka there was a plot to assassinate him,
and eventually there was a sura revealed telling him to migrate.
The best answers will be able to expand and give depth to these events.
(b) Good answers will be able to mention that the difficulties in Makka meant
that Muslims could not freely practice their new faith, and that this new
religion had stopped expanding. They could talk about how the migration
would provide them with an opportunity to expand, and provide religious
freedom. It also made the Prophet the leader of a community allowing Islam
to be established. Candidates can give any number of reasons, but they
should develop the answer to show the importance of what they are saying,
e.g. not by writing: the migration gave the Muslims freedom, but expand on
it by saying they were free from the persecutions or that they could
properly learn and implement the laws. The Prophets life was threatened and
so migrating allowed him to escape further persecution and possible death,
and establish Islam.
[ER] Question 3
(a) A popular question and well answered mostly, although it was important to note that
answers needed to be within the scope of the questions to be credited. Some candidates
described the actual journey from Makka to Madina and the hurdles faced by the Holy
Prophet (pbuh) before he reached Madina. Most candidates gave a good report of the
failure at Taif and the Pledge of Aqaba with accurate dates and figures along with some
of the terms of the pledge. Also the attempt to murder the Prophet (pbuh) and Gods
revelation was discussed by able candidates.
(b) This question was very well answered. The vast majority listed the importance of
migration for the Muslim community, such as to escape persecution, to safeguard the life
of the Prophet (pbuh), in order to be able to practice their religion freely.

34

2 (a) Describe the events that immediately led up to the

Prophets migration, the hijra.
[10] (O/N/05)
(a) Suggest three reasons why he decided to move from
Mecca to Medina.
[6]
(a) [The problem here concerns exactly what events led up to the hijra.
Candidates have to decide when to start the story.]
Muhammad had incurred the enmity of Quraysh by his preaching.
[This is
background and for any general information of this kind allow 1 mark.)]
His wife Khadija and uncle Abu Talib died in 619 leaving him
defenceless.
He sought acceptance by preaching at fairs in Mecca and elsewhere.
A small group from Yathrib (later renamed Medina) listened and
accepted
his preaching.
The next year they swore allegiance to him (the first pact of al`Aqaba,
the oath of women, not involving fighting for him).
The following year 73 men from Yathrib swore to defend him (the
second
Pact of al-`Aqaba). [1 mark, but 2 marks for details of numbers etc.]
Muhammad gradually sent Meccan Muslims north to Yathrib.
He himself went on the same night when the Quraysh planned to
murder
him.
He departed with Abu Bakr.
He left `Ali in his bed as a decoy, and in order to return items people
had
left with him.
The Prophet received a divine instruction to migrate.
(b)
He was defenceless at Mecca, because Abu Lahab the head of his
clan
after Abu Talib's death was his enemy. [1 mark, but 2 marks for full
details.]
His attempts at persuading the people of Mecca to accept his
teachings
had met with little success,
except for a small group of followers.
These followers were under threat, and some had experienced long
persecution.
35

 The people of Medina appeared to welcome him.

They recognized his mission and accepted him as a religious leader.
They also offered him and his followers protection.
Question 2 [ER]
(a) This part was answered very well by many candidates, though some
answers started their account of the hijra from the beginning of revelation. In
descriptive questions, the Examiners look for accuracy and completeness,
and candidates often lose marks by getting basic facts wrong, leaving them
out altogether or even starting their answer from too early a point. This
results in the answer being more general than specific to the question. The
need for planning answers is paramount. There were a few candidates who
wrote about the events in Madinah immediately after the hijra, which again
emphasises the need for the candidates to read the questions properly.
Overall, those candidates who answered this question well showed accurate
details of the events,
particularly those relating to the Pledges of al-Aqaba. (b) Most candidates
were able to give some general comments stating the reasons the Prophet
moved from Makkah to Madinah. However, Examiners were looking for some
elaboration on these points
for candidates to be able to earn the full six marks. Also, some candidates
simply repeated comments made in part (a) in this section. There were some
good answers to this part where candidates expanded on the basic points,
e.g. explaining that the Prophets small group of followers had faced lots of
persecution which was a threat to the development of a Muslim community in
Makkah.
2 (a) Describe the main events of the Prophets migration from
Makka to Madina.
[10] (M/J/08)
(b) Explain why he thought it important to make this journey.
[6]
(a) [Candidates have to decide what the main events are.]
Either Muhammad had incurred the enmity of Quraysh by his preaching
[This is
background and for any general information of this kind allow 1 mark]
Or A small group from Yathrib (later renamed Madina) listened to his
preaching and
invited him to their town [This is also background but more specific, so 1
mark for such
details]
He departed from Makka on the same night that the Quraysh planned to
murder him
He departed with Abu Bakr
He left `Ali in his bed as a decoy/in order to return items people had left
with him

36

 The Makkans sent riders to pursue the two migrants

They took refuge in the Cave of Thawr
The Prophet reassured Abu Bakr who was frightened
Abu Bakr allowed himself to be bitten rather than shout and wake the
sleeping Prophet
A spider wove a web/two birds built a nest over the entrance, which showed
there was
no-one inside
The two made their way to Madina when they knew they were safe
They stayed at Quba on the way to Medina and established the first
mosque/`Ali joined
them there
The people of Medina welcomed the Prophet publicly
The Prophet was given a revelation to leave Makka
(b)
He was in danger of his life in Makka
He had no clan protection
His preaching met with little success
He was assured of acceptance at Madina
Here he might put the teachings he was receiving into effect
His migration was in order to save Islam
[Credit the last point in (a) if not already credited]
Question 2 [ER]
This asked for an account of the Prophets hijra, and the reasons why the hijra was
important for him.
In part (a) candidates were asked for accurate accounts of the Prophets journey north
to Madina. A few marks were allowed for background circumstances, but most were
given for details of the journey itself, including the parts played by Abu Bakr and Ali, the
miracle of the spider and birds at the cave of Thawr, the pursuers from Makka, the halt at
Quba, and the arrival at Madina. A number of candidates gave full and detailed
accounts, but some understood the question to be about the events leading up to the
hijra, or the events that took place after it.
Part (b) was more demanding, asking candidates to reflect on the reasons why this
journey was important for the Prophet. Good answers included points such as: the
danger to his life in Makka, his assurance of acceptance in Madina, his wish to put the
teachings of Islam into effect, the divine instruction to depart. Some candidates wrote
descriptively about the Prophets failure at al-Taif, or gave long accounts of the
pledges of the Madinan pilgrims. However, these were not answers to the question itself
because they did not address the issue of the importance of the journey.

37

5 (a) Outline the main events of the Prophets journey from Makka to
Madina. [10]
(O/N/10)
Candidates should be able to write a detailed narrative tracing the main
events as they
occurred on his journey to Madina. Candidates could give brief background
information relating to the threat in Makka and his departure, and mention by
name the key figures involved in the threat and his departure. They should
mention that he left with his companion Abu Bakr, and give a detailed
account of their journey and their stay in Cave Thawr. They could also
mention their stay at Quba as well as giving some details of their arrival in
Madina. Better answers will be able to mention all the key figures involved,
the events as they unfolded and be able to quote relevant Quranic verses.
(b) What was the significance of this journey for the Muslims?
[4]
For this part, candidates should look to show some reflection and
understanding behind the reasons for leaving Makka, and not repeat the
narrative provided in (a). They could give a basic mention of the threat to the
Prophet and the believers and why there was little success with preaching.
They could mention that the Madinans were inviting him and give reflections
on how his migration saved Islam for future generations any insight shown
as to why the migration was important for that generation of Muslims, as well
as future generations, should be credited.
Question 5 [ER]
(a) Where chosen, this question was answered reasonably well. Excellent answers gave
some brief background information about the threat posed to the Prophet by the
Quraysh, and then gave details about him leaving with Abu Bakr, their stay in the cave
and what happened when the Quraysh pursued them, their stay in Quba and their
reception in Madina, as well as naming the key figures involved and giving some
relevant quotations. Many candidates were able to write about these events, but with
fewer details about what happened or who was involved. There were a few candidates
who wrote about the migration to Abyssinia, and some who focused their answer on
what happened after the Prophet arrived in Madina.
(b) This part of the question was well answered with many candidates being able to
show some insight into why it was important for the Muslim community to migrate.

3 (a) Give an account of the hijra of the Prophet from Makka to Madina.

[10]

(b) What is the significance of the Prophet establishing mosques as a first task after the
hijra? [
4][M/J/2014]

38

(a) For this answer an account should be given about the events of the actual journey; only brief
mention should be made about events before the Prophet left Makka and his arrival in
Madina.
Year is 622; in Makka there was a plot to assassinate the Prophet; Quraysh met at Dar alNadwa; a man from each tribe was sent to kill the Prophet; Jibril came giving the Prophet
Gods permission to migrate; Muslims had started to migrate; Abu Bakr, Ali and the Prophet
were left; the Quraysh came to the Prophets house to kill him at night, v8.30; the Prophet
told Ali to sleep in his bed; the Prophet came out of his house and threw dust at the
assassins, v36.9; Abu Bakr went with him; they took refuge in Cave Thawr; Abu Bakr went in
to make sure it was clean and safe; Abu Bakrs foot was stung by an insect; they stayed in
the cave three nights; Abu Bakrs son and daughter visited them; the Quraysh set a price of
100 camels for their capture; some reached the mouth of the cave; the Prophet reassured
Abu Bakr; Suraqa almost caught up with them but his horse kept stumbling; they stopped in
Quba; stayed there for four days; they established a mosque; Ali caught up with them here;
they arrived in Madina and the people welcomed the Prophet; he stayed with Ayyub alAnsari; his camel showed them the place to build his mosque.
The best answers will be able to expand and give depth to these events, and whilst not all of
the above needs to be mentioned, highest level answers will describe and elaborate on most
of these details.
(b) Mosques are the centre of a community; they allow people to meet and to worship God; the
Prophet established a mosque in Quba to emphasise this; it was also because they were
now free to worship together and in the open, unlike in Makka; establishing a mosque in
Madina provided a focal point for the Muslims.
[ER]
Question 3
(a) This was generally well answered by most candidates, and was a popular choice from the
optional questions.
Weaker answers focused on the persecution of the Muslims, wrote about the migration to
Abyssinia, or gave a brief description of the migration then went on to write at length about the
construction of the mosque, etc. on arrival in Madina.
Good answers discussed the events of the migration in chronological order, the main personalities
and their roles in the migration, and provided accurate and relevant Quranic quotations.
(b) Where this was well answered, candidates wrote about the first mosques being a sign of the
importance of prayer, that Muslims now had the freedom to worship which was denied in Makka,
and that it was the focal point to unite the early community and promote Islam.

3 (a) Write about the events of the first year following the Prophets
arrival in Madina.
[10]
[M/J/2013]

39

(b) What lessons can Muslims learn from the brotherhood that was
created in Madina?
[4]
(a) Good answers will be able to provide a detailed and concise narrative of
events that occurred once the Prophet arrived in Madina, and not the events
of his journey.
Candidates could write about how on arrival from Quba, the Prophet was
greeted joyfully by the people of Yathrib, with children singing as he arrived.
As the Prophet passed through the city many people requested that he stay
with them, but he told them his she-camel would make the decision. They
could also mention where the camel stopped and that the Prophet purchased
the land where the mosque would be built, as well as mentioning that he
stayed with Ayyub al- Ansari while the mosque and his house were being
built. He himself took part in the construction. Other points could be that a
treaty was made with the Jews and that the Ansar and Muhajirun were made
brothers. The adhan was introduced. The city was re-named Madina tun-Nabi.
Excellent answers will expand on these points and give an in-depth narrative.
(b) Candidates could write about the concept of sharing their wealth and
family and giving up material possessions, welcoming other people, in
particular other Muslims, into their lives, creating unity, and/or about equality.
Good answers will be able to give a thoughtful answer as to the merits the
brotherhood created, and how they can be relevant to the lives of Muslims.
[ER]
Question 3
(a) This was a popular and well answered question. Good responses gave details about
the building of the first mosque and referenced events within a time frame from first
arrival to the end of the first year. Battles such as Badr came after this time period so
were not relevant in this answer.
(b) Again, this question was well answered and candidates expanded on the theme of
forming good relations with others, just as the first Muslims in Medina formed strong ties
of brotherhood with their fellow inhabitants of the city.

5 (a) Write about the brotherhood that developed between the new
community of Muslims in Madina.
[10][O/N/2013]
(b) How is this brotherhood a good example for Muslim communities
now? [4]
(a) Candidates should be able write about the brotherhood created by the
Prophet in Madina between the Ansar and Muhajirun. Good answers will be
able to write about the first Muslim community in Madina, saying who the
Ansar and Muhajirun were, giving brief details about the emigrants and their

40

difficulties in Makka. They could mention how the emigrants arrived in

Madina without many belongings. The people of Madina (the Aws and Khazraj
tribes), who had invited the Prophet to their city, were happy to welcome the
migrating Muslims. To unite the two groups, the Prophet made them brothers,
pairing each of the Ansar with the Muhajirun. Candidates could mention
some of the companions who were made brothers of each other, e.g. Abdul
Rahman ibn Awf was made the brother of Saad ibn Al-Rabee (of the Ansar);
the Prophet took Ali as his brother. In this way the Madinans gave protection
and material assistance to their Makkan brothers. The Makkans gave spiritual
support to the Madinans, by virtue of the fact they had spent time with the
Prophet. The Makkans did not want to be a burden on their hosts as they
were used to being traders and so wanted to carry on their work in Madina
(e.g. Abu Bakr). Candidates could give details of this relationship using
examples of what they shared, and how their relationship developed.
Candidates could also make reference to any Quranic ayat relating to these
events (9:20; 9:100).
(b) Answers here should reflect upon the relationship between these two
groups and write about how it can be relevant to Muslim communities.
Candidates could write about being selfless, sharing material belongings with
others (whether to friends/family or charity), or they could mention giving
loyalty and protection to others. Good answers will not only give reference to
these qualities but will say how they can help improve the Muslim community.
[ER]

Question 5
(a) This question on the brotherhood between the migrants and helpers was
averagely answered as many answers lacked details of the actual support given
by each side. Many answers focused on the migration to Madina and left little
time to write about the brotherhood that developed.
(b) There was not much evaluation in this question with most answers saying
that Muslims should help each other and share their belongings with each other.
Better answers said that Muslims should help feed and clothe those who are
escaping persecution in neighboring countries and ensure that they are looked
after and not living in poverty.
4 (a) The Prophet paired Muslims from Makka and from Madina
after the migration (hijra). Give examples to show the
character of the relationship between various Emigrants and
Helpers.
[10]
(b) Today Muslims often seek refuge in neighbouring countries.
Show how the example of the Emigrants and Helpers can still
provide a model today.
[4][M/J/2015]

41

(a) Candidates should be able to say who the al-Ansar (Helpers) were
and who the al-Muhajirun (Emigrants) were. Good answers will be able
to write about the first Muslim community in Madina, giving brief
details about the emigrants and their difficulties in Makka. They could
mention how the emigrants arrived in Madina without many
belongings. The Muslims of Madina (mainly from the Aws and Khazraj
tribes), who had invited the Prophet to their city, were happy to
welcome the migrating Muslims. To unite the two groups, the Prophet
made them brothers, pairing each of the Ansar with the Muhajirun. The
Prophet took Ali as his brother. Sad bin ar-Rabi and Abdur Rahman bin
Awf were made brothers and Sad was willing to share half his property
and divorce his wife for Abdur Rahman to marry. He refused, preferring
to work himself. The Ansar wanted to share their date palms with the
Muhajirun but the Muhajirun refused, so the Ansar offered them to
work in their orchards and in return they were given
dates. In this way the Madinans gave protection and material
assistance to their Makkan brothers and the Makkans came with their
faith to share and spread in Madina. Candidates should give details of
this relationship using examples of what they shared, and how their
relationship developed.
Candidates could also make reference to any Quranic ayats relating to
these events (9:20; 9:100; 9:117; 59:89).
The best answers will write about the character of the relationship in
terms of cooperation and selflessness, etc.
(b) Candidates can provide any examples that are relevant but should
develop the answers they give and not just provide statements.
They could say that Muslims should look to people coming to their
country and
neighbourhood from other places, especially if they have had to leave
their belongings behind, e.g. from Afghanistan or Syria, and should
help provide them with food and shelter if they can. Muslims should
always look to what they have and what they can offer other people
who are in need, like warm clothes in the winter. Giving up extra items
has more reward than keeping them and will create better relations in
the community.
[ER/11]

42

2 (a) Give descriptions of the main events of the battles of Badr and
Uhud. [12]
(b) Explain why the people of Makka fought against the Muslims of
Madina. [4]
(M/J/06)
(a) Badr occurred in 624, the second year after the hijra.
The Muslims had heard of a Makkan caravan passing near Madina, and they
waited
for it near the wells of Badr.
The caravan summoned troops from Makka.
The two armies were badly mismatched, 300 Muslims against over 1000
Makkans.
Despite the odds the Muslims won.
The Prophet surprised everyone by treating the captured Makkans
honourably.
The Muslims saw in the victory Gods support for their cause, when he sent
angels to
help them.
Uhud occurred in 625.
An army of 3000 from Makka came to destroy the Muslims.
The Prophets army was smaller, and was decreased further by the
desertion of some
Madinans.
In the fighting the Muslims gained the upper hand.
But then some Muslims who had been ordered to guard a pass left their
posts for
spoils.
Some Makkans saw an advantage and attacked from behind.
The Muslims were nearly defeated and some leading men killed.
The Prophet himself was injured.
The Muslims realised they should obey the Prophet.
(b) They could see that the Muslims were a threat.
They threatened their livelihood since they might attack their caravans.
They also threatened their religion with their belief in only one God.

43

 They saw Islam as a threat to their leadership in Arabia.

Question 2 [ER]
(a) Good answers would have given the dates of the two battles, the circumstances
immediately before them, the main events of the battles, and the aftermath.
Many answers contained most major elements of the battles, and a good number of high
marks were gained for this part. Some candidates clearly knew the events of the battles
thoroughly, but some omitted to mention such details as the numbers of the two sides at
Badr, the way in which the prisoners after Badr were treated, and the effects of the
reversal at Uhud.
(b) Some answers to this were excellent, explaining the threat the Muslims were thought
to pose to Makkan trade, the differences in religion between the two sides, the threat
they saw to their leading position in Arabia. However, these answers were in a clear
minority, and some candidates appeared to have no idea why these battles took place,
suggesting they had learnt the facts without understanding their significance.
Question 2 [ER]
(O/N/03)
The majority of candidates appeared to know a great deal about these two
battles, and many scored highly in part (a). The best answers carefully
described what happened in the battles, and included such details as their
dates and the names of leading individuals whose actions are remembered.
There were some excellent answers to (b), containing comments on the
religious and economic reasons for the hostility of the Meccans to the Prophet
and their fears for their own position in Arabia. Most candidates were able to
give some reasons for the enmity based on religious differences.

3 (a) Give an account of the battles of Khandaq (Trench) and Khaybar

[10] [M/J/12]
(b) What lessons can Muslims learn from either of these battles?
[4]
(a) Good answers will be able to give relevant details of both battles with
dates and names of keys figures involved, being careful to avoid general
answers that could be attributed to any battle fought in the Prophets
lifetime. Khandaq: took place in 627; Banu Nadir had broken their treaty
agreements and planned to kill the Prophet; they planned an attack with the
Makkans and gathered an army of 10 000; Salman al-Farsi suggested the
Muslims dig a trench to keep the army out; hypocrites in Madina joined the
Makkans; the army could not get in and after a storm which prevented them
from fighting, the siege ran into weeks and they eventually gave up; there
were only minor squirmishes; Banu Qurayza were punished for their
treachery. Khaybar: fought in 629 against the Jews who had broken their
agreements with the Muslims; a small Muslim army caught the oasis by
surprise; captured 2 forts then went for main fort of Qamus, which was
heavily guarded; the Prophet sent Ali, who is said to have moved a door by

44

himself which would have taken 4050 men to move; he was given the title of
Lion of Allah; Jewish leader was killed; Jews requested they stay in the oasis
and in return give half their produce to the Muslims.
Excellent answers will expand on these points and give an in-depth narrative.
(b) There could be various answers given for this part and any relevant and
detailed answers should be credited accordingly. Some suggestions of what
candidates could write are, that in times of difficulty to keep hope like when
the Muslims were hungry and weak during the battle of Khandaq and Khaybar
(allowance was made to eat non-halal food if there was no other option);
Muslims should remain strong and patient and work hard for their victory;
despite victory, Muslims should remain fair and trustworthy (keeping their
promise to the Jews to allow them to remain in Khaybar); they should have
faith in God at all times; it is important to be open to suggestions from others
(e.g. the Prophet taking advice from Salman al-Farsi).
Question 3

[ER] [M/J/2012]

(a) This part was generally well answered by most candidates, and was a popular choice
from the optional questions. Candidates gave many accurate facts about the battles and
the best answers addressed both battles in equal proportion. Accounts of Khandaq
tended to be more accurate. It was important for candidates to know the details about
each battle and not confuse details. Good answers went into considerable detail about
Khandaq and were able to illustrate the antecedents of the conflicts and why a new
tactic of warfare had to be tried and the role of Salman al-Farsi in suggesting the idea of
a trench. Some mention of the hardships the Muslims endured was noted, the betrayal
of Jewish tribes and the behaviour of the hypocrites, with some candidates being able to
give Quranic references. Khaybar tended to be not so explicitly treated, however most
made mention of Qamus and Ali killing the Jewish warrior. It was important to write
about the main events of the battles, and to go into detail. It was also important not to
confuse these battles with others, e.g. Uhud and the conquest of Makka.
(b) For part (b) most candidates recognised that the skill was to evaluate the lessons to
be learned and interpret how they might be applied in life. The majority of candidates
successfully identified what should be admired about the behaviour of the Muslims or the
Prophet but did not complete the second half of the answer about how these lessons
might be applied. Some good answers mentioned the importance of Shura. Others
mentioned the ijma and taking the opinion of others. The majority of candidates
discussed the importance of faith and patience. A few candidates mentioned the
allowance made by the Prophet to eat non-halal food. The best answers for part (b)
went beyond simple conclusions about the battles and expanded on these in detail
applied to modern situations.
4 (a) Write about the main events of the battles of Khaybar and Muta.

[10]

(b) Choose one of these battles and explain why it was important for the Muslims of
Madina to fight in it?
[4] [M/J/2014]
(a) Khaybar: fought in 628 (7AH) against the Jews who had broken their agreements with the
Muslims; Muslim army caught the city by surprise; Ali was given the banner to carry; Muslims
attacked the first fort of Naim; this was taken and the Muslims carried on until they reached the

45

most powerful fort, An-Nizar; Ali is said to have moved a door by himself which would have
taken many men to move; Jewish leader was killed; Jews requested they stay in the oasis and
in return give half their produce to the Muslims; battle strengthened the Muslims and the
Prophets leadership.
Muta: this was the fiercest battle during the Prophets lifetime; fought in 629 (8AH); The
Prophet had sent Al-Harith bin Umair al-Azdi carrying a letter to the ruler of Basra; he was
intercepted and killed by the governor of al-Balqa; the Prophet mobilised an army of 3000
men; people near the scene of al-Hariths murder would be invited to Islam and if they
accepted no battle would ensue; Zaid bin Haritha was to lead the army, Jafar bin Abi Talib
would replace him, and Abdullah bin Rawaha would replace Jafar if he fell; Heraclius sent
100 000 troops with another 100 000 from tribes allied to the Byzantines; Zaid led the battle
until he was fatally stabbed; Jafar succeeded him and both his hands were cut off; then
Abdullah took the banner and he too was killed; Khalid bin Walid stepped up to take
leadership and showed his skills as a strategist; the Muslims gradually retreated and the
Byzantines, thinking they were entrapped, stopped their pursuit allowing the Muslims to incur
minimal casualties; the Muslims did not avenge al-Hariths murder but they proved they were
a force to be reckoned with.
Not all of the above needs to be mentioned, but most of points should be made as well as
development of the points to give depth to the answer.
(b) Candidates should only choose one battle to write about and should attempt to give reasons
why the Muslims needed to engage in that battle.
Khaybar: As peaceful settlements were not accepted, the Prophet had to carry out a military
campaign to prevent further disruptions upon the Muslims from these parts, as they did not
want to be continually fighting in minor skirmishes. It was therefore a matter of survival for
the Muslim community. Had they not fought, it could have led to insecurity as they would not
have known when the next attack would come from there. It was also important as God had
promised them abundant spoils from this campaign (sura 48.20).
Muta: At that time, killing envoys and messengers was considered a terrible crime, and
amounted to a declaration of war. The Prophet therefore had to respond otherwise the
Muslims would have looked weak had they ignored such a clear threat. Ignoring the killing of
envoys would have led to their reputation being challenged, and the battle also showed that
they were a serious presence that was emerging out of Arabia.
Candidates should draw principles from the details they have written such as fighting
for security of Islam, believing Gods promises, showing strength, defending honour, etc.
[ER]
Question 4
(a) This was the least popular of the optional questions and was answered reasonably well. Good
answers described each battle in detail, mentioned the numerical aspect of each battle, gave
accurate details about the main individuals involved and their roles, as well as providing the
reasons for the battle and the outcomes. Where it was not well answered candidates mixed up
details of the battles and often wrote about one battle in depth, with very little about the other
one. Regarding the battle of Muta the majority of candidates incorrectly said that the Muslims
won this battle.

46

(b) This was reasonably well answered, with most candidates writing about Khaybar and saying
that the Muslims had to fight to ensure stability. Few mentioned the financial gains from this
campaign.

4 (a) Write about the main events of two of the following

battles: Khaybar, Muta, Hunain, Tabuk.
[10]
(b) Choose one of the four battles mentioned and explain what
Muslim leaders now can learn from it.
[4][M/J/2015]
(a) Khaybar: fought in 628 (7AH) against the Jews who had broken
their agreements with the Muslims; Muslim army caught the city by
surprise; Ali was given the banner to carry; Muslims attacked the first
fort of Naim; this was taken and the Muslims carried on until they
reached the most powerful fort,
An-Nizar/Qamus; Ali is said to have moved a door by himself which
would
have taken many men to move; Jewish leader was killed; Jews
requested they stay in the oasis and in return give half their produce to
the Muslims; battle strengthened the Muslims and the Prophets
leadership.
Muta: this was the fiercest battle during the Prophets lifetime; fought
in 629 (8AH); The Prophet had sent Al-Harith bin Umair al-Azdi
carrying a letter to the ruler of Basra; he was intercepted and killed by
the governor of al-Balqa; the Prophet mobilised an army of 3000 men;
people near the scene of al-Hariths murder would be invited to Islam
and if they accepted no battle would ensue; Zaid bin Haritha was to
lead the army, Jafar bin Abu Talib would replace him, and Abdullah bin
Rawaha would replace Jafar if he fell; Heraclius sent 100,000 troops
with another 100,000 from tribes allied to the Byzantines; Khalid bin
Walid stepped up to take leadership and showed his skills as a
strategist; the Muslims gradually retreated and the Byzantines,
thinking they were entrapped, stopped their pursuit allowing the
Muslims to incur minimal casualties.
Hunain: The sects of Hawazin and Thaqif did not want to submit to
Islam so they decided to fight against the Muslims; the Prophet
marched to meet them with 12,000 men; the enemy were already
waiting for the Muslim army, hiding and waiting to hurl stones and
arrows at them; when this happened, the enemy attack became fierce
and the Muslims started to retreat; the Prophet called his troops back
and they went on to defeat the army; because their leader Malik bin

47

Awf had told everyone to take their families and belongings with them,
the Muslims captured huge spoils of war. This battle is mentioned in
sura tawba, v25.
Tabuk: took place in 9AH; the Byzantines were wary of the growing
Muslim power and wanted to defeat them before they became too big
or powerful to conquer; the Nabateans brought news to Madina of a big
and powerful army that Heraclius was preparing; the Prophet made a
decision to go to war and meet the Byzantines on their border; they
marched to Tabuk with 30,000 men; the Muslims had donated
generously for this expedition; they faced many hardships on the way;
once at Tabuk they stayed some days, but the Byzantine army did not
arrive; the Prophet took control of some of the tribes on the border; on
return to Madina the Muslims reputation as a powerful force reached
far and wide, and many delegations came to visit him after this event.
Not all of the above needs to be mentioned, but most of points should
be made as well as development of the points to give depth to the
answer.
(b) Candidates can choose any battle to write about, even if they have
not written about it in part (a). They can offer a number of lessons for
Muslim leaders, but they should try to give detail/explain their answers
in an evaluative manner.
[ER/12]

48

3 (a) Describe the events of two of the battles fought by the Prophet
while he was leader of the community at Madina.
[10] (M/J/09)
Candidates may choose any two battles, but will probably write on Badr,
Uhud or Khandaq (the Trench). Some may choose Hunayn or Khaybar.
Whichever two battles candidates choose, they should be able to name them
and describe them in detail giving dates and important points. Better answers
will also narrate the events as they unfolded rather than giving confused
details; excellent answers will give an in-depth narrative.
(b) How does his conduct in one of these battles provide a model for Muslims
today when they face difficulties? [4]
Answers could give an account of the part played by the Prophet in the
particular battle they choose to talk about. Good answers could identify the
qualities shown by the Prophet by his actions in the battle, his reaction to
danger or his enemies and draw some conclusion from it, e.g. Muslims today
should act like this when they face an enemy. Excellent answers could be
able to identify and discuss how these qualities can be transferred to
situations today, and give an example of how Muslims may follow his way of
acting. There may also be a relevant quote from Quran or Hadith.
Question 3 [ER]
This question was a popular choice with candidates out of the three optional
questions.
(a) Overall this part was answered well, with most candidates choosing to
talk about the battles of Badr and Uhud and giving good, detailed information
about them. Some candidates also chose to work on the Battle of Khandaq.
There were a few unusual answers with the battle of Mutah, Hunain,
Conquest of Makkah and Tabuk as well which were not well thought out
enough to gain higher marks. Lower level answers wrote inaccurately or
padded out their answer with irrelevant detail. (b) Answers for this part often
failed to achieve the higher levels because they were too general. So
although many candidates were able to pick out the Prophets conduct from
one battle, e.g. his
patience, they were not able to relate it to their own lives or current affairs.
The best answers showed a mature reflection on behaviour and attitude to
events today rather than just a general comment about behaviour.

4 (a) Describe the Prophets conduct as leader in two of the battles

he fought in.
[10]
(O/N/2011)
Candidates can mention his conduct in any two battles, but should remain
focused on the Prophets conduct rather than giving a narrative of the whole
battle. Basic answers will describe the actual events in which the Prophet

49

took part. Better answers will describe his conduct as leader rather than
focussing on the actual events of the battles.
Some points that candidates should mention include: that the Prophet
constantly turned to God for help, that he would take opinions from others, he
was patient and did not fight out of anger, that he treated captives/prisoners
of war well, and that he took part in all the battles himself. Candidates could
also mention other points as long as they are relevant to the battles and to
his position as leader. Good answers will be able to relate examples and
events and give the names of the battles they happened in.
(b) What can Muslim leaders today learn from the Prophets conduct
in their relations with other states?
[4]
Good answers here will be able to take at least one of the examples of the
Prophets conduct and show some evaluation of how that conduct is relevant
to modern lives and in particular the way in which Muslim leaders deal with
others. Candidates should show how the Prophets way of dealing with things
is still relevant today.
Question 4 [ER]
(a) This was a popular one of the optional questions, but was not well answered. It was
not to give an account of two battles, but rather to give an account of the Prophets
conduct in two battles. This difference was picked up by only a few candidates.
Many gave a thorough narrative of the whole battles (usually Badr and Uhud) but very
few wrote about the Prophets conduct as leader in detail. Candidates did write about the
fact that the Prophet turned to God for help in the battle of Badr, and took opinions from
others in the battle of Uhud but again not in detail. A few candidates wrote about the
Prophets treatment of captives. Good candidates focused on the strategies the Prophet
employed during the battles, e.g. having numerical inferiority but remaining strong and
boosting comrades, emphasising the rules of engagement, always acting in defense
never instigating the war, praying to God for help, consulting companions and accepting
other viewpoints, and treating prisoners of war well.
(b) Answers to this part varied. Very good answers included the lessons derived from the
Prophets conduct with other states and contemporized these lessons by, for example,
linking it to the relations between Pakistan and India. Those candidates that offered
evaluation gave good comparisons and examples.
a) Describe the events of the Conquest of Makka.
[M/J/2013]

[10]

(b) Why are the actions of the Prophet after the conquest important
for Muslims to learn from?
[4]

50

(a) Good answers should be able to narrate the story of the events of the
Conquest of Makka, leading up to it and immediately after, and give detailed
information as well as name the key figures involved. Details and accuracy
will take candidates up the levels.
The Quraysh had broken the terms of the Treaty of Hudaybiyah, by attacking
Banu Khuzaah who had allied with the Muslims. Realising the seriousness of
the situation the Quraysh sent Abu Sufyan to ensure the treaty was intact,
but he left Madina without doing so. After making preparations for war, the
Prophet set out with 10,000 soliders. Abu Sufyan became Muslim and his
house was made a safe place. The Prophet entered Makka, with there being
only minor squirmishes, and destroyed the idols. Apart from nine people, the
Quraysh were pardoned, including Wahshi and Hind.
(b) Candidates could write about the Prophets destruction of the idols, or the
forgiveness he showed to his enemies. Candidates should expand on the
significance of any of these events, and how Muslims can learn from them or
apply them in their own lives. They could, e.g., write about the importance of
forgiving people who have wronged/hurt you, even if their actions were awful,
just as the Prophet forgave Wahshi and Hind, as it is better to forgive than
hold animosity in your heart.
[ER]
Question 4
(a) The events of the conquest of Makka were generally described well and in detail by
candidates who attempted this question. Good answers began with the breaking of the
treaty of Hudaybiyah and narrated the events through, in order, to the destroying of the
idols in the Kaba and the pardoning of Wahshi and Hind.
(b) Many candidates drew points about the Prophets forgiveness of his enemies from
the conquest, and how Muslims today should be patient when facing difficulties then
forgive their enemies when they overcome them. Some drew parallels from zones of
conflict including Muslims in the modern world.

4 (a) Write about the Prophet Muhammads interaction with nonMuslims in Madina.
[10]
[M/J/2013]
(b) What can Muslims learn from this interaction?
[4]
(a) Candidates should only write about the Prophets interaction with nonMuslims once he had migrated to Madina, and not write about events before
this time.
Candidates could write about how the Prophet made a Constitution for the
citizens of
Madina, including non-Muslims, about their rights and responsibilities as part
of the

51

community. The non-Muslims had the following rights: equal political and
cultural rights,
autonomy and freedom of religion; they would fight with the Muslims against
the enemy of the community and have the same responsibilities in war as
others.
The Prophet was always fair in his dealings with the non-Muslims, e.g. when a
Muslim and non-Muslim were having a dispute, the Prophet sided with the
non-Muslim as it was the just thing to do. Candidates could also talk about
the various Jewish tribes, and how their relationships developed with the
Prophet over time, as well as his relationship with the hypocrites in Madina.
(b) Candidates should show some reflection on the situations they have
described in part (a) and relate them to their own personal relationships with
non-Muslims, or the relationship of Muslims in general with non-Muslims.
They could talk about the moral significance of the Prophets actions and this
should be used to highlight Muslim conduct. A clear parallel should be drawn
between the Prophets example and related situations, and specific examples
given.
Question 4 [ER]
(a) It is important for candidates to distinguish between religious and tribal affiliation and
the complexity between the two. Some candidates answered on the assumption that
non-Muslims meant Jewish tribes and the tribal conflict which ensued. Such answers
were limited as there was so much more that could have been written.
There were some who explained well the different clauses of the Charter of Madina
with non-Muslims and relations with the 3 Jewish tribes. The treatment of the hypocrites
under the leadership of Abdullah bin Ubayy was also well explained. Only a few
mentioned the relationship with the Christians of Najran and the Prophets show of
respect in day-to day life, such as standing when a funeral bier of a Jew passed by, and
taking the side of the oppressed Jew. Some discussed the interaction with non-Muslims
in Makka as well, detailing the different battles, and the Treaty of Hudaibiyah and
conquest of Makka.
(b) This was a relatively well answered question with candidates saying that Muslims
have to be patient, tolerant and protect the rights of non-Muslims in their daily lives,
treating them as equals and showing respect to them.
2 (a) Outline the changes in the Prophet's relations with the Jewish
tribes
and the hypocrites' in Medina in the years between 622 and 632.
[12]
(b) Suggest reasons why his relations with the Jewish tribes
changed.
[4]
(M/J/04)
(a) [Ensure that marks are divided between comments on the Jewish tribes
and the

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munafiqun, hypocrites.]
At first the Prophet treated all parts of Medinan society equally.
He devised the Covenant of Medina as an agreement in which all in Medina,
Muslims, non-Muslim Arabs and Jews, were given privileges and
responsibilities. (2 marks for a detailed comment here)
Gradually the Jews distanced themselves from him: they persistently
mocked
the revelations, and doubted his claims to prophethood.
Muhammad expelled the three major tribes in three stages after they
showed
treachery in fighting and sided with the Quraysh. (up to 3 marks for dates
and
full details)
These tribes were Qaynuqa', Qurayza and Nadir. (1 mark for all three
names)
He punished them for their treachery. (2 marks for details)
There remained Medinans who did not become sincere Muslims or
acknowledge Muhammad.
They showed their disloyalty most strongly in withdrawing when the
Quraysh
attack led to the battle of Uhud.
They remained persistent opponents of Muhammad.
The Muslims later attacked the banished Jews in their fortress at Khaybar.
(b)
He gradually became aware that the Jews did not respect his position.
They refused to acknowledge that he was a Prophet like the one in their
scriptures.
They openly made fun of him, especially when the qibla was changed.
An important turning point was when they subjected a Muslim woman to
public
humiliation.
They broke the Covenant by not defending Medina.
Their treachery in conspiring with the Quraysh threatened the security of
Medina.
This was also a threat to the survival of Islam.
Question 2 [ER]
This question is nearly always concerned with the life and significance of the
Prophet. In this paper it asked about the period of his life in Medina, and
Examiners were looking for accurate accounts of his relations with the three
major Jewish tribes and with the non-Muslim Arabs of the oasis. In part (a),
they credited factual details about the developments that took place,
including the names of the tribes and their changes in
conduct that led to their exclusion, and also the main actions of the nonMuslim Arabs against the interests of the Muslims.

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In part (b), they credited precise reasons for the deterioration in relations
between the Muslims and Jews from the time of the Covenant of Medina to
the attack on the fortress of Khaybar, including their mocking of the Prophet
and his followers, their siding with the Meccans and their breaking of the
Covenant. In answers to part (a), most candidates showed impressively
detailed knowledge of the exploits of the Jews in Medina, though many
thought that the Covenant of Medina was no more a treaty made specifically
between the Prophet and the Jews in which he allowed them freedom. When
teaching this aspect of the Prophets life, teachers should make clear the true
nature of this Covenant, which was intended to include all the tribes and
clans in the oasis in an equal agreement with shared privileges and
responsibilities, with the Jews named among them. Many candidates said
almost nothing about the hypocrites, those Medinan Arabs who appeared
reluctant to side with the Muslims and withdrew their support at Uhud. This is
strange, given that in past years when a question on Uhud has appeared
candidates have usually written a great deal about the force that withdrew
from the Prophets army before the battle, giving its number and the names
of its leaders.
In answers to part (b), many candidates were able to give four good reasons
for the change in the Prophets relations with the Jewish tribes, most
importantly their siding with the Meccans and desertion of their Covenant
obligations. However, there were, unfortunately, many critical and insulting
remarks about the Jewish tribes of Medina. Few candidates appeared to be
aware that one reason for the change in relations
was that the Prophet gradually saw that his proclamation was not accepted
by the Jews as agreeing with theirs. This is a religious rather than political
reason.

4 (a) Describe the events of the final year of the Prophets life. [10]
[O/N/2013]
In 10AH, the Prophet performed his final pilgrimage; at Arafah he addressed
the people
gathered there; this is considered his farewell speech, in which he indicated
he may not be there the following year; he also gave instructions relating to
unlawful shedding of blood; usury was forbidden; the obligation towards
looking after wives was emphasised as well as the kind treatment of women;
equality of humankind was emphasised; brotherhood was established; he told
them the Quran and sunna were left for them, and mentioned the five pillars;
then the verses 5.3 were revealed (today your religion has been perfected);
the Prophet completed his pilgrimage and returned to Madina; he increased
his seclusion; Jibril reviewed the Quran twice with him; his illness began 13
days before his death; he moved into Aishas apartment for the last week; he
continued leading the prayers and would give the congregation advice; he
called for Fatima, Hassan and Hussain and his wives; Abu Bakr led prayers in

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the last days; the Prophet passed away on 12 th Rabi al-Awwal, 11AH. Shia
candidates may say that on the way back from Makka the Prophet chose Ali
as his successor.
Candidates could go on to mention the grief of the Companions and the
speech that Abu
Bakr gave them to remind them about worshipping God, but it is not
necessary for a full
answer.
Not everything mentioned above is required, but answers must show
development of the
main events written about to be able to go up to the higher levels.

(b) Explain how any two teachings given in the Prophets Farewell
Sermon can help Muslim communities today.
[4]
The last sermon is considered a summary of the main elements of faith, as it
includes the five pillars, equality of humankind, ethics and morality. It can be
used in relation to many modern day issues such as racism, inequality of
women, the financial structure (dealing in interest), adultery, responsibility of
actions (particularly in crimes), treating other Muslims as brothers, treating
slaves/servants well, and worshipping God.
Candidates can choose any two of these to write about but should elaborate
on how these points in the sermon can address and solve current issues.
[ER] Question 4

(a) This was averagely answered with candidates ether focussing on the final
sermon or the Prophets time in Madina after that.
Most candidates were able to write about a couple of the lessons from the Final
Sermon, mainly the treatment of wives or slaves. The more able candidates
managed to quote most of the sermon and also went on to describe the
Prophets illness and final days in Madina. A significant number wrote about the
Conquest of Makka, or some of the other battles in the later years of the
Prophets life.
(b) Candidates wrote about treating wives and slaves/servants well, but many of
the answers were general.

2. (a) Outline four of the Prophet's personal qualities that make him
a model for Muslims to follow.
[4 x 3] (O/N/06)
(b) Choosing two of these qualities, give one example in each case to show
how Muslims can put them into practice in their own lives. [2 x 2]

55

(a) [Look for four of the Prophet's qualities that can be a model for Muslims.
Do not give marks for qualities unique to the Prophet, e.g. that he is a
blessing for humankind.
In each case award 1 mark for:
identification of the quality,
examples of how it was shown in the Prophet's life,
possible supporting quotations from the Hadith, Qur'an and remarks of his
Companions.]
(b) [In each case:
Give 1 mark for the basic outline of a Muslim putting the chosen quality into
practice.
Give a further 1 mark for an example fully worked through.]
Question 2 [ER]
(a) This part was answered reasonably well by many candidates, although
equally, many candidates wrote about the same quality more than once,
thereby losing out on vital marks. Good answers would have chosen four
specific qualities, given a different example for each of them from the
Prophets life (rather than a general description of the quality) and included a
quotation for each quality. Some examples of the types of qualities Examiners
look for are: honest/truthful, forgiving/merciful and trustworthy, but not that
the Prophet prayed all his prayers or learnt the Quran by heart. Many
candidates did not realise that honesty and truthfulness were in effect the
same quality, and so gave similar examples under two separate headings. A
few candidates also
confused some of the stories from the life of the Prophet resulting in the
wrong example being given for a chosen quality. Other candidates did not
realise that truthful and trustworthy are different qualities and so used them
interchangeably.
In descriptive questions candidates often do not gain marks by getting basic
facts wrong or by allowing themselves to become distracted by what they
have just written. This results in the answer being more general than specific
to the question, or it results in the candidates not completing the question.
For example, some candidates wrote about two/three qualities of the Prophet
and gave many examples of these qualities, but were unable to gain more
marks because they overlooked the need to mention another one/two
qualities. The need for planning answers is paramount.
(b) There were some good answers to this part, but many candidates did not
show how the two chosen qualities could be applied to their own lives/the
modern world and instead repeated examples of how these qualities were
shown in the Prophets life. Excellent answers showed, for example, how
honesty can be used in school/at work no matter what the consequences, and
then went on to give an example of how students should not lie about their
homework if they have not done it. This kind of answer shows that the

56

candidate has thought about the relevancy of these qualities in their own
lives, which is what the evaluative part of each question often looks for.
3 (a) Describe three qualities of the Prophet Muhammad that make
him a model for
humankind.
[10]
[O/N/12]
Candidates can write about any three qualities of the Prophet that show how
he can be a role model for others. Examples they can choose are: his
forgiveness, for example when he forgave his enemies after the conquest of
Makka and his mercy, for example when he went to preach at al-Taif, he
showed mercy to the inhabitants when the Angel Jibrail offered to crush them
between the mountains [there has to be a clear distinction between
forgiveness and mercy for them to be two separate qualities, otherwise they
should only be counted as one]; his fairness, for example when he judged in a
favour of a Jew over a Muslim during a disagreement between the two; his
patience, for example when the Quraysh mocked him when there was a break
in revelation.
Candidates can offer other qualities, but they should give examples to show
what the Prophet said/did and how it made him stand out from other people.
Good answers will provide detailed examples with relevant quotations.
(b) How can Muslims put one of these qualities into practice?
[4]
Good answers for this part will take one of the qualities described in part (a)
and show how it can be put into practice in the lives of Muslims, or how it can
be demonstrated in wider society. Better answers will give more detailed
examples and cite specific situations, rather than saying something general
like, Muslims should be forgiving to others who have wronged them.
Question 3
[ER]
(a) This was a popular question with the candidates and most were able to answer it to a

satisfactory or good level. Many candidates were able to pick out three qualities and
write about them. The amount of detail in the answer varied considerably and most
answers mentioned the quality with a brief description of what the Prophet said or did.
Some candidates wrote about the Prophets purification as a quality which is not a
quality as such, especially as candidates were writing about the fact that he performed
ablution before prayer and kept himself neat and tidy. The best answers were able to
choose three qualities and write detailed narratives that showed how the Prophet
behaved, e.g. choosing the quality of forgiveness and giving details of what happened at
the Conquest of Makka when the Prophet forgave everyone including those who had
killed his uncle at the battle of Uhud.
(b) For part (b) most candidates recognised that the skill was to evaluate the lessons to
be learned and interpret how they might be applied in life and they did this with varying
degrees of success. The majority of candidates successfully identified what should be
admired about the behaviour of the Prophet but did not complete the second half of the

57

answer about how these lessons might be applied. So candidates may have written that
they could be forgiving in their lives but did not give a clear application of how they could
be forgiving, e.g. if someone has stolen from them, or hurt a member of their family, it
would be better to forgive than seek revenge.

2 (a) Briefly describe four actions or qualities of the Prophet

Muhammad that would make clear to the people who lived with him
that he was the Messenger of God.
[4 x 3](O/N/08)
[In each of the four cases look for a clear and specific action or quality that
distinguished the Prophet from ordinary people. So it is not enough to say e.g.
that he was loving unless the quality of his love is shown to be far superior to
love in other people. Examples might be: his quality of forgiveness, shown at
the capture of Makka; his periodic receiving of revelations; his Night Journey.
In each case give 1 mark for a basic identification; 1 extra mark for a fuller
description which introduces some details; and the final 1 mark for a full and
rounded description with all expected details, and maybe quotations from the
Quran or Hadith]
(b) Explain what Muslims mean by the title Seal of the Prophets.
[4]
This is a title of the Prophet found in the Quran.
It means he completes the line of prophets that stretched up to him.
Just as a wax seal closes a letter, so his prophethood closes the line.
It also means he is a prophet for all times and places unlike the local
prophets before
him.
Question 2 [ER]
(a) This part was either answered very well, or very poorly. Candidates had to use their
own reasoning more than just relying on teachers notes that they may have learnt.
There were many examples that candidates could choose from, but the key was to be
able to support their answers to show that this was a quality of the Messenger of God,
not just of any other human being. Some examples that could have been used are
forgiveness, trustworthiness, honesty, justice, patience and the miracles that he was
awarded. Of these, a good answer for forgiveness/mercy would be where candidates
showed that this was a quality of the Messenger of God because he was able to forgive
people in remarkable ways. So, at the conquest of Makka he forgave his enemies, even
those that had persecuted him and his followers for years, and also when he went to
Taif he showed one of the greatest examples of his mercy for others where he did
not call for the people who hurt him to be crushed between the mountains, but for them
to be saved in case even one of them would later become Muslim. Good answers would
be able to mention the quality and give full explanations of how that quality was related
to the Prophet specifically. Some candidates also mentioned things like he received
revelations, which in itself would count as an action or quality specific to the Prophet,
but many did not expand on it or give any details as to how the revelations happened or

58

that they were significant because the prophet could not read or write, or that these
revelations addressed specific people or events happening at the time. Also, saying that
the Prophet was a model of excellence was too general a comment. The better
candidates did very well in this question and lots of good examples were brought out
from the Seerah of the Prophet like the conversation of Heraclius with Abu Sufyan about
the Prophets trustworthiness. Candidates who did not perform as well were not able to
mention four qualities, or mentioned four but two were the same, e.g. they gave truthful
as one quality and honesty as another but gave similar examples for each. Also, many
candidates wrote the qualities but did not give examples.
(b) Answers in this part were average, with most candidates earning two marks.
Good answers would have mentioned that this is a title given to the Prophet by
Allah, that he closes the line of prophets that was sent by Allah, and that he is a
Prophet for all times and places.
3 (a) Give an account of the Prophet's first experience of receiving
revelation. [10]
(S/P/09)
L1 for a bare account of the basic outline
L2 for a fuller account, including names of e.g. Jibril, Khadija and Waraqa
L3 for a full and accurate account including the Prophets threefold crushing
and the
dialogue between him and the presence
L4 for a full account that includes quotations from the Quran (esp. Sura 96.15 in
full) and allusions to the Hadith which contains the account
(b) Explain the meaning of the title Seal of the Prophets. [4]
L1 for saying the Muhammad was the last of the prophets
L2 for adding that he was the end and climax of the line of prophets
L3 for adding that his prophethood was universal whereas earlier prophets
were
sent to single communities
L4 for explaining the metaphor of a seal that closes and confirms something
that is
Sent

3 (b) Explain the meaning of the title Seal of the Prophets. [4]
Answer 1
Almighty Allah sent Hazrat Mohammad to be the last prophet on this earth.
He delivered to us the holy Quran which he completed. The Quran contains
everything to guide Muslims in their life on this earth. The holy Prophet also
gave his example for us to follow so that we can live good lives for Allah.
Level: 1

59

This answer is largely irrelevant. It makes one statement about the

significance of the Prophet Muhammad at the beginning, but all that follows
does not answer the question.
Answer 2
Our Prophet Muhammad came into the world at a very important time when
the world needed a prophet. He was the last Prophet whom Allah had sent,
and he completed the line of Allahs prophets that had begun with Hazrat
Adam. He was the last in this line and there was no prophet after him
because he completed the line.
Level: 2
There is a clear indication here that Muhammad was the last prophet, and
some awareness that there was no need for any prophet after him. The
answer is, however, very repetitive.
Answer 3
Hazrat Muhammad was sent by Allah to the whole world. He was the last of
the prophets sent by Allah, and he completed the line of messengers that had
started with Hazrat Adam. Hazrat Adam and the other prophets such as
Hazrat Abraham and Hazrat Musa were sent to their own communities to
teach them. But our prophet Hazrat Muhammad was sent to all the world.
Level: 3
This candidate clearly realizes the difference between Muhammad and other
prophets, and brings out his universal relevance against their local relevance
quite clearly. He also gives suggestive hints about knowing the names of
individuals in the line of prophets.
Answer 4
Hazrat Muhammad is called the Seal of the Prophets in the holy Quran
because he came at the end of the line of prophets sent from Allah and he
completed this line. A seal is used on a letter to close it firmly. This is why our
Prophet is called the seal of the prophets. Hazrat Muhammad came after
Hazrat Adam, Hazrat Ibrahim, Hazrat Musa, Hazrat Isa and the other
prophets. They were sent by Allah to their communities, but our Prophet
Muhammad was sent to everyone in the earth. This is why he is called the
Seal of the Prophets, because he ended the line of prophets and was for the
whole earth.
Level: 4
This answer not only refers to the Prophet in relation to earlier prophets,
some of whom it names, and explains clearly the difference between him and
predecessors, but it also gives some explanation of the metaphorical nature
of the title itself. It is a confident response to a question that requires careful
thinking.

60

3 (a) The Prophet Muhammad is said to have been patient and

trustworthy. Write about events in his life that illustrate these
qualities. [10]
(b) Choose one of these qualities and explain why it was
important for the Prophet to possess it.
[4] [M/J/2014]
(a) Candidates should write about events that show these traits in the
Prophet, and they should give a detailed narration of the event rather
than list a few occurrences. His patience: This was shown through the
persecutions, when he was abused and ridiculed, but he did not give
up preaching; he did not react when rubbish was thrown on him; when
he was offered bribes by the Quraysh he refused and persevered, even
through the boycott; he waited until God guided him to migrate; he
was patient when revelations stopped for periods of time; he showed
patience when the Quraysh ridiculed him after the death of his son.
Trustworthiness: He had always been trusted by the Quraysh even
before prophethood, being called al-amin; the Quraysh kept their
belongings with him even after prophethood; when he migrated to
Madina he returned the belongings to their owners (through Ali); he
kept his promises, e.g. as part of the Treaty of Hudaibiya, the Prophet
sent back Muslims to Makka who had not sought consent to leave.
These are some answers that could be offered but candidates may
have others that they can develop.
(b) Candidates should choose one of the above qualities and give
reasons as to why it was necessary for the Prophet to have that quality.
For example, the Prophet needed to be patient because he was going
to endure years of
hardships and becoming angry or giving up would not have been
suited to a Prophet and would not have allowed Islam to endure. Or,
being trustworthy at all times allowed people to have faith in him and
his message when he started to preach as they knew that his quality of
being trustworthy was unshakeable.
Candidates could give any relevant example of why the Prophet should
have had that quality but the development of the answer is what will
give the candidate higher marks.
[ER]
Question 3
(a) This answer varied from being really well answered to being satisfactory. For
those who answered it well, they were able to take two or three events from the
Prophets life, for each quality, and give details about how that event showed that
61

quality. The details and development of each event were what enabled
candidates to score well. Those answers that did not provide more than one or
two events, or that mentioned the event without providing details of what
happened and how it showed the Prophets patience or trustworthiness, were not
able to score highly.
(b) Candidates tended to write about the importance of patience and
trustworthiness in general, rather than why it was important for the Prophet to
have that quality. Good answers were able say that the Prophet needed to be
patient because all prophets are tested and it takes a long time for people to
accept the message, or that he had to be trustworthy so that people were able to
have faith in his word when he brought the new message.

62