Ilovepdf Merged
Ilovepdf Merged
• He endured persecution at the hands of Quraysh, in particular when he and Hazrat Abu Bakr were one day
set upon and left tied up together on the ground.
• He travelled north to Madina, following the Prophet Muhammad and accompanied the last Muslims, including
the Prophet’s wife Hazrat Sawada and his two unmarried daughters, Umm Kulthum and Fatima.
• Before the Battle of Badr, the Holy Prophet sent him and Saeed ibn Zayd to discover the Whereabouts of the
Makkan caravan, led by Abu Sufyan. And at the Battle of Uhud, he was wounded in the hand when he
deflected a sword from piercing the Holy Prophet’s head. The fingers of that hand remained useless
throughout the rest of his life. He remained at the Prophet’s side for the remainder of the battle. For his
bravery, he earned the title of ‘Living Martyr’. The Prophetpbuh is reported to have said: “ Whosever is pleased
to see a martyr on the surface of the earth, let him look at Talha bin Ubaydullah.”
• Prophetpbuhgave him the title of ‘Fayyaz’ i.e. generous at the time of the Tabuk Expedition.
• After the death of Hazrat Muhammad, he supported Hazrat ‘Ali for the caliphate, but was eventually
persuaded to swear allegiance to Hazrat Abu Bakr.
• Later, he objected to Hazrat Ali delay in punishing Hazrat Uthman murderers, and toghter with Zubayr ibn al-
Awwam he raised an army.He and Zubayr were killed in 35AH/656AD, in the clash between the two sides in
the Battle of the Camel.
• When the Muslims victoriously entered Makka, he was given command of one of the four squadrons into
which the forces were divided.
• A sign of the Holy Prophet’s PBUH confidence in him as a Muslim is that when the Christian delegation from
Najran visited the Prophet PBUH in Madina and were impressed by what they heard , he sent Abu ‘Ubayda
R.A with them to act as a judge in disputes between them.
• He also took part in the expedition which the Prophet PBUH sent to Syria, just before his death.
• In the days following the Holy Prophet’s PBUH death, Abu ‘Ubayda R.A took a leading part in ensuring the
election of Hazrat Abu Bakr R.A as Caliph. A Mark of his standing is that Hazrat Abu Bakr R.A remarked that
Abu ‘Ubayda R.A was as worthy as he was himself of being caliph. During the caliphate of Hazrat ‘Umar R.A,
he was put in charge of the Muslim Forces that captured Palestine and Syria. He died in Syria in 18AH/639AD.
10. Sa’eed Ibn Zayd (R.A)
• Sa’eed ibn zayd (R.A) was one of the early converts of Islam. His father Zayd was monotheist and followed the
religion of the Prophet Ibrahim. He was Umar’s (R.A) cousin and was married to his sister Fatima, Umar (R.A)
accepted Islam when he heard them reciting Surah Taha.
• He was a devoted companion of the Prophet (P.B.U.H) and great warrior. He took part in all the major
campaigns and battles fought during the lifetime of the Prophet (P.B.U.H) except Badr as he and Talha were
out of Madinah to spy on the Quraish caravan when they returned to Madinah, The Prophet (P.B.U.H) had
already set out for Badr: however they were given a share in the booty.
• He was present during the treaty of Hudaibiyah and participated in the conquest of Makkah.
• He played an important role in the Muslim community after the death of Prophet (P.B.U.H). He was known for
his courage and bravery. He participated in many campaigns; he was the commander of the infantry of the
Muslims army during reign of Umar . He was made the governor of Damascus , but the resigned from the post
of his love for Jihad. Later, he fought as an ordinary soldier in all the battles that where waged for the cause
of Islam. He died in the 55AH and was buried in Madinah.
November 2008
(b) Explain what Muslims mean by the title ‘Seal of the Prophets’. [4]
• This is a title of the Prophet found in the Qur’an.
• 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.
Seal of Prophets
The long line of the prophets started with Adam and finished with Muhammad (S.A.W). The life and teachings of the
prophets before Muhammad (S.A.W) have been altered, adulterated or lost by their followers, besides their teachings
were incomplete and did not provide complete code of life necessary for a successful prosperous life. These
messengers were appointed for particular people or country, and a particular period of time. And their message was
only for those people and not a universal message. Muhammad (S.A.W) is the last all of the prophets. Allah says
“Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the messenger of Allah, and the seal of the prophets’’
(Al-Ahzab 33:40) The prophet (S.A.W) said, ‘’There will no prophet after me.’’ (Agreed) In other tradition, he said ‘’My
relation to the long lines of the prophets can be understood by the parable of a building. The building was most
beautifully built. Everything was complete there in except the place of one brick. I have filled the place and now the
building has been complete.’’ (Bukhari, Muslim)
The prophethood of Muhammad (S.A.W) is distinguished in many ways:-
The religion of Islam brought by the prophet (S.A.W) is a perfect religion and deals with all the aspects of human
life i.e. Political, economic, ethical, legal and social aspects, it is perfect in all respect, Allah says, “This day I have
perfected your religion for you, completed my favours upon you and have chosen for you islam as your religion.”
(Al-Maidah 5:3)
It is a universal message for a entire mankind. Muhammad (S.A.W) was not sent down for any particular country or
nation but to the whole world, Allah says, “And we have not sent you (Muhammad!) save as a bringer of good tidings
and a warner to all the mankind.” (Saba 34:28) Again he says “we sent you not (O Muhammad) but as the mercy of
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the world.” (AL-Anbiya 21:107) The prophet (S.A.W) said “Every prophet who preceded me was sent especially to his
own people, but I have been sent as a prophet to all mankind.” (Sahih Bukhari)
The prophethood of the prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) is eternal.
The message of Muhammad (S.A.W) has been preserved in the Qur’an. It is unchanged, Allah promised to safeguard
it, Allah says, “we have without doubt sent down the reminder, And we will certainly guard it.”
The details of life and sayings of Muhammad (S.A.W) are also recorded and preserved.
M/J 2010
5 (a) Describe the teachings of Islam about the position of women as wives, mothers and daughters. [10]
As Wives:
• Both the Quran and Sunnah have laid great emphasis on men to be kind and gentle with their wives. Wives are
equal to their husbands. They are partners with their husbands in family life. They are primarily responsible for
the home.
• They have financial independence The Holy Quran says, “Men are the protectors and maintainers of women
because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other and because they support them from their
means.” [4:34] This verse makes it clear that husbands have to provide sustenance to their wives, clothe them
and house them.
• Abu Hurairah relates that the Holy Prophet pbuh said, “The best amongst you is he who is most kind to his
wife.”(Tirmizi).
• In case of more than one wife, man is enjoined to treat all of them equally. He said on the occasion of Farewell
pilgrimage, “O people! You have rights over your wives and your wives have right over you. Treat your wives
with kindness.”
• Similarly she is given right to seek divorce (Khula).
• It is the duty of the husband to pay dower (Mehr) to his wife at the time of marriage. Allah says, “And give the
women (on marriage) their dower as a free gift.” (an-Nisa 4:4)
• Woman can keep her property acquired before marriage and she has no legal obligation to spend on her family
out of her personal wealth. It is the duty of a man to fulfill her material and financial needs.
• Both husband and wife must decide family matters with mutual consultation.
• The Prophet (p.b.u.h) loved his wives. Khadijah was his first wife; His love for her was so great that he did not
marry again during her lifetime. He never rebuked his wives for any of their shortcomings. During his last illness,
when he became very sick he ask his wives for permission before staying in ‘Aishah (R.A) house. He helped his
wives in their daily chores.
As Mothers:
• A woman’s position as a mother is unique in Muslim society. They have the main responsibility for bringing up
children. They are the first teachers of faith and proper conduct.
• The Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet pbuh have given special importance to the mother and stressed upon
the children to be more considerate, submissive, grateful and obedient to her in comparison to the father.
They deserve respect from their children because of what they have done for them.
• Abu Hurairah relates that once a person asked the Holy Prophet :“O Messenger of Allah, who is the most
deserving person to get good treatment from me?” He replied, “Your mother.” When he asked this question
this for the fourth time, the Holy Prophet said: “Your father.” This hadith indicates that the status of the
mother is greater than that of the father (agreed upon).
• A companion of the Holy Prophet once asked his permission to take part in Jihad. The Prophet asked him if his
mother was alive. On getting the answer in affirmative, the Prophet asked him to go home and serve her as
“heaven was under her feet”(Ahmad, Nasai). This means that to respect, obey and serve the mother is the
key to heaven. In doing so, we shall be able to please Allah and the Holy Prophet.
• The Prophet (pbuh) did not spend a lot of time with his mother yet he had great love for her and always
remembered her. In the last year of his life, on his way perform the farewell pilgrimage, the Prophet (pbuh)
stopped at Abwa at the grave of his mother and wept there by remembering her.
As daughters:
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• According to the teachings of Islam, daughters are to be treated with love and care. They should always be
allowed freedom in legitimate choices.
• They have a right to their parents’ legacy. In this connection, the holy Prophet is reported to have said, “If one
brings up three daughters, teaches them good manners, and treats them kindly, till they no longer need his
help, Allah will make paradise obligatory for him.” A companion asked, “what if he has two?”. He replied,
“and he too.” The reporter of this hadith said that if people had inquired about one, the Prophet would have
said the same thing .
• Daughters should be cared for as carefully as sons. Abdullah Ibn Abbas related that the Holy Prophet said, “If
anyone has a baby daughter and does not bury her alive, nor ignores her, nor prefers his sons to her, Allah
will bring him into paradise.”
• Prophet pbuh had great affection for his daughters, especially his love for Hazrat Fatima is a model of fatherly
love for daughters. He is reported to have said, “Fatima is a part of me, whoever hurts her hurts me, whoever
holds malice against her, holds malice against me”. When she visited him in his last illness, he gave her his own
chair to sit.
(b) What do these teachings tell us about the relationship between men and women? [4]
• The Islamic society is governed by a sense of both individual and collective responsibility to Allah who has
defined the limits for human behavior. There are certain principles to govern the interaction of sexes. Free
social mixing between men and women is not permitted unless it is for some serious reason or purpose.
• When mixing does take place, both men and women are to exercise proper decorum in the way they speak
and behave.
• Women are advised not to display themselves in public and not entertain or talk unnecessarily to men who
are not their close relatives.
• A Muslim man and woman are not permitted to be alone together unless they are close relatives (Mahram).
• Both Muslim men and women should observe modesty. The Quran says, “Say to the believing men that they
should lower their gaze and guard their modesty…..and say to the believing women that they should lower
their gaze and guard their modesty….” (24:30-31)
• In marriage, husbands and wives must try their best to live with love and affection and show respect and
kindness to each other even in disputes. Where family matters are concerned, decisions must be taken with
mutual consultation and not force.
4 (a) Describe the Prophet’s conduct as leader in two of the battles he fought in. [10]
The prophet (SAW) had to fight the makkans on many occasions, mainly in self defense and only after
Allah had given permission of jihad in Safar 2 AH.
“Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you.(2:190)
The first battle he fought was the battle of Badr in 624 A.D /2AH. It was in self defense as the Makkan army
numbered more than 1000 was advancing. Though he had only a small amount of equipment and soldiers
he trusted Allah and did not lose hope. Before the battle he said to his companions,
“You shall not be the first to attack. You shall not let personal hate on revenge sway your heart while
fighting. You will not raise arms against anyone who is not a party to the fight. You will spare the old and
sick. You shall protect women and children from injury.”
Thus he commanded his army not to transgress the limits of warfare.
He constantly turned to Allah for help before and during the battle ´”O Allah! If this small band of men
perish, there will be one left alive to worship you and your faith will be destroyed forever”
When the Muslims won and they took 70 prisoners, he treated them all equally and did not give
preference to his son-in-law Abul A’as or his uncle Abbas. He treated them kindly. The literate ones could
earn their freedom by teaching 10 Muslim children, while the rich ones paid ransom. The poor captives
were set free without ransom.
The second battle fought was the battle of Uhad in 3 A.H/ 625 A.D against the Makkans. The prophet
decided to fight in self defense again. He asked the opinion of his companion who suggested to fight
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outside of madina. He agreed even though he wanted to fight from madina. Even though he was the
leader, he respected other opinion.
Before the battle he said:
“You are not fighting for glory, nor land, nor bloodshed but merely to defend the word of Allah and to
keep high the banner of truth”
Thus he emphized that their goal should be the defend Islam or not to obtain wordly benefit. When the
Muslim began to free when Khalid bin wailed attacked from behind he did not panic. He remained calm
and patient and rallied the Muslims, some of whom formed a protective ring around him. He did not lose
hope but trusted in Allah.
He did not free from the battle field after being severely injured rather he led them from the front.At the
end of the battle he courageously accepted Abu sufyan’s challenge to fight next year at badr.Thus the
prophet always took part in the battle himself and fought for the cause of Allah.
O/N 2012
4 (a) Write about the Prophet’s relationship with the following figures: Aminah, Halimah Sa’adiah and Abu
Talib. [10]
Aaminah:
• A year before “the year of the elephant,” ‘Abdullah ibn Abdul Muttalib was married to Aminah
daughter of Wahb.
• When the time came close to the birth of the Prophet (s.a.w.), Amina saw a dream that she gave birth
to a boy and with this boy a magnificent emergence of light spread out and enveloped the earth until
it reached Busra in al-Sham. She also saw herself in the dream saying ‘I seek for him, refuge in Allah
the One from the evil of every envier’. Aminah, named him Ahmad [meaning one who renders
praise (to God)].
• Soon after he was given to Halima saadia for nursing. When he was two Halima brought him back
but requested Aaminah to keep him for more time, to which she agreed.
• When Muhammad s.a.w. was 6 years old, his mother decided to visit the grave of her husband,
Abdullah, in Yathrib. Both Barakah and Abdal-Muttalib tried to dissuade her. Aminah however was
determined. The caravan took ten days to reach Yathrib. Muhammad s.a.w. was left with his maternal
uncles of the Banu Najjar in Madinah(Yathrib), while Aminah went to visit the grave of Abdullah. Each
day for a few weeks she stayed at the grave.
• On the way back to Makkah, Aminah became seriously ill with fever. Halfway between Yathrib and
Makkah, at a place called al-Abwa, they stopped where she died and was buried.
• The Prophet (pbuh) did not spend a lot of time with his mother yet he had great love for her and
always remembered her. In the last year of his life, on his way perform the farewell pilgrimage, the
Prophet (pbuh) stopped at Abwa at the grave of his mother and wept there by remembering her.
`
believed that angels were God’s daughter. Simultaneously it negated the idea of trinity (father, son, Holy Spirit) which
the Christians believed in.
“He begets not, nor is he begotten” The pagans believed and worshiped the idols they could see, therefore this Surah
negated that God had any physical or human characteristics and said that God is beyond human comprehension
because He is unique in His personality, attributes and actions. “And there is none like him”.
Surah Al kauthar (108) was revealed in Makkah after the mount of Safa incident of often preaching of Islam, when
Prophet (P.B.U.H) was going through a period of difficulty with the Quraish. Both his sons Al Qasim and Abbdullah had
died and Quraish used this as an opportunity to mock the Prophet (P.B.U.H) in order to discourage him from preaching
Islam. After his second son Abbdullah’s death his uncle and worst enemy Abu Lahab called him “Abtar” (cut off from
his root) meaning that he had no male descendants to carry his name and they thought that his ménage would die
when he passed away. God revealed this Surah to console and give hope to the Prophet (P.B.U.H) under these
increasing difficulties by promising that he would be given abundant blessings in this worldly life and in the hereafter.”
To you have we granted abundance”. Prophet (P.B.U.H) was instructed to remain loyal to his faith by continuing to
line as God thought him. “So pray to your Lord and sacrifice”. It also wanted the Prophet (P.B.U.H) enemies specially
Abu Lahab of Allah wrath and said that it would not be the Prophet (P.B.U.H) but his enemies that would be cut off.
“He who hates you, he will be cut off”
3 (a) Write about the events of the first year following the Prophet’s arrival in Madina. [10]
First Year after Hijra
• On the day the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) arrived at Madina, the people had just gone back into
their houses. The first person to see him was a Jew, thus fulfilling the prophecy contained in the
Torah. In Madinah, the people greeted the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) enthusiastically. Children
were singing as he arrived. Everyone was eager that he should stay with him. They grabbed the halter
of his she-camel Qaswa, but the Prophet (P.B.U.H) said, “Let it go its own way, it is under orders.”
Eventually the camel stopped at the home of Banu Malik Ibn al-Najjar. By herself, she knelt at a place,
which today marks the door of the Prophet’s mosque. It belonged to two orphan boys, Sahil and
Suhail, of the Banu Najjar.
• The Prophet (P.B.U.H) paid them the price of the land and built the mosque of the Prophet (P.B.U.H)
(Masjid-al-nabvi). While the mosque was being built, he stayed at the house of Abu Ayub al Ansari.
The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) himself worked hard with the companions to complete the building. This
mosque was known as the “Mosque of the Prophet” or Masjid-e-Nabawi. It is referred to in the
Quran in the following words:
“There is a mosque whose foundation was laid from the first day on piety; it is more worthy of thy
standing forth (for prayer) therein. In it are men who love to be purified, and Allah loveth those
who make themselves pure.” (9:108)
• After the construction of Masjid e Nabwi Muslims felt the need to find a way to inform people to
come to congregational prayer. The Prophet (pbuh) asked his companions for their advice.
Some suggested that the Muslims, like the Jews, should blow a horn to announce the time for the
prayer. Others said, the Muslims might ring bells as the Christians do in their churches. A few
proposed that the Muslims, like the fire-worshippers, kindle a fire to call people to pray. Yet other
suggested the beating of drums but the Prophet (pbuh) did not approve any of these because it
resembled the unbelievers. Hazrat Umar suggested that people should be called to prayer in
human voice. The Prophet (pbuh) waited to hear a better idea or to receive guidance from Allah.
One day, a companion, 'Abdullah ibn Zaid , came and narrated his dream in which he was taught
the words of Azaan. The Prophet (pbuh) recognized that the dream of 'Abdullah bin Zaid was true.
He asked 'Abdullah to teach the words of the 'Adhan to Bilal, who had a loud and beautiful voice.
Thus he was appointed as the Muezzin.
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• The Muslims in Madinah belonged to two categories. Those who had migrated to Madinah from
Makkah were known as Muhajirin or emigrants. Those who belonged to Madinah and had given
shelter to the emigrants and helped them were known as Ansar or the Helpers. The Holy Prophet
(P.B.U.H) established brotherhood between these two groups of Muslims. He told the Ansar that
the Muhajirin were in need of help, and so he wanted to create brotherhood between them. The
Ansar willingly agreed to this. The Holy Quran mentioned this in these words: “Those who believed
and adopted exile, and fought for the faith, with their property and their persons, in the cause of
Allah, as well as those who gave (them) asylum and aid, these are (all) friends and protectors, one
of another.”(8:72)
• Even the enmity between the two tribes of Madinah, Aus and Khazraj was forgotten, as mentioned
in the Holly Quran; “....And remember with gratitude Allah’s favour on you; for you were enemies
and He joined yours heart in love, so that by His grace, you became brothers...”(3:103)
• There were three main tribes of Jews; Banu Qainuqa, Banu Nazir and Banu Quraiza, settled in the
suburbs of Madinah in their own strong fortresses. As soon as the Holly Prophet (P.B.U.H) was
settled in Madinah, he called together the Muslims and the Jewish tribes for consultation. After an
exchange of views, an agreement was reached which granted
o equal rights to the Jews with full liberty to follow their own faith without any interference by the
Holly Prophet (P.B.U.H) or his followers.
o It stated that the Muslims and Jews were allies and would help each other,
o that neither party would commit aggression against the other,
o and that in case of an attack on Madinah, both Muslims and Jews would defend it.
o It also guaranteed protection of their life and property
o the Treaty also established the Holy Prophet (P.B.U,.H) as the leader and the head of the State of
Madinah.
o It also stated that the disputes of the Jews would be decided according to their own law of Taurah.
The name of the town was changes from Yathrib to Madina tul Nabi i.e City of the Prophet.
Zayd migrated to Madinah, later the Prophet sent him to Makkah to bring his wives and daughters umm-Kulthoom
and Fatimah to Madinah. He accompanied the Prophet ain all his battles namely the battle of Badr, Uhad and Trench.
He was also present when the Treaty of Hudaibiyah was concluded.
Zayd bin Harith was martyred in 8th A.H in the batlle of Mautah. The Prophet sent an army of three thousand men
ynder the command of Zayd bin Harith. It is reported “ Allah’s Apostle appointed Zayd bin Harith as the commander
of the army during the battle of Mu’tah and said, “If Zayd is martyred, Ja’far should take over his position, and if Ja’far
is martyred, ‘ Abdullah bin Rawaha should take over his position.” (Bukhari) It is reported that the Prophet had
informed the people about the death of Zayd bin harith and other companions who had accompanied him before the
news of their death reached them, he said with his eyes flowing with tears, “ Zayd took the flag and was martyred.”
(Sahih Bukhari)
(b) To what extent do ‘Ali and Zayd’s relationships with the Prophet provide models for
family relations today? [4]
These stories can tell Muslims that it is not just immediate relations that are important, and that Muslims should look
after other family members as well. ‘Ali was not his son but the Prophet looked after him like he was, and so if there
is a need in your family, then it is encouraged to help family members by treating their children the same as you would
your own, rather than giving your own children better things than other relatives. Adoption is also important in Islam
and candidates could write that adopted children are to be given the same treatment in the family as other children.
Although God later changed the inheritance of adopted children, their treatment within the family should be like your
own children.
The Prophet (pbuh) engaged in commercial dealings with them and gave and received help from them.
He sometimes borrowed money from Jews and also arranged for loans from them for some of his
companions: one day a Jew caught hold of the cloth the Prophet(pbuh) was wearing and demanded that
he repay the loan he had taken from him. ‘Umar, got angry with the Jew and scolded him. The Prophet
(pbuh) then ordered that the loan be repaid to the Jew, and because ‘Umar had scolded him the Prophet
(pbuh) insisted that he be given more money than what he had actually been owed.
However, the Jews gradually distanced themselves from the Holy Prophet (PBUH). They persistently mocked
the revelations he received from God, and doubted his claim to Prophethood. They openly made fun of him
especially when the Qibla was changed and tried to humiliate him in different ways.
The relationship between the Jews and the Muslims deteriorated when a Muslim woman was
subjected to public humiliation by a Jew of Banu Qainuqa who pinned her skirt in a public place. He was
killed by a Muslim and other Jews killed that Muslim. When this news reached to the Holy Prophet (PBUH),
he laid a siege to their fortress. This siege continued for 15 days after which the Holy Prophet (PBUH)
expelled them from Madinah in 624 A.D.
10
Another setback to the relationships between the two was when Banu Nadir attempted to kill the Holy
Prophet (PBUH) by throwing a huge mill stone on him when he went to take from the blood money for some
purpose according to the treaty. They were asked to leave within 10 days. However, they left after the siege
of 14 days with as much as they could carry in 626 AD.
Finally, Banu Quraiza, the last major tribe left in Madinah, showed treachery in the Battle of Ditch in 627 AD.
They broke the treaty with the Muslims, conspired with the Quraish and planned to attack the Muslims from
rear. A siege was laid on their fortresses that lasted for 25 days. After this siege, as a punishment of their
treachery decided by Saad bin Muaaz, around 600 – 700 men from Banu Quraiza were executed and their
wives and children were sold as slaves. The Quran refers to this incident in these words, “And those of the
people of the book who aided them- Allah did take them down from their strongholds and cast terror into
their hearts, (so that) some ye slew, and some you made prisoners . And He made you heirs of their lands,
their houses and their goods----”[33:26-27]
Apart from the Jews remained the Madinans who did not become sincere believers. Quran says, “when it is
said to rhem, come to what Allah has revealed and the messenger, you see that the Hypocrites avert their
faces from you disgust.”[4:61]They were the hypocrites whose leader was Abdullah Bin Ubbay. They
showed their disloyalty most strongly by withdrawing when the Quraish’s attack led to Battle of Uhad in 625
AD. Abdullah Bin Ubbay withdrew with 300 of his men saying that he did this as the Prophet rejected his
advice of fighting from inside the city. They deserted their posts in the Battle of Trench in627 AD saying their
homes were not safe. In addition to this, they provided secret information of the Muslims to the Makkans
and the Jews. They did not make any financial contribution in Tabuk expedition 631 AD and plotted to kill
the Prophet(pbuh). After Abbdullah bin Ubbay’s death in 631 AD many of the hypocrites repented and
became true Muslims.
the Prophet (pbuh) sent letters to various non-Muslim rulers inviting them to Islam. The Christians of Najran
visited the Prophet (pbuh) in Madina to talk to him and ask questions. They then signed a peace treaty. The
Prophet (pbuh) allowed them to pray their prayers in the mosque.
The relations between the Muslims and the Makkans were strained after migration and the Prohet decided
to block the trade routes to Syria which led to the battle of Badr. After Badr ,Uhad and trench were fought.
Treaty of hudaibiya ended hostilities but the Makkans violated the treaty in 630 AD, which led to the
conquest of Makkah. At that time the prophet treated his non Muslim enemies with kindness, mercy and
forgiveness and did not take revenge despite having the power to do so.
3 (b) How can Muslims now apply the lessons learnt from the Prophet’s interaction with
non-Muslims? [4]
Non-Muslims were respected by the Prophet (pbuh) and invited to Islam. If they did not accept it they were
left to live their lives freely under their own faith.
Muslims now can learn from this by inviting non-Muslims to Islam by teaching them about the essentials
of faith. If they do not want to accept Islam then they should not be harassed or hurt, but rather respected
and looked after. Muslims who kill people from other faiths because they do not believe in Islam, are going
against the example of the Prophet (pbuh).
Muslims should also enter into agreements with non-Muslims to ensure both sides live amicably and do
not have their freedoms taken away by the other side. This allows both parties to know where they stand
and do not have to live in fear.
1
The Muslim army was twelve thousand in number, including two thousand newly converted
Makkans.Seeing how great number the Muslims set out on this expedition with extreme confidence that
mounted to over confidence. Some of them said, “ We shall not be defeated.” This statement was not
liked by Allah.
It is said in the Holy Qur’an,
“Truly Allah has given you victory on many battle fields, and on the Day of Hunain (battle) when you
rejoiced at your great number, but it availed you naught and the earth, vast as it is, was straitened for
you, then you turned back in fight. Then Allah did send down His calmness and reassurance on the
Messenger ( Muhammad), and on the believers, and sent down forces (angels) which you saw not, and
punished the disbelievers. Such is the recompense of disbelievers.” (Surah-Al-Tauba 09 : Verses:25-26)
As the Muslims advanced, they were met with showers of arrows from all sides, while the main portion of
Hawazain’s army attacked them from the front. The Muslims could not stand the fierce attack so they fell
back. It caused a terrible disorder among the Muslim army. They fled from the battle field and a small band
of followers firmly stuck up with the Holy Prophet.
At that moment, the Holy Prophet said at the top of his voice,
“Truly saying, I am the Prophet; I am the (grand) son of Abdul-Muttalib.” (Al-Tabari)
These words had desired effects. Muslims uttered “Labbaik! Labbaik!” (Here we are at your service. Here
we are). They threw jumped off their camels ad horses and attacked the enemy in all fury. Both of the
armies stood fast and fought fiercely. The Holy Prophet threw a handful of dust at the face of enemy
saying,
“May your faces be disfigured.”
Their eyes were thick with dust and the enemy began to retreat in utter confusion.
They fled and left their women, children and cattle. because their leader Malik bin ‘Awf had told everyone
to take their families and belongings with them, the Muslims captured huge spoils of war which consisted
of 24000 camels, 40000 sheep and 40000 Oqias (ounces) of silver. About seventy men of Banu Saqif were
killed and six thousand were prisoners. The prisoners were sent to the valley of Jiranah and the Prophet
chased the fleeing enemy.
After this event the Prophet(pbuh) laid siege to Taif and after some time people of Taif embraced Islam.
Consequently the Prophet(pbuh) freed the prisoners and returned the spoils. Thus, his prayer for the
people of Taif was granted by Allah.
4(b) From these battles, what can be learnt about good leadership skills? [4]
• Good leaders should be determined and not want to give up, especially when they are fighting for
a cause they believe in.
• They should not give all the responsibility to others but should take as much responsibility as they
can themselves.
• good leaders should have strategic skills that would allow them to change tactics in order to win a
battle and that it can be important to save lives rather than carry on fighting.
• It is also important to stay calm in the face of adversity.
Khuza,a. The Chief of Banu Khuza,ah with a party of forty men came to Madinah to seek help and
protection. The Prophet (p.b.u.h) demanded from Quraish to accept any of the three alternatives:
i. To pay Blood money to the families of the murdered men of Banu Khuza,ah
ii. To dissolve their alliance with Banu Bakr
iii. To dissolve the treaty of Hudaibiyah
The Quraish opted for the third alternative but soon realized that they were no match for the Prophet
(p.b.u.h) and sent Abu Sufyan to settle the affairs.
• Abu Sufyan the visited his daughter Umm-Habiba, one of the wives of the Prophet (p.b.u.h) but she
refused to do anything for him. He then went to Abu Bakr, Umer, Uthman and Ali (R.A) one after
another, but they too refused to mediate on his behalf. Then he went to the Mosque of the Prophet
(p.b.u.h) and announced that the Quraish would guarantee peace and protection to all, but the
Prophet (p.b.u.h) rejected his offer.
• The Prophet (p.b.u.h) prepared an army of ten thousands Men: he maintained complete secrecy,
to Prevent Quraish from making alliance with their neighbouring tribes. The Prophet (p.b.u.h) set
out for Makkah on 10th Ramadan 8th A.H/630AD. The Muslims camped outside Makkah. The
Prophet (p.b.u.h) ordered his followers to light up torches outside their tents. The sight of fires
magnified the size of the Muslims army, the Quraish were demoralized. Abu Sufyan ibn Harb to spy
and was captured and brought to Allah’s Apostle (p.b.u.h. At the point, he embraced islam.
• Before entering Makkah the Prophet (p.b.u.h) proclaimed that whosever remained in his own house
would be safe, whoever was in Ka,bah would be safe even those who entered the house of Abu
Sufyan would be safe. Thus, safely was guaranteed even to the worst enemy of islam.
On entering Makkah, the Prophet (p.b.u.h) told his army not to use arms against any one, unless they
met with resistance or were attacked. He ordered them to avoid bloodshed: and commanded them
not to harm the old, the women and the children.
• He divided his army into four columns; each column was assigned a specific part of Makkah to
capture. The Muslims entered peacefully. The column of Khalid Bin Waleed was showered with
arrows and fought back; thirteen men from the Quraish were killed while two Muslims embraced
martyrdom.
• The Prophet (p.b.u.h)) went to Ka,bah and performed Tawaf. He went inside and prayed. Then he
purified it, there were about 360 idols in Ka,bah, he destroyed them, while doing he recited, ‘’And
say the truth has come and falsehood has banished. Surely falsehood is bound to parish’’ (Al-Isra
17:81)
• A general amnesty was proclaimed throughout Makkah. The Prophet (p.b.u.h) then assembled the
Quraish near mount Safa and delivered a sermon.
At the end of the sermon, he asked them, ‘’ O people of Quraish what do you think i will do with
you?’’ They replied,(we think you will treat us) well, noble brother, son of noble brother, He said
“I shall speak to you as Yusuf [Joseph] spoke to his brothers, “there is no reproach against you
today; God will forgive. He is the most merciful and the most Compassionate.” (Yusuf 12:92)
And he added , “no more responsibility burdens you today, Go, for you a free”
• He also forgave his personal enemies e.g Hinda, Wahshi etc. Abu Jahl’s son Ikramah was also
forgiven. The Quraish were greatly impressed by the mercy and forgiveness of the Prophet (p.b.u.h)
and accepted Islam. The Quran says regarded the Conquest of Makkah, ‘’When comes the help of
Allah and victory and see people entering the religion of Allah in throngs’’ (Al-Nasr 110:1-2). The
Prophet (p.b.u.h) stayed at Makkah for about nineteen days during which is made arrangement for
the administration of Makkah.
• 3(b) Why was it important for the Prophet (pbuh) to offer refuge to the Makkans?[4]
4
• it was important to avoid bloodshed. Everyone was given a chance to become Muslim or ask for
forgiveness for what they had done in the past to the Prophet (pbuh) and the Muslims.
• It was also important to show that there was no ill-feeling towards the Makkans who had fought
against the Prophet (pbuh) for many years, showing the forgiveness and mercy of God.
O/N 2020 (12)
4(a) Giving examples from the Prophet’s life, write about how he showed both the
qualities of patience and forgiveness.[10]
4(b) Why should Muslims show patience in their everyday lives?[4]
• Muslims should show patience for a variety of reasons,
• it is one of God’s names (as-Sabbur), and He says that He loves those who are patient; hence it is
one of the main teachings of the Qur’an.
• It shows tolerance if a person does not react negatively to others. It can help change people’s
attitude for the better.
• It can lead to a more peaceful society if people continue to strive to do good and stop themselves
from doing bad, even when the result/benefit does not come immediately.
• The Prophet (pbuh) showed patience throughout his life, as a Muslim one is bound to follow the
Seerah of the Prophet (pbuh).
M/J 2021 (11)
M/J 2021 (12)
O/N 2021 (11)
5. (a) Write about the lives of two of the following Companions: Salman al-Farsi, Ja’far
ibn Abi Talib, Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf. [10]
Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf: He was one of the first eight persons to accept Islam and was one of the
ten promised Paradise. His name in pre-Islamic days was Abu Amr. But when he accepted Islam the
Prophet (pbuh) called him Abd al-Rahman - the servant of the Beneficent God.
Abd al-Rahman faced persecutions with the early Muslims by the Quraysh and remained firm in his
faith. When some Muslims left Makka for Abyssinia because of the continuous and unbearable
persecution, Abd al-Rahman also went.
Soon after arriving in Madinah, the Prophet made brothers of the Muhajirin and the Ansar. Abdur-
Rahman made the brother of Saad ibn ar-Rabi'ah.
Saad was willing to share his wealth and family with Abd al-Rahman, but he wanted to work himself
so asked to be shown the marketplace. He was a great merchant and this led to him becoming a
wealthy man. He fought at the battles of Badr and Uhud, and at the Battle of Tabuk he donated
generously for the expedition and then spent money equipping those people who were too poor to
equip themselves. At Tabuk he also had the honour of being the only person to have led the Prophet
(pbuh) in prayer.
His generosity was well known, and in one incident he gave away all the wealth of his caravan to
the people of Madina. After the death of the Prophet (pbuh), he took it upon himself to look after
the needs of the Prophet’s wives, fixing them stipends from his own money. When asked the secret
of his wealth he said that he never lifted a stone unless he expected to find gold or silver under it.
He was one of the six persons chosen by ‘Umar to form the council of shura to choose the Khalifa
after his death. He died around 653 at the age of 75.
(b) Even when they had wealth, some Companions lived simple lives. How can Muslims show
simplicity in their everyday lives? [4]
o They can buy fewer clothes or wear the same clothes for longer before getting new ones.
o They can give away more of their wealth to others and live more simply at home to allow for
this.
5
o They can eat less, waste less food and share their food more often with neighbours and
friends.
IVF – using ijma, scholars deemed IVF as permissible, despite it being a very invasive procedure,
although restrictions were also made regarding the donors who should only be the married couple
seeking to have children. This is significant for Muslims now, as there are many couples who are not
able to conceive naturally, and it offers them a chance to have a family without feeling that they are
going against their religious beliefs.
Candidates could also give examples of two adhans, during Friday prayers or marriage prohibition
to grandmother and granddaughter.
5. (a) Write about the lives of ‘Umar and ‘Uthman during the lifetime of the Prophet
(pbuh). [10]
Answer (Learn and write):
• Umar R.A was born in 590 A.D. He was a learned, educated and the intelligent person. He was a
strong spirited person and a wealthy merchant. In the sixth year of Islam the Prophet (P.B.U.H)
prayed to Allah to strengthen Islam either by Umar bin Khattab or Amr bin Hisham. It so happened
that Umar decided to kill the Prophet (P.B.U.H) while he was on his way with a sword in his hand,
he met Naim bin Abdullah. Umar told him that he was on his way to kill the Prophet (P.B.U.H).
Naim told him that he better took care of his own family first as his sister and brother in law had
both converted to Islam. Hearing this Umar immediately went to his Sister Fatima’s house and
found she and her husband Saeed bin Zaid were reciting the Quran. Umar beat them severally so
much so that his sister bled profusely. When Umar calmed down , he asked her what she was
reciting. She recited Surah Taha that she was reading. When he heard the recitation he was deeply
moved and went to the Prophet (P.B.U.H) and accepted Islam.
• Conversion of Umar R.A strengthened Islam. His conversion gave courage to the Muslims. It boosted
the morale of Muslims so much that they started praying openly at Ka'bah. Abdullah ibn Masud
reported “We have been powerful since Umar embraced Islam.” The Prophet (P.B.U.H) gave him
the title of Al Farooqi.e the one who makes a distinction between the right and wrong.
• When the Muslims were ordered to migrate to Madinah, most of them left Makkah secretly but
Umar R.A migrated openly.
• He participated in all battles Badr, Uhad, Trench, Khyber and Hunain. At the time of battle of Badr
he shared camel with Abu Bakr and abdurRehman bin Auf. During the battle of Uhad he was among
those encircled the Prophet (P.B.U.H) to protect him from Quraish. He also dug the trench around
Madinah with other companions at the time of battle of trench.
6
• His ties with Prophet (PBUH) were strengthened when Prophet (PBUH) married his daughter
HazratHafsa.
• He took the pledge of Rizwan at the hand of the Prophet (P.B.U.H) to avenge the blood of Usman.
He was unhappy about the terms of the treaty of Hudabiyah and showed his dissatisfaction for
which he later always repented. He was present at that time of signing of treaty.
• At the time of conquest of Makkah Abu Sufyan was taken a prisoner when he came to spy on
Muslim. Umar R.A asked the Prophet (P.B.U.H) permission to kill him.
• During the Expedition of Tabuk he gave half of his wealth in the way of Allah. The Prophet (P.B.U.H)
had a deep love for Umar R.A he said “Were a Prophet to come after me he would have been
Umar but I am the seal of prophets”. On the Prophet’s death in his grief, he said he would kill
anyone who said that the Prophet had died then Abu Bakr made him realize that Islam was to
continue after Prophet’s death.
5.(b) What lessons can Muslims learn from ‘Umar’s conversion?
‘Umar had a very staunch character and was open about his idolatry and opposition to Islam. Yet his
conversion meant that the Qur’an was able to affect someone who on the outside looked like an enemy of
Islam, therefore Muslims should still try to convey the good in Islam to non-Muslims even if they seem
against it. His conversion meant Muslims had someone to stand up and defend them, and he was not afraid
of letting people know about his new faith, so Muslims should also try to be open about their faith and not
hide it.
(b) What lessons can be learned from ‘Uthman’s life before he became Caliph?[4]
It can teach people about patience and steadfastness as ‘Uthman kept his faith, despite the
persecutions he faced.
‘Uthman did not despair after his wives passed away, so patience and not losing hope are important
in times of tragedy.
Migration is something that can be done for reasons of faith and security.
Migrating twice shows the spirit of sacrifice.
The generosity of ‘Uthman in providing for fellow believers and Islam is something that can be
emulated by being generous to others, not just with wealth but by giving time and support to others.
• Zayd ibn Thabit belonged to the Khazraj tribe in Madina. He was one of the most prominent scribes
of the revelation, writing the revelation while the Prophet (pbuh) was alive, subsequently having
7
most of the Qur’an in written form. He was asked by the Prophet (pbuh) to learn Hebrew so he
could respond on the Prophet’s behalf to the Jews who wrote to him. Some of the Companions were
official scribes who wrote letters for the Prophet (pbuh) and treaties.
• Ubayy ibn Ka’ab belonged to the Khazraj tribe in Madina. He had memorised the Qur’an and is said
to have had his own written portions of the Qur’an, and wrote letters to heads of state for the
Prophet (pbuh). The last verse of the Holy Quran revealed in 10 A.H. is said to be written down by
him. His recitation of the Quran was so beautiful and his understanding so profound that the Holy
ProphetPBUH encouraged his companions to learn the Quran from him. He possessed his own copy
of the sacred text.
• ʿAli bin Abu Talib memorized the Quran during Prophet’s lifetime. He was also an important scribe
and wrote treaties for the Prophet (pbuh), such as the Treaty of Hudaibiyya.
• Abdullah ibn Mas’ud was one of the earliest scribes. After embracing Islam, he gave up all other
business and would always remain present in the service of the Holy Prophet PBUH. He was known for
his knowledge of the Qur’an because of his close association with the Holy Prophet PBUH. He was one
of the companions named by the ProphetPBUHas one from whom the others should learn the Quran.
The Holy ProphetPBUH also said: “ If anyone likes to recite the Quran as fresh as it had descended
then he must recite it on the reading of Abdullah bin Masud.” He was someone who wrote portions
of the Qur’an.
• ʿAbdullah ibn ʿAmr ibn al-ʿAs was one of the first companions to write the Prophet’s sayings. He
sought the Messenger’s specific permission asking, ‘May I write down everything I hear from you in
the states of contentment and anger?’ He replied, ‘Yes, for I speak nothing but the truth.’ He had
a book/journal that he kept to record the Hadith from the Prophet (pbuh). Due to this he is one of
the main narrators of Hadith. Abu Hurayra said, none of the Sahaba would narrate more Hadith
from me except ʿAbdullah ibn ʿAmr ibn al ʿAas – he would write them down more than me.
(b) What are the benefits of the Qur’an being available to everyone on the internet? [4]
It is a useful source to have the Qur’an online as it makes it more accessible to more people. There is a lot
of information easily available on the internet, so it is possible to do a few searches and find a lot of
sources available for you to read on different topics of the Qur’an. The Qur’an and most Hadith books are
all online now, so people can easily access the information they need. People who cannot read the Qur’an
can access different recitations of it, or people who have just learned to read Arabic can use it to follow
along while listening to a recitation. The Qur’an online can be in the language of the person reading it.
• Being available online opens up the Qur’an to Muslims in a different way. Again, provided a
person has a phone/device, they can access the Qur’an while they are travelling but without the
need for carrying a book.
• These online resources mean that Muslims have access to an abundance of information, such as
various Qur’an commentaries (tafsir) and different Qur’an recitations. The drawback to this is
there are often not enough checks to ensure the accuracy of information, and so ‘authentic’ sites
would have to be used.
4 (a) Write about the lives of the Prophet’s grandsons: Hassan ibn ‘Ali and Hussain ibn
‘Ali. [10]
Hasan Ibn Ali(RA)
• He was the first son of Hazrat Fatima(RA) and Hazrat Ali (RA).He was born in Medina in 3AH/625
AD. He was given his name by the Holy Prophet pbuh himself. There are stories of the Prophet pbuh
allowing him and his brother to climb on his back while he was prostrating prayer, and interrupting
his sermon to come down from the Minbar(pulpit) to pick him up when he tripped over. These show
the love Hazrat Muhammad pbuh felt and the pride he took in his grandchildren. Prophet (pbuh)
once said,
“O Allah ! I love him, so I beg you to love him.”
• In the years following the death of the Holy Prophet pbuh we hear of Hasan and Husayn being sent
by their father to take water to Hazrat Usman when he was besieged by his opponents, before his
assassination in 35AH/656AD. And during Hazrat Ali’s caliphate, Hasan was sent to Kufa to seek
reinforcement during the struggle with Talha, Zubair and Hazrat Aisha. He was among his father’s
force in the battle of Siffin.
• After the assassination of Hazrat Ali in 40 AH/ 661AD, his supporters proclaimed Hasan as the
Caliph. But Muawiya, the Governor of Syria rejected this and moved forces against him. Hasan
reacted slowly to this threat, may be because he was reluctant to fight against fellow Muslims, and
his own forces hesitated. His position became increasingly weaker, through desertions to Muawiya’s
side, and Hasan finally renounced the Caliphate after less than a year in the office.
• He settled in Medina, where he died in about 50AH/670AD, at a relatively young age. Many say that
he was poisoned by Jauda, one of his wives, who was enticed by Muawiya’s promises money and
marriage to his son. Hasan was buried in Medina. Shi’i Muslims regard Hasan as a second Imam,
following Hazrat Ali Ibn e Abi Talib. So they accept that he was sinless and perfect in his actions.
They also credit him with miracles.
Husayn Ibn Ali(RA)
• He was the second son of Hazrat Fatima(RA) and Hazrat Ali (RA). He was born in Medina in 4AH/626
AD.
• Like his brother, he was named by the Prophet (pbuh). He was a source of great joy to his
grandfather, who was remembered as taking him on his knee and carrying him on his back. Prophet
(pbuh) said,
“Hussain is from me and I am from Hussain, may Allah love him who loves Hussain.”
• Husayn was of course a loyal supporter of his father Hazrat Ali and after Hazrat Ali’s assassination,
he was reluctant to accept Hasan’s renunciation of the Caliphate, though he knew that Muawiya
was too strong to resist.
• He made his rejection of the Umayyads clear, when as one of five senior Muslims he refused
Muawiya’s request to acknowledge Yazid, his son, as a successor to the Caliphate. When Muawiya
died, Husayn refused to recognize Yazid as caliph .
• Supporters of his cause invited him to Kufa to lead an uprising against the Umayyads, and he
cautiously sent his cousin Muslim Ibn Aqeel to find out the situation. Muslim bin Aqeel detected
9
widespread support among the Kufans and wrote to encourage Husayn to come. But immediately
after Muslim sent the letter, he was captured by the Umayyad Governor of Basra and killed. Strict
measures were taken against Husayn’s supporters in Kufa, who were terrified.
• Husayn meanwhile left Medina for Mecca in Rajab 60AH/680 AD. But suspecting trouble during the
Hajj, he set out from Mecca with members of his family and close supporters. This was on 8
Zulhajj60AH/10 September 680 AD. Leading Muslims advised him against this, and people he met
on his journey counselled caution. But he was not to be turned aside from his aim. His will was
strengthened when he heard that troops had been sent against him, and that his messengers to
Kufa had been killed.
• On 2nd Muharram 61AH/ 2nd October 680 AD Imam Husayn pitched his camp at Karbala, in the
desert near Kufa and on 7th Muharram, the water supply to his camp was cut off. Imam Hussain and
his suppoeters had to endure the pangs of hunger and thirst. Negotiations between the two sides
were unsuccessful.
• Finally, on 10th Muharram the battle began between the small but loyal band of Imam Hussain’s
supporters and the thousands strong Umayyads army. At first, there were minor skirmishes, but as
the day wore on many faithful followers of Imam Hussain fought one by one and were killed, and
their camp was set on fire.
• Only women and children, and the Imam Hussain’s eldest son Ali who was very ill, were now left
alive. Imam Hussain finally fought alone and was surrounded by the army of Yazid; he put up a brave
resistance but was finally struck down. His head was severed from his body and, along with the
heads of his companions, was taken to Yazid’s court in Damascus. The surviving son Ali and the
women and children were taken captive.
The beloved grandson of the Prophet (P.B.U.H) was brutally martyred for standing up against the rule
of injustice and despotism. Muslims all over the world have held Imam Hussain in high regard. Shia Muslims
hold him in special reverence as the third imam and because of his decision to lay down his life fighting for
what he believed to be just and resisting the ungodly rule of Yazid.
5. (b) Explain how al-Husyan’s death remains important to Muslims today? [4]
(b) Hussain defended what he believed was right for the future of Islam. What lessons
might Muslims learn from this? [4]
The tragedy of the Death of Imam Hussain carries a lesson for the Muslim World. He stood firm to his
principle and won an everlasting victory over the forces of evil. It is a legacy left by him that Muslims
should never submit to any authority which goes against the Divine Law and thrusts itself upon the
people by force. If the authority is aggressive and evil, sacrifice on the part of the followers of truth
becomes more essential. Numerical minority or the lack of resources should not stop them from
continuing their struggle against evil.
• Despite being helplessly besieged by the enemy along with his family He did not give up his , so
Muslims are encouraged to speak out against injustice and be upholder of truth whatever the
circumstances.
1
In the second year of hijrat, Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) sent thirty men to check the caravan of the non-believers
of Makkah under the command of Hazrat Hamza. He had thus, the honour of being entrusted with the
banner of Islam for the first time in Islamic history. He was also sent by the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) on various
military expeditions. During the battle of Badr he killed many unbelievers including their great warriors. In
the Battle of Uhad, the unbelievers deputed Wahshi, a slave of Hinda, Abu Sufyan’s wife to kill Hazrat Hamza
in return of his freedom and a handsome reward.
Wahshi hid himself behind a rock and as soon as Hazrat Hamza came within range threw his weapons at him.
It was such a deadly weapon that as it struck Hazrat Hamza succumbed to his injury. Hinda whose father
Utba was killed in the Battle of Badr by Hazrat Hamza, cut out of the liver from his dead body and tried to
chew it. Then she cut off the nose and ears of the dead body and made a necklace of them. The Holy Prophet
(P.B.U.H) led the funeral prayers for all the martyrs of Uhad, including Hazrat Hamza and gave him the title
of ‘Chief of the Martyrs’.
Khalid bin Walid
He was from a family who opposed the Prophet in Makka, and although he did not take part in the Battle of
Badr, he played a vital role in the Battle of Uhud against the Muslims, turning the Muslim victory to defeat.
He converted to Islam after the Treaty of Hudaybiya. In 629, Khalid set out for Madina. On the way he met
'Amr ibn al-'As and ‘Uthman ibn Talha, who were also going to Madina to convert to Islam.
After conversion he took part in the Battle of Mu’ta. It was the first battle between the Romans and the
Muslims. He reported that the fighting was so intense, that he used nine swords, which broke in the battle.
Khalid took over after Zayd ibn Haritha, then Ja’far ibn Abi Talib, then Abdullah ibn Rawaha were killed. It
was because of him that the Muslims returned safely. For this the Holy Prophet PBUH gave him the title of Saif
Allah – The Sword of Allah.
He subsequently took part in the Conquest of Makka, Battle of Hunain and the Battle of Tabuk. During the
conquest of Makkah he was appointed as leader of one of the four squadrons into which the Holy
ProphetPBUH divided his army.
2
He was at the farewell pilgrimage of the Prophet, and is said to have collected three hairs from the Prophet
there, which gave him victory in his battles. When Hazrat Abu Bakr sent him as commander of an army to
crush the apostates, he said that he had heard the ProphetPBUH say about him : “ He is the best slave of Allah,
a sword of Allah that has unsheathed for the disbeleivers, the hypocrites and polytheists, “ (Ahmad)
Hazrat Abu Bakr and Hazrat Umar placed similar reliance on him and made him commander of their armies
in the wars against the Romans and the Persians.He died in 642 in Syria.
5(b) Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib showed loyalty to the Prophet. How can Muslims show loyalty in
their everyday lives? [4]
They can show loyalty to their faith by not giving up in times of difficulty or ease. They can show loyalty to
their friends by always being there for them when they need it or standing up for them. They can show
loyalty to their families by helping them even when they do not always want to.
• The people of Taif, who threw stones at the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) when he visited that town in
order to invite them to Islam, and the Jews of Madinah who were always engaged in hostile activities
against the Muslims, were also forgiven by him.
• Abdullah bin Ubbay, the leader of hypocrites, worked all his life against the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H)
and Islam. He was continuously involved in intrigues with the chiefs of Makkah to wage war against
the Muslim. In the Battle of Uhad, he deserted with three hundred of his supporters, thus weakening
the Muslim army. Yet, after his death, the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) prayed to Allah to forgive him.
The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) was an example of forgiveness and kindness, as mentioned in the Holy Quran:
“Hold to forgiveness; command what is right (7:199)”
Justice and equality:
Prophet (P.B.U.H) was a just man; he never considered himself above anyone. He sat among people like ordinary
man; worked liked that ordinary labourer with his companions in the construction of Mosque of Madinah. He
also participated in digging the trench around Madinah with other Muslims at the time of battle of Allies.
• Once the Muslims were on journey everyone took charge of doing a certain duty. The Prophet (P.B.U.H)
took charge of collecting wood from jungle.
• Abbas the Prophet (P.B.U.H) uncle and Aaszainab’s husband were taken prisoners during the battle of
Badr. They were treated the same way, the other prisoners were treated. The companions asked the holy Prophet
(P.B.U.H) to free them without taking ransom, but he refused to treat them differently.
• The Prophet (P.B.U.H) treated people with fairness and never discriminated between Muslims and non-
Muslims in matter of justice. The Jews used to come to him to have their disputes settled,. A Muslim went to
Khyber and was killed by the Jews his son complained to the Prophet (P.B.U.H) he said, “If you swear as to who
has committed the murder, you will have the right to take your right from the murderer. They said, How should
we swear if we did not witness the murder or see the murderer?” The Jews were the only people who lived in
Khyber and there was no doubt to the fact that they had killed the man, but since there was no eyewitness, the
Prophet (P.B.U.H)did not ask them anything; and paid the blood money from the state treasury.
• Once a woman from an influential tribe of Makkah stole; the Prophet (P.B.U.H) order her hand to be cut.
Usama bin Zaid approached the Prophet (P.B.U.H) on behalf of the woman. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) said, “the
people before you were destroyed because they used to inflict the legal punishments on the poor and forgive
the rich. By God! if my daughter Fatimah did that , I would cut off her hand”.
• In administering justice, he made no distinction between believers and nonbelievers, friends and foes,
high and low. Once a Muslim and a Jew had a business dispute, when the matter was brought to the Prophet
(pbuh) he decided in favour of the jew.
Fulfilment of Promises
The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) fulfilled his promises. He was always held in such trust that people left their
valuable with him for safe keeping.
• When the king of Rome received a letter from the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) inviting him to Islam, he
called the Arab traders who were than visiting his country. He asked some questions about the Holy
Prophet (P.B.U.H) from their leader Abu Sufyan, who was at that time, one of the bitterest enemies
of Islam. One of the questions was whether the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) had ever broken his promise.
Abu Sufyan replied that he had never broken his promise.
• One of the conditions of the Treaty of Hudaibiya was that if any Muslim from Makkah went to
Madina, he would be returned. When the Treaty of Hudaibiya was being written. Abu Jandal, bound
in chains, escaped from Makkah and came to the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) asking for refuge. The
Muslims were shocked to see him in this condition, but the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) said to him “O
Abu Jandal! be patient, we cannot break the Treaty. Allah will very soon find a way for you”. He
was returned to people of Makkah.
• Two companions of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) while coming from Makkah were caught by the
unbelievers. They were released on the condition that they would not fight on the side of the Muslims
in the battle of Badr. They came to the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) and informed him about the incident.
4
The Muslims were very few in number and needed more men to fight against the unbelievers; but
the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) said “Both of you must go back; we will keep the promise under all
circumstances.”
By always keeping his promises and contracts the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) set an example for all mankind.
3(b) How easy is it for Muslims in the present day to follow the Prophet’s generosity? Give
reasons for your answer. [4]
4(a) By referring to the Treaty of Madina, describe the relationship between the Muslims and
the non-Muslims when the Prophet (pbuh) first arrived. [10]
M/J 2022
3 (a) Give an account of the tribes living in Madina and the details of the Constitution of
Madina that brought them all together. [10]
Answer (Learn and write)
• In 622 A.D. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) migrated to Yathrib (Madinah) together with his followers
after receiving an invitation from the Arab tribes of Yathrib. At that time, Yathrib was a pluralistic
society composed of people of different religions with a large population of Jews. These tribes were
engaged in bitter quarrels and often went to war over disputes that had been going on for
generations. The Aws and the Khazraj were two of the most prominent Arab tribes of Madina. Most
of the people belonging to these tribes had become Muslim and were together called ‘Ansars’ after
the migration. These tribes had been fighting for 120 years. The Battle of Bu’ath was fought between
them near the city of Madina before the arrival of the Prophet (pbuh). The Prophet’s migration
resolved the rivalry between them.
• There were also some Jewish tribes living in Madina, most prominent of which were Banu Qaynuqa,
Banu Nadir and Banu Qurayza. They had been waiting for the arrival of a prophet, but they had
expected him to come from the lineage of Is-haq. There were also some Christians living there.
• The continuous state of anarchy in Madinah eventually forced the residents to seek options for
peace. They agreed to make a prominent tribal chief, Abdullah ibn Ubay bin Salool, their king so that
peace and harmony could be achieved. Around this time, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) arrived in
Madinah and the tide turned against Abdullah bin Ubay. Since the Prophet was viewed as a
respectable, honest and trustworthy person, he was requested to head the soon to be city-state of
Madinah.
Creation of the Charter
5
• After assuming a central role in Madinah, the Prophet recognized a few pressing needs, which
included: Determining the rights and responsibilities of the local population as well as the immigrants
from Makkah. Making agreements with the non-Muslim population of Madinah , especially the Jews,
to ensure peace and harmony. Creating a strategy and plan to defend the city against invasions.
Making resources available for the immigrants to make a living.
• The strong need to create a centralized government in Madinah to end the prevailing anarchy
resulted in the creation of the Charter of Madinah. It is divided into two parts; the first part deals
with the rules and regulations for Muslim immigrants (Muhajirin) and Muslim natives (Ansar) and the
second part deals with the rights and responsibilities of the Jews of Madinah. This charter contains
47 clauses, which laid the foundations of a sovereign nation-state comprising of Muslims, Jews and
Pagans, having equal rights and responsibilities under a common citizenship.
➢ The salient features of this charter include:
• equal rights to the Jews with full liberty to follow their own faith without any interference by the Holy
Prophet (P.B.U.H) or his followers.
• It stated that the Muslims and Jews were allies and would help each other,
• that neither party would commit aggression against the other,
• and that in case of an attack on Madinah, both Muslims and Jews would defend it.
• It also guaranteed protection of their life and property
• Treaty also established the Holy Prophet (P.B.U,.H) as the leader and the head of the State of Madinah.
In the event of a dispute among the signatories, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was the final authority for
settling the dispute
• A system of financial aid was developed within each tribe and between tribes. Communal funds were
set up which were used in times of financial need such as to pay ransom or blood-money
• The Quraysh of Makkah were to be boycotted commercially by all signatories and nobody was to extend
any support to them.
The constitution meant that the rights of all citizens were safeguarded, and initially the relations between
the different groups remained sound. They engaged in commercial dealings with each other and gave and
received help from each other.
4(b) How can Muslims apply the Prophet Muhammad’s example of compassion when
building community relations? [4]
(b) In your opinion, what important lesson(s) can be learned from the Constitution of
Madina by Muslims today? Give reasons to support your answer. [4]
• Muslims can follow the Prophet’s example and have cordial relations with minority groups in their
communities for example minorities living in Pakistan i.e Christians, Hindus and Sikhs etc
• Non-Muslims or other ethnic minorities can be offered religious and social freedom based on the
principles of ‘Charter of Madina’.
• Rights of non muslims can also be guaranteed through law by giving protection to their lives and
properties as well as their places of worship.
• Another important aspect can be discouraging any discrimination against minority groups and
providing them equal opportunities to take active part in communal life.
• lessons learned from the Constitution of Madina must be applied in today’s world such as entering
into agreements with other communities and nations to establish common goals. For example,
sharing resources through economic co-operation agreements or establishing peace.
3(a) Write about the events related to the signing of the Treaty of Hudaybiyya and the main
terms in it. [10]
Answer (Learn and write):
Background:
• The Prophet saw a dream to visit Kaabah and decided to perform Umra. The Quran says, “Truly did
Allah fulfil the vision for His Messenger: ye shall enter the Sacred Mosque, if Allah wills, with minds
secure, and without fear.” (48:27)
About 1400 unarmed Muslims, clad in two sheets of unsewn cloth, departed for Mecca in February,
628 A.D. / 6 A.H.
• The Muslim had left Madina in a State of ihram, so were prohibited from fighting. As the Meccans
refused to allow them to enter, they stayed at Hudabiyah close to Mecca.
• For negotiations with Quraish 2 messengers were sent one after the other but they were detained
and finally Hazrat Usman was sent. When he did not return , a rumour broke out that he was killed.
• After hearing this, the Prophet called his companions to take a pledge on his hand to lay down their
lives for the sake of Islam and avenge the blood of Hazrat Usman. The Quran says, “Allah indeed
was pleased with the believers, when they swore allegiance to you under the tree and He knew
what was in their hearts, so he sent down peace on them and rewarded them with clear victory.”
[48:18]
As this oath was taken for God’s pleasure under a tree, it is known as ‘Bait-e-Rizwan’. Apprehended by this,
the Quraish sent the messengers including Hazrat Usman back.
It also influenced the Quraish into negotiating a treaty. They sent Sohail bin Amr to negotiate a peace treaty.
(TERMS/CLAUSES)
1. -Muslims would return to Madinah that year without performing Umrah.
2. -They would be permitted to come for Pilgrimage next year but would stay only for three days in
Makkah.
3. -If a Quraish from Makkah should join the Muslims without permission from his guardians, he would
be sent back to Makkah. But if a Muslim from Madinah went to Makkah he would not be sent back.
4. -There would be no fighting for ten years.
5. Muslims would be allowed to visit Makkah and Makkans would be allowed to go to Syria through
Muslim area and their trade caravans would not be attacked by the Muslims.
6. -Any of the Arab tribes might enter into treaty or alliance with either Muslims or Quraish.
7. It was also decided that they would not fight against the allies of each other.
After:
• Apparently, the terms of the treaty were against the interest of the Muslims, and many Muslims
including Hazrat Umar were unhappy with these terms. Umar asked why the Muslims were demeaning their
religion and was reassured by Abu Bakr and the Prophet.
• Ali was chosen to write the treaty. When the Prophet asked him to write in the name of Allah, the
merciful, the compassionate or that the Prophet was the Messenger of Allah. Suhail objected and instead
the Prophet erased it and had Ali write in your name O God and Muhammad son of Abdullah to which the
Muslims protested.
• At that point Suhail bin Amr’s sons Abu Jandal came to the Prophet asking to be freed. But the
Prophet kept to the terms of the treaty and told him to be patient. Once they completed the document the
Prophet asked the Muslims to sacrifice their animals and shaves their heads.
• The Prophet said that Muslims had been victorious and was supported in this by new revelation
“Verily we have granted thee a manifest victory”(48:1)
• The Khuza’a tribe made a pact with the Muslims and the Banu Bakr made a pact with the Quraish.
(b) From this event, what can Muslims learn about the importance of keeping their word? [4]
7
• The Prophet kept his word to the Quraysh for the duration of the treaty. Even before the treaty was
finished being written, he sent Abu Jandal back to the Quraysh, on account of an agreement having
been made verbally.
• This shows the importance of promising to do something, then fulfilling that action, even if it has
not been put into writing.
• As all actions and agreements are recorded by angels, God knows what has been promised and by
fulfilling promises, no matter how hard it is, then God will reward you accordingly.
• So, e.g. politicians should not go back on the things they promise when they want to be elected, or
people should not take back something that they have promised to give a friend.
3(b) What in your opinion were the benefits, if any, to the Muslims of signing this treaty? [4]
It brought peace, and Muslims were free to spread Islam, after which it did spread a lot. Muslims were
recognised as a political entity, a force to be reckoned with. It allowed the Companions to see the wisdom
of the Prophet’s decisions. It emphasised that God is the best of planners.
killed by Hamza. Then the duels took place in which Hamza killed Utba, Ali Killed waleed bin Utba. Then
they both assisted Ubaida bin Haris to Kill his opponent Shaiba. Ubaida was the first Martyr at this battle.
• After this the general battle began. According to the Prophet’s (PBUH) instructions, Muslims first shot
arrows at the Makkans men threw stones and lastly fought with swords in their hands. During the battle, Ali
killed Abu Sufiyan’s Son Hanzala, Hazrat Bilal killed his former master Umayya bin Khalaf. When the battle
was heated, Prophet (PBUH) took a handful of dust and threw it at the faces of the pagans saying,” May your
faces be disfigured.” It caused a sandstorm, the Quran says, “ It was not you who slew them ; It was Allah:
when you thrust ( handful of dust) was not your act but Allah’s… “ ( CH 8:V17)
• The Makkans had to face heavy losses and they fled in confusion leaving behind 70 dead and 70
prisoners. Their leader Abu Jahl was injured by two Muslim brothers Ma’uz and Mu’az and then was killed
by Abdullah bin Masood. Abu Bakr, Abdur Rehman bin Auf, Talha etc had formed a defensive ring around
The Prophet (PBUH) A large amount of spoils of war was also captured that was distributed among the
Muslims. Among the to prisoners were Prophet’s uncle Abbas, Hazrat Ali’s brother Aqeel and Prophet’s son
in law Abul Aas. Only 14 Muslims got Martyred , 6 Muhajirin and 8 Ansar.
• The Holy Prophet (PBUH) surprised everyone by treating the captured Meccans honourably. He
freed most of the prisoners on simple terms and conditions. The ones who could pay were freed after they
paid their ransom. The literate ones were freed after a certain period in which each one of them was
required to teach 10 Muslim children. The poor and the old captives were freed without ransom.
4(b) How important was the outcome of this battle for the Prophet (pbuh) and his followers?
Give reasons for your answer. [4]
• It was very important because it was the first battle that the Muslims had to fight after the
migration, and so to lose the battle may have led to a loss in confidence and belief, as well as
religious freedom.
• It also established Prophet’s position as a military commander and the head of state.
• Their victory ensured they remained strong in their faith and renewed their hope in their migration.
• It also gave them strength in belief that God was with them.
• There was an economic benefit to the battle, as the spoils of war allowed a lot of the Muhajirun to
become financially independent.
4. (b) What can the events of the Battle of Badr teach Muslims? [4]
• These events can tell Muslims that no matter what their circumstances they find themselves in, they
should have complete faith in God and that He will help them in their situation.
• Even if things seem impossible or difficult, He is the One who can help them.
• It also helps Muslims understand that they should keep hope in difficult situations, that at times when
things seem lost the outcome can change for the better.
• They should have confidence in their leader and keep united, as well as being able to consult with
and accept the opinion of others.
• Muslims should stay positive in difficult situations and have belief in overcoming difficulties whether
it be exams or illness, etc.
• There should be good treatment of prisoners of war.
• There is also the lesson that education is important as it was used as a ransom to allow prisoners to
gain their freedom.
5(a) Write about the lives of ‘Uthman ibn Affan and ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib during the lifetime of the
Prophet (pbuh). [10]
Answer (Learn and write):
He belonged to the Umayyad clan of the Quraish and was among the few people in Makkah who could read
and write. He came from noble stock and a well-established family, and was very successful trader. He
9
accepted Islam in its early days at the invitation of Hazrat Abu Bakr R.A and was the first Umayyad to accept
Islam. Despite his status and wealth suffered persecution at the hands of his uncle who tied him with ropes,
wrapped him in a blanket and lit fire around him so that he would be suffocated but he did not leave Islam.
Hazrat Usman R.A married the Prophet’s (P.B.U.H) daughter Hazrat Ruqayya R.A and migrated with her first
to Abyssinia and later to Madina. He did not participate in the first battle of Islam, Battle of Badr, on account
of her ill health. She passed away shortly afterwards and the same year the Prophet (P.B.U.H) married his
other daughter Umm Kulthoom R.A to him and gave him the title of Zunn-Nurain, the one with two lights.
At Hudaibiya, Prophet (P.B.U.H) asked him to go and inform the Makkans of his intention to make a
pilgrimage to the Ka’aba. When the rumor of his assassination erupted, the Prophet took the oath of revenge
which is known as “Bait-e-Rizwan”. At the time of Conquest of Makkah, Hazrat Usman R.A rode alongside
the Prophet (P.B.U.H) and at the Farewell Pilgrimage he was given the duty of escorting the Prophet’s
(P.B.U.H) wives.
Hazrat Usman R.A was very generous man and for his generosity was given the title of al-Ghani. ‘The
Generous One’. He spent freely from his wealth in the cause of Islam. For a vast sum of money,he bought,
from a Jew, a well in Madina for the free use of Muslims emigrants, when they had problems in getting
drinking water. He also bore one third of the expenses for the army during the Tabuk expedition, ‘Uthman
supplied the army with nine hundred and forty camels, and sixty horses; he also brought ten thousand dinars
to equip the army and bought the land for the expansion of the Prophet’s (P.B.U.H) mosque when the
community of the Muslims grew.He was a very modest man there are many Ahadith where the Prophet
(P.B.U.H) praised his modesty.
He was chosen to escort the Prophet’s wives at the farewell pilgrimage. The Prophet pbuh said, “For every
apostle of Allah, there was a constant companion and my companion in Paradise will be Usman.”
Hazrat Ali bin Abu Talib (R.A) was the son of the Holy Prophet’s paternal uncle Abu Talib. After marrying
Hazrat Khadija, Hazrat Muhammad took Hazrat Ali into his house to relieve Abu Talib of some of his burdens, since he
was very poor. Hazrat Ali became one of the first to accept Islam, at this time he was only ten years old.Hazrat Ali is
remembered as the one whom the Prophet Muhammad had asked to sleep in his bed on the night of the Hijra. By
doing this, he fooled the Quraish assassins into thinking the Holy Prophet was still in Makka, thus allowing him and
Hazrat Abu Bakr to get away. And, as the Prophet had requested, he was also able to return all the items which the
Prophet had been holding in trust for their owners. Hazrat Ali joined his cousin and Hazrat Abu Bakr at Quba outside
Madina.
A sign of Hazrat Ali closeness to the Prophet is that when the Emigrants from MakKah were paired with Helpers
from Madina, he was paired with the Prophets himself. Hazrat Muhammad said to him; ‘ You are my brother in this
world and the next’. In the second year of the Hijra, he married the Holy Prophet youngest daughter Hazrat Fatima.
In the battles fought by the Muslims, Hazrat Ali distinguished himself as a fierce warrior. He shared a camel with the
Prophet on the way to Badr, and was chosen as one of the scouts to discover the enemy’s movements. Before the
battle, he one of three Muslims who engaged in single combat, and he was chosen to carry the Muslim banner into
the fighting, where he killed many Quraish.
At Uhad, the Prophet Muhammad again gave him the Muslim banner, after the original bearer had been killed, and
he was one of the Muslims who defended the Holy Prophet after he was wounded. At the battle of al-Khandaq, he
defeated his foe in single combat, and he was among the leaders in the siege of the Jewish tribe of Banu Qurayza. He
courageously used a door as a shield at Khaybar. At the Muslim entry into Makka, he once again carried the Muslim
banner. He defended the Holy Prophet at Hunayn. He was also sent as commander of the Muslim forces in the
expeditions to Fadak and the Yemen.
Hazrat Ali distinguished himself in other ways, too. He was the scribe who wrote the treaty of al-Hudaybiya, and was
one of the witnesses to it. During the pilgrimage led by Hazrat Abu Bakr 9AH, he was sent by the Holy Prophet to read
out new teachings which had been revealed. These can be found at the beginning of Surat-al-Tawba.
Later, when he was left behind to take charge of Madina during the expedition to Tabuk, and he went to complain
that he was not going with the fighting men, the Prophet indicated that Hazrat Ali was his closest assistant: ‘Are you
not content to be with respect to me as Harun was to Musa, except that after me there shall be no other Prophet?’
When the Prophet Muhammad S.A.W was returning to Madina after his farewell pilgrimage, an incident took place at
Ghadir Khumm, which illustrates his high regard for Hazrat Ali. In front of his followers, the Prophet took Hazrat Ali
10
hand and declared, ‘Of whomsoever I am lord, this Ali is also his lord. O Allah! Be the supporter of whoever supports
Ali and the enemy of whoever opposes him.’ (This has been recorded by a number of Sunni authors and compilers of
Hadith, including Ahmed ibn Hanbal in his Musnad.)
Various sayings of the Holy Prophet have also been understood as tokens of the closeness between the two.
Particularly remembered among these are: ‘I am from Ali and Ali is from me.”
“I am the city of knowledge and Ali is its gate.”’When the Prophet Muhammad died, Hazrat Ali washed his body and
buried it in Hazrat ‘A’isha’s apartment.
5(b) From ‘Ali’s early life, what lessons can young people learn about their role in the
community? [4]
They should not shy away from the truth and that their age does not mean they cannot make right and
mature decisions. They should follow the guidance of trustworthy people but know that they also can
have the strength to play an important role in the community even at a young age. They should look to
keep themselves in good company to be able to make the right decisions.
If a young person is able to lead the community because he is knowledgeable, whether it be in prayer or
guiding others, then he should not be prevented from doing so due to his age. Young people can also be
role models for others.
1
• Ansar or Helpers were the Muslims of Madinah, mainly from Aws and Khazraj tribes, who received
and helped the prophet (p.b.u.h) and emigrants. They were also called Ansar-un-Nabi, or Helpers of
the Prophet. They were good natured, soft spoken and pious people who were devoted to the holy
Prophet (p.b.u.h).This is confirmed by the Holy Quran in the following words: ‘’But those who before
them had homes (in Madinah) and had adopted the faith, showed their affection to those, who
came to them for refuge and entertain no desire in their hearts for things given to the emigrants,
but gave them preference over themselves even though they themselves were poor.’’ [59:9]
Some Ansar specified an amount for their Muhajir brother to inherit and happened until the verse
was revealed “Blood relatives are nearer to one another regarding inheritance.” [8.75]
• The holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) assembled them at the house of Anas five months after migrating to
Medina and told them that the Muhajirin had left all their belongings in Makkah and was now
penniless and shelter less. He, therefore wanted to create the relationship of Brotherhood between
2
the Muhajirin and Ansar. He appointed ninety Muslims, the forty-five of whom were from the Ansar
and the other forty-five from the migrants, as brothers.
According to this foundation of brotherhood established, leaders of each family in Medina would
provide a Muslim family from Mecca with accommodation and share their belongings with them,
and they would work together.
• The Prophet did not choose two Muslims to become brothers randomly. Contrarily, he investigated
them carefully and appointed the best matches as brothers. For instance, there was an exact
harmony between Salman al Farisi and Abu’d-Dardaa; Ammar and Khuzaifa; Mus’ab and Abu
Ayyub, in terms of character, likes, and feelings. The emigrants tried their best so as not to be a
burden on anyone.
On this occasion, the prophet (pbuh) took Hazrat Ali as his brother and said, “You are my brother in
this world and in the hereafter.”
• Sa’d bin Rabi and Abdur Rahman bin Awf were made brothers and Sa’d was willing to share half
his property and divorce one of his wives for Abdur Rahman to marry. He refused, saying ‘direct me
to the nearest marketplace so that I may make my fortune with my own hands.’
The next morning, Abdur Rahman bin Awf, who was taken to Qaynuqa’s market, bought some
goods such as oil and cheese and started the trade business. After a while, he earned a fair income
and then became one of the well-known tradesmen of Medina.
• Many other Muslims of Mecca found appropriate jobs for themselves and lived happily by their
own work, like Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Awf e.g Abu Bakr made a living by farming.
• 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.
4.(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(b) Using this example, what can Muslims do for those people who have left their homes and
come to live amongst them in their communities?[4]
Brotherhood between Muhajirin and Ansar reminds the Muslims that the feeling of brotherhood is an
essential prerequisite for unity. It guarantees the safety and the well-being of the society at large.
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. There are many ways one can
share their good fortune with others. If they have a business, they can offer jobs to those who need them. If
they have spare rooms in their houses, they can offer them as accommodation to people who have not yet
found a place to stay. They can share some of the food that they cook, or buy some groceries for them, so
they do not have to spend from their own money. Giving up extra items has more reward than keeping them
and will create better relations in the community.
(b) How might Muslims today follow the example of the community in Madina to make
their own communities stronger? [4]
• Muslims should try to establish a sense of brother/sisterhood in their communities, e.g. when
people move into your area you could welcome them and share food with them.
• If you know they are in need of a job you can try to help them find work or offer them a job, if
possible.
• You can try to ensure they have what they need and give them the information they need to settle
into their new surroundings.
• if you are moving to a new place you should get to know your neighbours and keep good relations
with them.
3
• If they do not share the same faith as you it’s important to live in harmony with those of other
religions. In return, you should not take advantage of the generosity of others, or rely on others so
much that you burden them.
• It is narrated that during Mairaj the Prophet (P.B.U.H) had the opportunity to see Malik the keeper
of Hell. He saw Paradise and Hell, and the two rivers of Paradise, Kauthar being one of them. Fifty
prayers a day were made obligatory for the Muslims.
Return:
• When Prophet(pbuh) returned, the lock on his door was still moving as it was when he left his house.
When Prophet (pbuh) narrated this event to Quraish, they made fun of him but when Prophet told
them of trade caravan that he had seen on his way, his truthfulness was proved. When Makkans
asked Hazrat Abu Bakr about his opinion on this miraculous experience, he believed and testified this
experience by saying, “If he said so, then it is true.” and was given the title of Siddiquei.e “testifier
to the truth.”
(b) What was the significance of this journey to the Prophet? [4]
The Prophet (pbuh) had been through a period of difficulty and this event made him realise that God had
not left him. 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), which gave him renewed
hope in his message and he began to work towards better prospects for him and his community. It was one
of the main miracles other than the Qur’an.
4(a) Describe the main events in the life of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) from his childhood
until he received revelation. [10]
Answer (Learn and write):
• Prophet Muhammad was born on 12th Rabi ul Awwal 570 AD. His father Abdullah had died before
his birth. His mother Aamina, named him Ahmed and his grandfather Abdul Muttalib named him
Muhammad
• According to the custom of Arabia, Prophet’s upbringing was entrusted to Halima Saadia, who
belonged to the tribe of Banu Sa’ad . Great blessing and good fortune surrounded Halima and her family as
long as Muhammad (P.B.U.H) stayed with her, they were never short of food.
• After two years Muhammad (P.B.U.H) was brought back to his mother but there was an
epidemic(plague) in Makkah so she sent him back with Halima. Muhammad (P.B.U.H) remained with Banu
Sa’ad for five years, where he learned pure Arabic dialect, he said, “Verily I am the most perfect Arab
amongst you; my descent is from Quraish and my tongue is the tongue of the Banu Sa’ad.
• When Muhammad (P.B.U.H) was about five years old, the Angel Gabriel came with another angel.
On this occaision, Prophet’s chest was opened and a clot of blood was taken out of his heart and it was
washed with Zam-Zam water. When Halima came to know about it, she got scared and returned him to his
mother.
• When Muhammad (P.B.U.H) was six years old, his mother took him to Madinah to visit the grave of
her husband. On their return journey she passed away at Abwa and was buried there.
• Umm Aimen, the slave girl brought Muhammad (P.B.U.H) to his grandfather Abdul Muttalib, who
brought him up with love and affection. When Muhammad (P.B.U.H) was eight years old, Abdul Muttalib
died, before his death he entrusted him to the care of his son Abu Talib. Abu Talib was very kind to
Muhammad (P.B.U.H); he was loving and affectionate his nephew. Allah says regarding this, “Did he not
find you an orphan and give you shelter (and care).” (Ad Dhuha 93:6) When he was a boy, Muhammad
(P.B.U.H) looked after the flocks of Abu Talib.
• At the age of twelve, Muhammad (P.B.U.H) accompanied Abu Talib on a trade journey to Syria. On
his way near Basra, he met a Christian monk named Bahira, who noticed the signs of prophethood in him.
He asked Abu Talib to take special care of his nephew and protect him. He also warned him not to take the
5
Prophet Muhammad to Syria as Jews would harm him. Therefore, Abu Talib sold his merchandise at Basra
and came back to Makkah.
• Between the years 580-590, a sacrilegious war broke out at the fair of Ukaz between the Quraish
and Hawazin tribes, despite the fact that war was forbidden during the Hajj season. Muhammad (P.B.U.H)
was 15 year old when he went to the battlefield. However he did not participate in actual fighting, he helped
by picking up stray arrows thrown by the enemy and giving them to his uncles. It lasted for many years.
• Seeing the injustice and ravages of war, some tribes decided to form an alliance to protect the rights
of the oppressed and provide them with justice. For this purpose they assembled in the house of Abdullah
bin Jad’an , they agreed that if they found anyone either a native of Makkah, or an outsider had been
wronged they would help him against the aggressor till the stolen property was restored to him. As three
main leaders in alliance were named “Fazl”, this alliance came to be called Half-al-Fudul (truce of Fudul).
Prophet Muhammad(P.B.U.H) was among those who attended the meeting with his uncle Zubair bin Abdul
Mutlib and was so impressed by its noble objectives that he remained loyal to it. Later on he said,” I was
present in the house of Abdullah bin Judan at so excellent a pact that I would not exchange my part in it
for a herd of red camels; and if now in Islam. I were summoned unto it, I would gladly respond’’
• Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.h) led a virtuous life. He was considerate, kind, forbearing, patient, noble
hearted and a man of principles. He was honest and truthful and was known as “Sadiq” ( the Truthful ) and
“Ameen” (the Trustworthy ) for these characteristics. Hazrat Sa’ad, his business partner said: “I was
partner of Mohammad (P.B.U.H) in business. I always found him very honest in his dealings; he never
picked quarrels, nor made any false statement’’
On the occasion of the annual pilgrimage, Muhammad (P.B.U.H) used to supply water to the pilgrims and
look after their comforts. He was always fair and honest in his dealings.
• Khadijah bint Khuwalid, a wealthy widow in Makkah, had heard about the honesty of Muhammad
(P.B.U.H) and approached him for this purpose and sent her slave Maysera with him on a trade trip to Syria.
• Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) worked diligently and earned a great deal of profit. When they came
back, Maysera praised him for his honesty, Khadijah was very much impressed, and she proposed marriage
to him through her cousin Nafeesa, which he accepted after consultation with his uncle. At the time of
marriage in 595AD, Muhammad (P.B.U.h) was 25, while Khadijah was 40 years old. They were blessed with
four daughters; Zaynab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthoom, and Fatimah and two sons Qasim and Abdullah, who
died in infancy.
• In 605AD, When the Prophet was 35 year old, Quraish decided to repair Ka’bah, which had been
damaged due to floods. When the question of placing the nlack stone arose, a dispute started as every tribe
was eager to have the honour to install the black stone. The dispute was prevented by an elder who
suggested that the arbitration of the first person who entered the mosque the next morning should be
taken and all accepted the decision. Muhammad (P.B.U.H) happened to be the first person who came to
Ka’bah, and he accepted to arbitrate. Muhammad (P.B.U.H) placed the black stone in a sheet and asked the
leader of all tribes to lift it to the level where it was to be placed, and then he himself deposited it in its
place. Thus, Muhammad (P.B.U.H) was able to prevent a crisis with wisdom and diplomacy, which could
have led to bloodshed.
• With age and growing understanding Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H) became more and more fond of
solitude. He started retiring for days with a supply of dates, oatmeal and water into a cave in a mountain
(Jabal e Noor) outside Makkah, known as cave of Hira. There he pondered and mediated over the condition
of his people. These spells of loneliness and mediation became more frequent as he approached the age of
forty.
One day towards the end of Ramadan in 610 AD, he was in the cave of Hira, when angel Jibrael appeared
before him and revealed first five verses of Surah Alaq, thus he became a prophet at the age of 40.
6
4(b) The Prophet (pbuh) faced challenges in his early years but maintained his good character.
How can Muslims learn from this today? [4]
Despite living in an age of immorality, the Prophet (pbuh) did not lose his morals or his good character.
Muslims can learn from this to maintain their good character even in difficult times. For example, Muslims
today can be under pressure to be dishonest in business, but they should not succumb to greed. Or, they
may find people around them not committed to their prayers and encouraging them to miss their prayers
too, but they can follow the example of the Prophet (pbuh) and look up to his steadfastness in all
challenging circumstances.
The Holy Prophet (pbuh) told about his impending death and asked everyone to listen attentively. He
warned the Muslim Ummah against the evil practices of pagan hood, declaring Satan as the open enemy of
the believers. He told about the sanctity of life and property. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) emphasized upon
fulfilling the rights of Allah by worshipping Him alone and by performing the pillars of Islam.
“ Behold, worship your Lord; after praying 5 times a day; observe fast in the month of Ramadan;
pay Zakat on your property; and perform pilgrimage to the House of Allah.”
The Holy Prophet (pbuh) taught about the equality of all mankind. He said,
“All mankind is from Adam and an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor has a non-Arab over the
Arab. Similarly, no white has superiority over the black; nor have a black over white; except by piety and
good action…..you are all the children of Adam, and Adam was made of mud.”
Prophet (pbuh) also said that every Muslim is a brother to another Muslim and that the Muslims constitute
one brotherhood. He declared that the taking of interest (riba) was completely forbidden.
He emphasized on the rights of women especially as wives and also the kind treatment slaves.
“O people! You have rights over your wives and your wives have rights over you. Treat your wives
with kindness. Verily, you have taken them on the security of Allah and made them lawful unto
you by the words of Allah. And feed your slaves as you feed yourselves and cloth them as you cloth
yourselves. If they commit a fault which you are unwilling to forgive, then sell them.”
The holy Prophet (pbuh) also reminded the Muslims about their obligation of transmitting his teachings to
future generations “Let him who is present tell it to him who is absent.”
The religion and his prophet hood were completed .
On this occasion, he received the last revelation, “This day have I perfected your religion for you,
completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” (5:3)
After that, he arrived at Muzdalifah and performed his fourth, Maghrib, and fifth, Isha, prayer. At the break
of dawn, he returned to Mina to carry out the ritual of the Stoning of the Devil then ordered the sacrifice of
the sacrificial animals that he had brought with him. He then returned to Makka, performed another tawaf
7
and then spent the three days of Tashriq in Mina. It set a precedent for the rites and rituals of Hajj that are
to be performed by Muslims. He visited Khadija’s grave before leaving Makkah. He visited Khadija’s grave
before leaving Makka.
On his return to Madinah, the Prophet (P.B.U.H) organized the provinces and tribal communities. He
appointed officers to collect Zakat from the newly converted tribes and people of the Peninsula.
Meanwhile many more deputations arrived at Madina to accept Islam. the Prophet (P.B.U.H) also
ordered Usama ibn Zaid ibn Haritha to lead an expedition to Syria.
• Two month after his return to Madina the Prophet (P.B.U.H) fell ill with headache and fever. He
remained sick for about two weeks. At first, he performed all his duties as usual and led the prayers. On the
fifth day of his illness, he retired to the apartment of Hazrat Aisha with the consent of his other wives.. When
he became two weak, he appointed Hazrat Abu Bakr to lead the prayers.
• On the last day of his life, the Prophet (P.B.U.H) called for Fatima, Hassan and Hussain. He told her
about his impending death but when she cried she told her that she would be the first from his family to join
him in paradise, then she smiled. He came in the mosque supported by his attendants, and joined the
congregational prayer behind Hazrat Abu Bakr when Abu Bakr heard him coming , he tried to retreat but
Allah’ Apostle asked him to carry on. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) sat on his left side. After the prayer, He begged
forgiveness from his hearers, and exhorted them to follow the path of Allah,
• Then he advised the Muslims to be careful about the rights of Ansar and to treat them well. He
ordered to shut all the doors that opened to the mosque accept door of Abu Bakr House he said “be watchful
about your five daily prayers and rights of your women and servants.”. He warned the Muslims not to
worship his grave. He had some cash with Hazrat Aisha which he gave away as alms. Aisha said, “His last act
was cleanings of his mouth with a brush made of a soft branch of a tree and his last words were, “now,
none but he the companions on high is needed.”the Prophet (P.B.U.H) died on Monday June 8th 632AD, 12th
Rabi ul Awal 11 AH. Everyone was stunned with grief.
The Prophet (P.B.U.H) was buried in the same place where he had died; in the house of Aisha, his funeral
prayer was performed in batches his family members including Hazrat Ali and Abbas bin Abdul Mutlib
lowered him in his grave.
(OPTIONAL)Hazrat Umar was so shocked that he drew out his sword and declared that he would kill anyone
who said the Prophet had died. When Abu Bakr learned about the death of the Prophet (P.B.U.H) after
ascertaining the fact, he said, “O People! Lo as for him who worshipped Mohammad, Muhammad is died but
as for him who worshiped Allah, Allah is alive and dies not. Then he recited the following words of Quran, “
Muhammad is no more than an apostle.. Many were the apostle that passed away before him. If he died
or were slain will you then turn back on your heels? A –Imran(3:144)” .
4(b) Which of the Prophet’s teachings from his final sermon do you think is the most important
for Muslims today? Give reasons for your answer. [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 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, and worshipping God.
8
• When a revelation came, the Holy Prophet (pbuh) experienced different sensations. He heard ringing
sounds, he perspired in the cold; he became so heavy that the animal he was riding on and his
companions could feel the weight of his body. Angel Jibrail would also come in human form in the
appearance of Prophet’s companion Dahya Qalbi. 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.
He also received revelation in dreams. He also received revelation directly from God during the night
journey(Last 2 verses of surah Baqarah).
• When a companion once asked of Prophet (pbuh) how a revelation comes to him, he replied,
2
“It comes to me sometimes as the ringing of a bell and this is hardest on me, then he leaves me and I
remember from him what he says and sometimes the Angel comes in the shape of a man and he talks
to me and I remember what he says.”
Hazrat Aisha reports, ‘‘ I saw revelations coming down upon him in the severest cold and when that
condition was over, perspiration ran down his forehead.’’
Harith bin Hisham relates that once he was sitting with his leg under the leg of the Prophet. A revelation
came at that moment and he felt his leg would crush under the weight.
Zayd bin Thabit, one of the chief scribes relates: " When the revelation came to him he felt intense heat
and drops of perspiration used to roll down his body like pearls. When this state was over I used to
fetch a shoulder bone or a piece of something else. He used to go on dictating and I used to write it
down. When I finished writing the sheer weight of transcription gave me the feeling that my leg would
break and I would not be able to walk anymore ….."
• He received revelations as divine instructions on all important occasions of life. Revelations received in
Makkah during 610 to 622 are known as Makkan surahs. These are generally brief and are related to
articles of faith. e.g oneness of Allah, life after death etc. they also talk about the opposition of the
unbelievers and the language used is stronger. Throughout all the years of persecutions and hardships
in Makah, Prophet (pbuh) received revelations which not only consoled and comforted him but also his
followers e.g. Sura al Duha and Surah al Kauther etc.
In 622 A.D Prophet and his followers migrated to Madina when he was instructed through revelation.
During migration he was reassured of divine help when Abu Bakr was worried in the cave of
Thawr(Saur). “For Allah did indeed help him, when the unbelievers drove him out: he had no more
than one companion the two were in the cave and he said to his companion, have no fear, for Allah
is with us” (9:40).
• The surahs received during 622AD to 632AD are known as Madni surahs. This includes verses which
were revealed during the battles, as well as those revealed in Makah and Arafat during and after the
farewell Pilgrimage. They contain social, economic, political, criminal as well as spiritual laws that are
important for the organization and development of Islamic State. These surahs are generally lengthy.
In 624 A.D Prophet (pbuh) received a revelation in which the permission of fighting was given in
these words, “Fight in the cause of Allah against those who fight you.” (2:190)
He continued to receive revelations till his farewell pilgrimage in 631A.D. The last revelation received by
him was in the plain of Arafat after he performed Hajj and delivered the sermon:
“This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you
Islam as your religion.” (5:3)
The Quran was revealed in portions but it did not remain long in that condition as it was simultaneously
recorded by the Scribes.
2.(b) What was the significance of the Prophet being given the revelation by word rather
than in writing? [4]
• 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 Qur’an’s 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 Qur’an is primarily a book of worship, in a vocative tone, rather than a
legal written guide.
3
2(b) The Qur’an was revealed in parts over a number of years. Why was this important? [4]
(b) Explain the significance of Quran being revealed over a period of time. [4]
2(b) The Qur’an was not revealed all at one time. Why do you think this was important? [4]
• It was important because the power and words of the Qur’an weighed heavily on the Prophet (pbuh)
so it was better for it to be revealed over time. Also, the way the revelation came was physically
demanding for the Prophet (pbuh) and so again it was easier for him if the revelations were spaced
out. God says in the Qur’an, “If We had sent down this Qur'an upon a mountain, you would have
seen it humbled and coming apart from fear of Allah .” (59.21)
• God was taking care of the Prophet (pbuh) and his followers by revealing it in parts, as it was sent
to strengthen hearts, which could be done due to the partial revelations.
• God also sent it in this way to allow the Prophet (pbuh) and the early Muslims to ponder over its
meanings and have time to implement the teachings in their lives.
• Being revealed over time also meant that questions that arose from the Quraysh or the Muslims were
given an answer through new revelation. Gradual revelation also catered for the changing needs and
circumstances of the emerging Muslim community.
2(b) Muslims around the world memorise/recite the Qur’an in Arabic even though they
might not understand the meaning. What do you think are the benefits of this?[4]
• it is said when you listen to the Qur’an you receive the mercy of God. Allah says, “So when the
Qur'an is recited, listen carefully to it, and keep silent so that you may, be shown
mercy.” (7.204).
• The Qur’an will become an intercessor for that person on the Day of Judgment.
• Each letter that is pronounced brings reward of 10 good deeds to that person.
• A person who recites the Qur’an and is well versed in it, will be in the company of the angels who
are scribes,
• and if they are struggling with their recitation they will have double the reward.
3(a) The Prophet had difference experiences in the Caves of Hira and Thawr. Give an
account of his experiences in both caves.[10]
3(b) How did the events in the cave of Thawr help strengthen the Prophet’s relationship
with God?[4]
The events gave the Prophet 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. This reassured the Prophet
that God gave him the best companions for his mission. It also reassured the Prophet that God will always
be with him in difficulty, and that he has a plan for his benefit, such as covering the opening with a spider’s
web.
4(a) The Prophet Muhammad brought the message of Islam to Makka. Describe the ways
the main clans treated him after hearing his message.[10]
O/N 2010
(a) Describe the main difficulties encountered by the Prophet himself during his time in Makka after his
call to prophethood. [10]
O/N 2015
(a) Outline the difficulties the Prophet faced between receiving his first revelation and the boycott of
Banu Hashim. [10]
O/N 2020
4
(a) The Prophet (pbuh) was mistreated by the Makkans after preaching the message of Islam. Write an
account of the difficulties he faced. [10]
Answer (Learn and write):
The Prophet pbuh proclaimed the message of Islam openly on the mount of Safa after the divine command
for open preaching of Islam in 613 AD,“Expound openly what you are commanded and turn away from
those who join false gods with Allah.” [15:94]
He was rejected by the gathering specially his uncle Abu Lahab cursed him. After this event he had to face
stiff opposition and both physical and mental persecutions. The influential people of Makkah like Abu Jahl,
Abu Lahab, Abu Sufyan etc became his enemies. The opposition increased gradually.
The Quraish wanted to discredit Prophet (P.B.U.H)and his teachings in front of them and so came to the
decision that they would call him a magician who was so powerful that he could separate son from father,
brother from his brother, wife from her husband, and man from his clan.
The Quraish started to ridicule, degrade, and belittle the believers as well as the Prophet (P.B.U.H) himself
to demoralize them. He was called a mad man, or possessed by jinn. The Quran referes ro their mockery in
these words, “They say, “O you to whom the Reminder is revealed! You must be insane!” [15.6] and “The
disbelievers would almost cut you down with their eyes when they hear ˹you recite˺ the Reminder, 1 and
say, “He is certainly a madman.” [68.51]
Another method employed by the disbelievers was to distort the teachings of the Prophet (P.B.U.H),
creating doubts, and circulating false allegations concerning his doctrine, person, and character.
His uncle Abu Lahb called him “abtar” at the death of his second son. At that time Allah consoled and
comforted him with Surah al Kauthar and declared that his enemies were “abtar”. “For he who hates you,
he will be cut off.” [108:3 ] .
After the revelation of Surah Lahab , Abu Lahab also forced his sons Utba and Utaiba to divorce the Prophet’s
daughter Ruqayya and Umm-e-Kalsoom. Abu Lahb’s wife Umm-e-Jamil used to throw thorny bushes in the
path which the Prophet pbuh was expected to take.
They also persecuted him physically. Once Abu Jahl threw camel’s intestines on him when he was prostrating
in prayer, his daughter Hazrat Fatima removed it from him. Once Utba tried to strangle him when he was
praying near the Kaabah.
The pagans of Makkah also tried to bribe him by offering him wealth, leadership and even promised to marry
him with the fairest girl if he abandoned the preaching of Islam. The prophet pbuh rejected all such offers
and said, “O Uncle! Even if they place the sun in my right hand and the moon on my left, to force me to
renounce my mission, I would not stop until Allah fulfills my mission or destroys me in the process.”
‘Hearing this, Abu Talib said to him, ‘Go and preach what you please for, by Allah, I will not forsake you.”
The Prophet pbuh and his family were boycotted for three years i.e., from 7th till 10th year of prophet hood
and were forced to live in a narrow valley outside Makkah which is also known as Shib-e-Abu Talib. It was a
time of difficulties and hardships but the Prophet pbuh remained steadfast.
They also came up with another proposal that he should worship their gods and in return they would worship
his God. Prophet told them that there would be no compromise as Allah guided him to declare, “You have
your religion and I have my religion.”[109:6]
After Abu Talib’s death, he visited Taif for preaching Islam but people of banu Saqeef persecuted him
mercilessly. The makkans plotted to assassinate him, which forced him to migrate to Madina.
4(b) Why did the Quraysh fear the Prophet and his message even though he was not
violent or aggressive towards them?[4]
The Quryash were leaders of Makka and so were not ready to give up their power or prestige, they could not
imagine being equal with slaves. They feared him because they knew he was honest and trustworthy and so
he already had a good standing with people, therefore they were more likely to believe him. Although they
thought well of the Prophet they would have wanted a prophet to come from their own tribe rather than Banu
Hashim, as they were always competing with other tribes for prestige. The Ka’ba was a place of pilgrimage which
brought them an income and they were not willing to risk losing that income. They were comfortable with the way
5
they lived their life, satisfying their needs and not thinking about others less fortunate than themselves. By society
changing to Islam they would have to give up their previous practices of drinking, or treating women and slaves
badly, and that did not suit them. They had no interest in obeying a religion that outlawed what they enjoyed and
gave them no special status over their fellow men. It was against the religion of their forefathers, which they did not
want to change.
5(a) Two of the Prophet’s wives were Aisha and Hafsa. Write an account of their lives
during the lifetime of the Prophet.[10]
O/N 2022 (12)
5 (a) Write about the lives of two of the following wives of the Prophet (pbuh):
• Sawda bint Zama’a
• Aisha bint Abu Bakr
• Hafsa bint ‘Umar
• Umm Salama. [10]
O/N 2011, O/N 2019
5 (a) Write about the life of Aisha during the Prophet’s lifetime. [10]
Hazrat Sawda bint Zama’a (R.A)
• She was one of the first women to migrate to Abyssinia; her husband Sakran bin Amr had died and
she lived with her elderly father; she was middle-aged and had children from her previous marriage;
• she was the Prophet’s second wife and people were surprised he wanted to marry someone who was
widowed and older; they married one month after Khadija passed away and help was needed to look
after the Prophet’s children;
• She migrated to Madinah with Hazrat Fatima and Hazrat Umm Kulthum after the Prophet’s migration.
• Her house was the first to be built in Madina; she welcomed other wives into the household;
• She was close to Aisha and in the end gave up her time with the Prophet to Aisha;
• She was known for her generosity; The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) referred to her as the most charitable
and generous of his wives.
• On the eve of last Pilgrimage, the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) enjoined his wives to remain in retirement
after his death. Hazrat Sawdah followed this directive so much so that she never left her house even
for Hajj and Umrah.
• She died in the 22nd year of the Hijrat towards the end of the Khilafat of Hazrat Umar R.A. She was
buried in Jannat-al-Baqi.
Hazrat Aisha R.A,
• She was Prophet Muhammad’s pbuh third wife (thouh some think he married her before
HazratSawda), was the favourite of his later years. She was the daughter of his Companion Hazrat Abu
Bakr and one of his reasons for marrying her may have been to strengthen ties with his close friend.
• Hazrat Aisha would have known the Holy Prophet pbuh from her childhood as a daily visitor to her
father’s house. According to most authorities, she was six years old when she was married to him,
though the couple did not become man and wife until she was older. (some authorities say that she
was older than this when she married the Holy prophet pbuh). According to the historian, Hazrat Aisha
R.A became a Muslim along with her parents within the first two years of prophethood.
• Her marriage to the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) was solemnized in Madina in the second year of Hijra and
she continued her youthful ways even afterwards. Her young friends would often visit her in her
apartment, a practice that the Prophet (P.B.U.H) encouraged.
• She accompanied the Prophet (pbuh) on different expeditions and battles. For example in the battle
of Uhad she, along with other Muslim women, gave water to Muslim soldiers and nursed the injured.
6
• Hazrat Aisha R.A was a person of high character. A scandal once surrounded her when she was
mistakenly left behind during a caravan rest stop on an expedition with the Prophet (P.B.U.H). She
returned to Madina escorted by a companion of the Prophet Safwan bin Muattal who had found her
waiting alone in the desert. Amid the ensuing gossip, a Quranic revelation (Al-Nur, 24:11-13) cleared
her reputation and proclaimed her innocence. This Surah also established the punishment for false
accusations of adultery.
• Verses about the practice of Tayammum (dry ablution) (Al-Nisa 4:43) were also revealed on her
account.
• The Prophet (P.B.U.H) had a strong bond with his young wife and amongst the ‘Mothers of the
Believers’ she is ranked as one of the most learned. She memorized the Quran during Prophet’s (pbuh)
lifetime.
• The Holy Prophet’s continuing love and special affection for Hazrat Aisha are clear from his desire to
be taken to her apartment when he was dying. She nursed him there in his last days and it was there
that he was buried.
• After Prophet’s (P.B.U.H) death she remained a leading figure in the Islamic community. Such was her
knowledge that even the companions would come to her to seek guidance in religious matters. She
narrated some 2210 Ahadith from the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) and was also a critic of badly
remembered ones.
• she was critical of the third Caliph, Hazrat Uthman but opposed his violent death. During the caliphate
of Hazrat Ali R.A , together with the Prophet’s (P.B.U.H) companions Zubayr and Talha R.A, Hazrat
Aisha R.A mobilized opposition to Hazrat Ali R.A for not calling Hazrat Uthman’s killers to
accountability. This culminated in the Battle of Camel 656AD in which she played a central role but
her side lost.
• Thereafter, she did not participate in politics at all. Hazrat Aisha outlived the Prophet (P.B.U.H) by 47
years and was one of the principal links back to the Prophet (P.B.U.H) era of decades onwards as the
world of Islam grew and expanded. She is buried in Jannat al-Baqi in Madina.
(b) Choose from one of the wives named in part (a) and write about what her life might
teach Muslims about the role of women in society. [4]
Although they were wives of the Prophet (pbuh) and were given a special status, they were still in many
ways active participants of the community. They related many sayings of the Prophet (pbuh) due to their
closeness with him, and Aisha, in particular, was involved in teaching both women and men about Islam
through the Hadith that she narrated. This suggests that women should not only learn and educate
themselves, but they can also teach others from what they have learned. They were supportive and caring
of each other and so women can look for ways in which they can offer support and care to other women
even if only in their own household. Women may be involved in advisor roles in the community. Just as the
Prophet’s wives offered advice and support to the Prophet (pbuh), women with relevant skills and
experience should participate in roles where they can give advice, such as in mosques, etc.
All other sources of law depend upon it for their authenticity and none of them ever contradict it.
• Sunnah of the Prophet is the second primary source of Islamic law. From the earliest times, Muslims
usually refer to the practice of the Prophet when they wanted to know exactly how to reach a decision.
The ahadith were always regarded as important source of teaching alongside the Quran.
Particularly among legal experts they became acknowledged as a source which was second only to
the Quran itself.
As all Muslims know, the Quran teaches that Muslims must pay Zakat, the charity tax. This is usually
mentioned in the Quran together with Salat, as an activity of sincere believers.
“And be steadfast in prayer, give the charity tax, and bow down your heads with those who bow down.”
[2:43]
In this example Muslims are encouraged to give Zakat, but they are not told exactly what they should
give, or how they should give it. These details are found in the Hadith of the Holy Prophet:
the Messenger of Allah said:“No charity tax is due on property mounting to less than five Uqiya,
and no charity tax is due on fewer than five camels, and there is no charity tax on fewer than five
Wasq.”
Ahadith such as this helped legal experts to give advice to Muslims about how the teachings in the Quran
Zakat should be obeyed.
When neither of the primary sources offer answers, then ijma’ and qiyas can be used. These are used mainly for
issues that did not arise at the time of the Prophet;
• According to the principles of Islamic law, ijma is the third source. The word ijma means “consensus”
or “unanimous agreement”. It should be referred to only when there is no clear teaching in the Quran
or Sunna.
“You are the best of people evolved for mankind, enjoining what is right forbidding what is wrong and
believing in Allah.” [3:110]
O who you believe! Obey Allah and obey the Apostle and those charged with authority among you. [4:59]
These and other verses like them indicate that the community has been given authority because it is upright
and follows the guidance of Allah and the example of the Prophet (pbuh).Ijma is used to interpret and
explain the teachings of Quran when Hadith is also silent on that issue,for example;
If a father has died before his son, when the son himself dies the grandfather shares in the son’s estate,
together with other relatives.
It is based on the Quranic injunction:
“It is prescribed, when death approaches any of you, if he leaves any goods, that he should make a bequest
to parents and next of kin.” [2:180]
It allows for grandfather to take the father’s place in inheriting from the son, even though it is not stated in
so many words in the Quran. This example shows that ijma can be regarded as a continuation of the
divine teaching for legal and practical purposes. It was always safeguarded by the agreement of leading
Muslims or of experts who could say whether or not a principle was in harmony with the Quran and
Sunnah.some issues they have to deal with have been, at the time of the caliphs, the compiling of the
Qur’an and more recently, the permissibility of IVF for married Muslim couples who do not have
children.
• Qiyas actually comes from a verb that means to measure one thing by comparing with another thing
that is similar to it.
“Qiyas is the legal method of deducing one principle from another by comparing them together.” This is the
fourth basis of legal method, according to Sunni Islam, coming after the Quran, Sunna and Ijma.
This may be illustrated by the following examples:
9
• Asl:The Fundamental teaching is describe by the Prophet (S.A.W), “Every intoxicant is Khamr so every
intoxicant is haram.” (Sunnan Abu Daud)
Far; the (subsidiary) : L.S.D cocaine opium and all other drugs
‘illa (the cause) connecting them is intoxication
Hukm (Law): all these drugs are declared haram (forbidden)
It is important to say that the asl must always be a principle from the Quran (as in this example), the
Sunnah or Consensus .It shows that the secondary sources do not contradict the primary sources but rather use
the primary sources as a basis for their answers.
2 (b) How important is the use of ijma’ or qiyas in Islamic law in present day situations?
Give reasons for your answers.
2(b) How useful are ‘ijma and qiyas when dealing with modern issues?[4]
• new rulings can be formed for any new circumstance, based on their basic similarity with the basic
laws of the Qur’an and sunna. In this way the divine laws revealed in the Qur’an and sunna remain
unchanged without becoming outdated.
• The fundamental laws were made by God who created man and knows what’s best for him at all
times. For changing aspects of human life, the Qur’an and sunna provide basic principles which may
be applied by analogy whenever the need arises
• the secondary sources are useful in that they provide answers for issues arising such as smoking,
drug use, medical treatments which otherwise may get left to individual interpretations and Muslims
would not know how to react to these new issues..
• Then she went to her cousin Waraqa bin Naufal, who was a blind Christian scholar. After hearing
what had happened to her husband in the cave of Hira, he said that it was the angel Jibrael who had
always brought revelations to previous messengers of God. He also informed her that he would face
enmity and persecutions by his own people. Hazrat Khadija returned and narrated all this to the
Prophet pbuh and then took him to see Waraqa himself. Waraqa not only informed him of the
hardship he would face but alse foretold that he would be exiled from Makkah. When Prophet asked
him about the unseen voices , he asked the Prophet pbuh not to be afraid and to listen attentively.
2(b) What can Muslims today learn from the first revelation about the importance of
reading and understanding the Qur’an? [4]
• The first word, Iqra, is a command to read or learn.
• The Qur’an is the final revelation from God, and in it contains the guidance for humankind for all
time.
• It is an opportunity for Muslims to know what it is that God wants from them so they can act on
what will be pleasing to God.
• For this it would be important to learn the meaning of the Qur’an although there is also reward in
reading it without knowing the meaning.
• Reading it with understanding could lead a person so have a deeper connection with God.
2 (b) What does the Prophet’s first experience of revelation tell us about the nature of
prophethood in Islam. [4]
• The Prophet’s first experience of revelation in the cave of Hira helps us to understand the
concept of prophet hood in Islam.
• It shows that Allah chose prophets according to His own will which means that it was
predestined and could not be attained by personal efforts.
• It was given without warning and often through miraculous events at the time of calling which
caused confusion and fear. For example, Prophet Muhammad got afraid when he was squeezed
by angel Jibrael. Similarly , Hazrat Musa got confused when God addressed him for the first
time.
• This fear and confusion shows that the prophets were chosen from mankind.
• This event also shows that Jibrael acted as a link between God and Prophets.
(b) Was it significant, that the Quran was revealed to someone who could not read or
write? [4]
• Yes, it was significant.
• being unable to read or write it would not have been possible for the Prophet to have
composed the Qur’an himself;
• the implication is that not being able to compose the Qur’an himself, it shows that the Qur’an
is from God;
• the Arabs had a strong oral tradition which allowed the Qur’an to be preserved through
memory alone;
• Since he could not read or write, therefore, he needed scribes for writing down the revelation
and later they became witnesses of the divinity of Quran.
• God did not want anyone else to be the Prophet’s (pbuh) teacher, as that would have meant
someone was superior to him in his knowledge of God. It was a miracle of God.
2(b) The Qur’an was revealed in parts over a number of years. Why was this important? [4]
God says in the Qur’an that had He sent the Qur’an upon a mountain it would have come apart (59.21). So
had it been revealed as a whole to Muhammad (pbuh) it would have been too heavy for him to carry the
burden. God was taking care of the Prophet (pbuh) and his followers by revealing it in parts, as it was sent
3
to strengthen hearts (25.32), which could be done due to the partial revelations. God also sent it in this
way to allow the Prophet (pbuh) and the early Muslims to ponder over its meanings and have time to
implement the teachings in their lives. It was also sent in parts in response to the needs of different
situations and times
3(a) Write about the main events of the battles of Khaybar and Tabuk . [10]
Answer (Learn and write):
The Expedition of Khyber:
• In 7 A.H, 628AD, Some ten weeks after the treaty of Hudaibiya, the malice of the Jews increased to a
greater intensity. The sorcerer Labid, who after the Pact of Hudaibiya has cast a spell on the Prophet
(P.B.U.H), had almost certainly been paid by them to do this job. The treaty of Hudaibiya led them to
think that the Muslims were weak. They imagined that their acceptance of such humiliating terms
could be due to nothing but weakness. They, therefore, got in touch with all those who had agreed to
help them in their fight against the Muslims, asking them to prepare to march toward Madinah.
• When the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) came to know about the proposed plot of the Jews to attack Madinah,
he launched into prompt and immediate action. This time, the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) considered it
more proper to go to Khyber swiftly, lest the Jews should seize the chance of advancing on Madinah.
Thus, he set out with 1600 believers from Madinah in the month of Muharram of 7 A.H/628AD and
reached Khyber, the strongest and most fortified settlement of the Jews, in three days.
• The Jews were surprised when they saw the Muslims marching on toward Khyber, they immediately
rushed to their fortresses. There were several fortified quarters and 7 big forts in Khyber. Qamus, (An-
Nizar) was the strongest fort whose ruler was the all-Arab famous warrior Marhab, He was considered
to be stronger than 1000 horsemen.
• According to historians, there was a force of about 20,000 Jews in the forts. When the Holy Prophet
(P.B.U.H) realized that the Jews were prepared to fight, he ordered an attack. The first battle took place
on the fort called Na’im. A fierce battle took place and the fort was conquered. The Muslims captured
other small fortresses as well, without much difficulty, but when they reached the famous and
impregnable fort of Qamus they found it very difficult to conquer. The fight prolonged to 20 days. Each
day they had to return without success.
• When the Muslims complained to the prophet about their successive failures, he consoled them and
told them that next day he give the flag and command to the person who was dear to Allah, and to
whom Allah was dearer ,and that person would succeed in taking Al-Qamus. Next morning ,when all
were assembled the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) beckoned ‘Ali (R.A) and with his own hands put the amour
on him, handed him the sword and staff ,and sent him forth as the commander of the Muslim troops
for that day.
• Seeing Muslims under the command of Hazrat ‘Ali (R.A) , Marhab came out of the fort and invited Hazrat
‘Ali (R.A) for a combat. The fight took place between Marhab and Hazrat’ Ali (R.A) in which Hazrat , Ali
(R.A) killed him in the first attack. Then a fierce battle started, and the Jews were forced to give in and
the fort was captured by the Muslims. Ali is said to have moved a door by himself which would have
taken many men to move.
• After losing their strongest fort, Qamus, Kinanah, its chief, negotiated a deal with the Prophet (P.B.U.H)
for their lives, in place of all their wealth and belongings. However, because of their concealment of
their wealth, Kinanah and his cousin were put to death and their families were made captive.
• With the fall of Qamus, the gardens of Khaybar now came under the control of the Muslims and they
allowed their Jewish owners to continue working the land in exchange for an annual rent of half their
harvest. The Jews realized that the end must come. They requested the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) to grant
them peace on the condition that they would pay him half the produce of their lands. Their lives,
property women and children were left untouched. Abdullah Ibn Umar reported “The Prophet (P.B.U.H)
4
made a deal with people of Khaybar that they would have half the fruits and vegetation of the land
they cultivated.”
• Spoils of war fell into the hands of the Muslims. Besides vast stores of dates, oil, honey and barley, flocks
of sheep and herds of camels, the spoils in treasure and jewels was very large.
Tabuk Expedition
The Relationship between the Muslims and Christians were strained since the battle of Mutah. The
Byzantines were afraid of the growing power of Arabia and the spread of Islam. The emperor Heraclius
collected a large force to attack Madina. When the Prophet (P.B.U.H) learned about the preparation, he gave
a call for jihad.
The time of the expedition was unfavourable as there was drought and famine in Arabia. The summer was
extremely hot. The date crop was ready to be harvested. The Arabs tribes were hesitant to fight the
Byzantines whom they considered very powerful and it was a long journey through a barren desert.
Besides, the Hypocrites, under the leadership of Abdullah bin Ubay spread discontentment and fear
amongst the Muslims. They made excuses not to accompany the Messenger of Allah and said that they
feared the enemy and the intense heat. Allah said of them, "Those who were left behind rejoiced in staying
behind the Messenger of Allah and were against struggling with their possessions and their selves in the
way of Allah. They said go not forth in the heat, say the fire of hell is hotter, did they but
understand"(9:81).
The Prophet (P.B.U.H) asked for donations and charity for the preparation of the expedition. The Muslims
made great contribution, Abu Bakr R.A gave all his possessions, Umar gave half his property, while Uthman
gave 900 camels and 100 horses, and a 1000 gold dinars. Women donated their ornaments. On this occasion,
the Prophet (pbuh) appointed Hazrat Ali as his deputy in Madina and said, “You are to me as Haroon was to
Musa(A.S) except there will be no Prophet after me.”
The Prophet (P.B.U.H) gathered an army of 30000 and marched to Tabuk in Rajab 9 A.H. After 7 days of
journey, the Muslims reached Tabuk. When the Romans heard of Muslims advanced with such a huge force,
they withdrew from border towns, and dispersed. the Prophet (P.B.U.H) did not pursue them in their own
territory.
He sent small expedition against various Christians and Jew Rulers in the neighbourhood. Many Christians
tribes entered into alliance with the Muslim and came under their protections and agreed to pay Jizyah. In
return, the Prophet (P.B.U.H) guaranteed them the security of their boarders and territories as well as safety
of their caravans and their ships traveling by land and see. He returned to Madinah after staying in Tabuk
for 20 days.
The Conspiracy to kill Messenger (saw) by the hypocrites was always there, even on the way back from
Tabuk. Abu Qatadah was there to protect him. There was a group of hypocrites ready to kill the Messenger
(saw), they said let us kill him (saw). Twelve of them gathered and conspired to hit the Messenger’s mule,
near the valley, so that he would fall down and be killed. Hudaifah bin Yaman and Abu Qatadah saw that
the Messenger (saw) was close to edge. Hudaifa went and held the reins of the Messenger’s mule. The
hypocrites went to make noise and unsettle the mule while the Prophet (P.B.U.H) was passing through the
mountain road, Allah said, regarding this "They swear by Allah that they said nothing (evil) but indeed they
uttered disrespect and they did it after accepting Islam and they meditated a plot which they were unable
to carry out."(9:74)
This was the last military expedition the prophet(pbuh) took part.
3(b) The Battle of Tabuk became a mission of peace instead of war. What can Muslims
learn from this? [4]
The Prophet (pbuh) had set off to fight the Byzantines. They did not show, and so there was no war. The
Prophet (pbuh) made treaties with people along the border. Some lessons Muslims can learn could be:
• Muslims should favour peace over fighting
5
• Muslims should fight in defence just as the Prophet (pbuh) did, preferring to make peace with those
in neighbouring regions
• Showing unity could help remove the need to fight.
4(a) The Prophet’s relationship with the Quraysh changed after he began to receive
revelations. Describe the differences in the way the Quraysh treated him after this
event.[10]
Answer (Learn and write):
Before:
Muhammad (P.B.U.h) led a virtuous life. He was considerate, kind, forbearing, patient, noble hearted and a
man of principles. He was honest and truthful and was known as “Sadiq” (the truthful) and “Ameen” (the
trustworthy) for these characteristics. Hazrat Sa’ad his busuness partner said: “I was partner of Mohammad
(P.B.U.H) in business. I always found him very honest in his dealings; he never picked quarrels, nor made
any false statement’’
On the occasion of the annual pilgrimage, Muhammad (P.B.U.H) used to supply water to the pilgrims and
look after their comforts. He was always fair and honest in his dealings.
Muhammad (P.B.U.H) was hard working and always acted with great integrity and honesty Khadijah bint
Khuwalid, had heard about the honesty of Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and approached him for this purpose and
sent her slave Maysera with him.
Muhammad (P.B.U.H) worked diligently and earned a great deal of profit. When they come back Maysera
praised him for his honesty, Khadijah was very much impressed, and she proposed marriage to him, which
he accepted after consultation with his uncle.
In 605AD, Quraish decided to repair Ka’bah, which, had been damaged due to floods. When the question of
placing the Black stone arose, a dispute started as every tribe was eager to have the honour to install the
black stone. The dispute was prevented by an elder who suggested that the arbitration of the first person
who entered the mosque the next morning should be taken and all accepted the decision. Muhammad
(P.B.U.H) happened to be the first person who came to Ka’bah, and he accepted to arbitrate. Muhammad
(P.B.U.H) placed the black stone in a sheet and asked the leader of all tribes to lift it to the level where it was
to be placed, and then he himself deposited it in its place. Thus, Muhammad (P.B.U.H) was able to prevent
a crisis with wisdom and diplomacy, which could have led to bloodshed.
After:
The Prophet pbuh proclaimed the message of Islam openly on the mount of Safa after the divine
command for open preaching of Islam in 613 AD,
“Expound openly what you are commanded and turn away from those who join false gods with Allah.”
[15:94]
He was rejected by the gathering specially his uncle Abu Lahab cursed him. After this event he had
to face stiff opposition and both physical and mental persecutions. The influential people of Makkah like
Abu Jahl, Abu Lahab, Abu Sufyan etc became his enemies. The opposition increased gradually. Initially, he
was mocked and rejected but as the time passed by, rubbish and thorny bushes were thrown and abuses
were hurled at him. Once when he was prostrating, Abu Jahl placed filth on his back. On another occasion,
Utba tried to strangle him when he was praying at the Kaaba.
They also called him a mad man, a poet and a magician and also wrote poems against him. His uncle
Abu Lahb called him “abtar” at the death of his second son. At that time Allah consoled and comforted him
with Surah al Kauthar and declared that his enemies were “abtar”. “For he who hates you, he will be cut
off.” [108:3 ] .
Abu Lahab also forced his sons Utba and Utaiba to divorce the Prophet’s daughter Ruqayya and Umm-e-
Kalsoom. Abu Lahb’s wife Umm-e-Jamil used to throw thorny bushes in the path which the Prophet pbuh
was expected to take. An old lady pelted him with rubbish on his way to prayer.
6
The pagans of Makkah also tried to bribe him by offering him wealth, leadership and even promised to marry
him with the fairest girl if he abandoned the preaching of Islam. The prophet pbuh rejected all such offers.
They also went to the Prophet’s uncle Abu Talib and threatened him. The Prophet pbuh and his family were
boycotted for three years i.e., from 7th till 10th year of prophet hood and were forced to live in a narrow
valley outside Makkah which is also known as Shib-e-Abu Talib. It was a time of difficulties and hardships
but the Prophet pbuh remained steadfast.
4(b) The Prophet did not change his character despite the way the Quraysh changed
towards him. What can Muslims learn from this? [10]
Muslims should know how to develop good character traits and not change them, whatever the situation.
That when people are trying to make difficulties in your life, you should try your best to keep good
relations with them rather than reacting in a negative way with them in return.
That God looks at what you do and will help you when you remain patient.
5(a) ‘Uthman and Ja’far were among the companions who migrated to Abyssinia. Write
an account of this migration and the events in it.[10]
M/J 2009, M/J 2012, M/J 2016
5 (a) The Prophet allowed some of the early Muslims to move to Abyssinia. Write
about the events of this migration. [10]
Answer (Learn and write):
• The Persecution and hostilities of the Quraish started slowly but by the middle of fifth year of
prophethood/615 AD, they became intense. Some of prophet’s followers were persecuted to death e.g
Sumayya and her husband Yasir.
It was at this time that surah az-Zumar was revealed: “Good is for those who do good in this world, and
Allah’s earth is spacious. Only those who are patient shall receive their rewards in full, without
reckoning.”(39:10)
• After this revelation, the Prophet allowed the Muslim converts to migrate to Abyssinia, where the
King Ashamah, who held the title of Negus(Najashi), was a just man. The first group of Muslims who
migrated were a group of 12 men and 4 women, including the Prophet’s (P.B.U.H) daughter
Ruqayyah and her husband Hazrat Usman. Hazrat Abu Bakr also left for Abyssinia but came back
when one of his friends gave him protection. After a long journey in a boat , they reached the capital,
Aksum, where they were received warmly and given freedom to live and practice their religion.
• That same year in the month of Ramadan, the Prophet (P.B.U.H) was by the Ka’aba when he started to
recite the verses of Surah al-Najam, as they were revealed to him, in the presence of many idolaters.
The Impact of the word of Allah was such that, spellbound, they fell in prostration. News of this event
was mis-reported in Abyssinia, and the migrants, led to believe that the whole of Makkah had accepted
Islam, made their way back. On reaching back Makkah, they realized that the news was not true. The
Quraish had heard reports about the good treatment to the migrants whilst in Abyssinia and, in their
fury, they redoubled their persecutions.
• Seeing the plight of the Muslims, the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) allowed them a second migration. This time
the group leaving Makkah was large. There were 83 men and 19 women who secretly made the journey
led by the Prophet’s (P.B.U.H) cousin Jafar ibn Abu Talib. They included Hazrat Sawdah and her husband
Sakran, Zubair, Abu Ubaidah bin Jarrah, Abdur Rehman bin Auf etc.
• The leaders of the Quraish, rather than celebrating the departure of these Muslims from Makkah, were
furious and determined that they should not be left in peace to settle and, perhaps, even increase their
number by preaching Islam in Abyssinia. Hence, they planned to send a delegation of two men, Amr bin
Aas and Abdullah bin Rabiyya, with some gifts to the king to request him to hand over the emigrants
7
to them. The sole purpose of this two-man delegation was to slander the faith of Islam in the eyes of
the Christian King Negus.
They appealed to the generals first and then to Negus himself, saying: “Some foolish young men and
women of our people have taken refuge in this kingdom. They have left their own religion, not for
your, but for one they have invented, one that is unknown to us and to yourselves. We beg you to
restore them (to their elders).” They accused the Muslims of having strange beliefs about Jesus.
• Negus, being a just ruler, asked the Muslims to explain themselves before he reached a decision about
whether or not he would return them to the Quraish. Jafar ibn Abu Talib, who was an eloquent speaker,
stepped forward and answered:
✓ “O King! We were ignorant people and we lived like wild animals. The strong among us lived by
preying upon the weak. We obeyed no law and we acknowledged no authority save that of brute
force. We worshipped idols made of stone or wood, and we knew nothing of human dignity. And then
God, in His Mercy, sent to us His Messenger who was himself one of us. We knew about his
truthfulness and his integrity. His character was exemplary, and he was the well-born of the Arabs.
He invited us toward the worship of One God, and he forbade us to worship idols. He exhorted us to
tell the truth, and to protect the weak, the poor, the humble, the widows and the orphans. He ordered
us to show respect to women, and never to slander them. We obeyed him and followed his teachings.
Most of the people in our country are still polytheists, and they resented our conversion to the new
faith which is called Islam. They began to persecute us and it was in order to escape from persecution
by them that we sought and found sanctuary in your kingdom.”
• When Negus asked for an example of the Prophet’s (P.B.U.H) message, Jafar choose well and recited
Surah Maryam, verses 17-26, about Hazrat Maryam the mother of the Prophet Isa nad his miraculous
birth without a father.
It is said that when Jafar finished, the recitation, Negus and his entire court had tears in their eyes. Negus
said:
"By God this and Gospel are the lights of one candle".
• Thereafter he returned the gifts, sent by the leaders of the Quraish and told them that even if they
offered him a mountain of gold, he would not hand over the people who had sought his refuge.
• When the envoys of the Quraish came back to Makkah unsuccessful, it infuriated the Quraish and they
intensified their persecutions of the believers remaining in Makkah. It was at this time that the Prophet’s
uncle Hazrat Hamza and Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab entered the fold of Islam.
5. (b) Why did the people of Makka pursue these Muslims? [4]
The Makkans wanted to destroy the new faith, as it threatened their own religious and economic stability
and therefore, did not want the Muslims to escape and for Islam to flourish. The Makkans had fears due to
the increasing number of Muslims and the this migration encouraged those to accept Islam who previously
feared persecutions. They wanted to bring emigrants back and persecute them in order to discourage others
from accepting Islam. The success of this Migration was a threat to their political leadership in Arabia. This
migration also threatened their economic prosperity.
5(b) What was the importance of making this migration at that time? [4]
The migration to Abyssinia was a significant event which can be described at the first major political move
taken by the Holy Prophet pbuh.. The migration to Abyssinia made the feelings of unity among Muslims
stronger; the emigration to Abyssinia gave the Muslims a chance to carry the message of Islam further and
out of Arabia. The migration provided practical training during the Holy Prophet’s pbuh lifetime for the
establishment of a Muslim society in which the Prophetpbuh did not live. The Muslims came to know that
there were places where they could seek shelter and protection from the persecution of the Quarish. It
ultimately gave birth to the idea of a greater migration to Madina.
8
5(b) How does this migration compare to recent migrations of Muslims to other
countries? [4]
Muslims around the world are facing persecution, such as in Syria, and are migrating to other countries like
Jordan and Turkey, where they are being allowed to live in freedom. However, it is not like the migration to
Abyssinia as the current migrants usually live in refugee camps, where resources are limited. The migration
to Abyssinia can also be compared to Muslims migrating to non-Muslim countries, where they are given
freedom to live and work, but sometimes not everyone welcomes them.
Surahs
1. Choose any two of the following passages from the Qur’an, and:
(a) briefly describe the main theme(s) in each passage. [4]
(b) briefly explain the importance of the themes in the daily living of Muslims. [4]
9
• Surah al Fatiha(1) talks about humankind being created to worship God and that can be done
in many ways: praying, following the sunnah, making dua etc “Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher
and Sustainer of the Worlds.”. It emphasises that He is the creator and controller of all that is in
the heavens and the earth, and that He will judge over humankind. They should keep this in mind
when they do anything. In return they should ask Him for help to remain guided. Asking for help
is important which is why this is used as a prayer. . It says “ You alone we worship and your
aid we seek.” It also shows that perfect guidance is provided by God, humans should seek it and
follow it.
• Surah al Baqarah[2:21-22] shows that God is the Cherisher and Sustainer of all that exists.
These verses speak of God’s favours upon us for our sustenance which includes the creation of man
himself, heavens and the earth, rain and growth of fruits. It says “Who has made the earth your
couch and heavens your canopy; and sent down rain from the heavens......”.They should therefore
look after their environment and protect the things that God has provided for them. It also reminds
Muslims of their duty to worship God alone and to avoid shirk, which is the greatest sin in Islam. God
wants humans to acknowledge that He is the one who provides them with this, and not anyone else,
and so they should not seek to praise others for what they have been given by God.It says “Then do
not set up rivals with Allah when you know.” Humans should also show humbleness to God as the
real provider.
• Surah Al Alaq (96:1-5) shows the link between humankind and God by emphasising the
creation of humans, and that He then gave knowledge to humans, the tool for their learning. They
in return should seek knowledge by reading and writing whenever they can as well as teaching
2
it.“Read in the name of your Lord and Cherisher , who created.”(96:1). This passage also
dignifies God as the greatest teacher who teaches all forms of knowledge to mankind and made
them superior over all other creatures. “He, who taught by the pen, taught man what he did
not know.” They in return should seek knowledge whenever they can as well as teaching it. God
has made provisions for fulfilling the intellectual needs of humans in addition to their physical
and emotional needs.
• Surah al Zilzaal (99)tells us about God is the master of the Day of Judgement. God is not
only the creator of everything, but He can also destroy His creation with ease. This passage talks
about God’s power as the Destroyer, the vulnerability of humans and their surroundings as well
as God’s power of judgment. This shows that the earth is created for humankind’s benefit and that
they will be judged at the end of time according to how they lived their lives on it. “Then shall
anyone who has done an atom’s weight of good, see it and anyone who has done an atom’s
weight of evil shall see it.” That could be related to how well they followed God and His
Messenger (pbuh), how they fulfilled their obligations, or how they looked after the earth which
was created for their benefit. They have a responsibility for their actions, so although God provides
for humans, they have to do good to show God that they are grateful and not be forgetful of their
accountability. Humans are expected to keep a watch over their actions and do as many good
deeds as possible.
• Surah Naas (114)speaks of God as the safest refuge from all kinds of evil because He is the
most powerful. “Say! I seek refuge with the Lord of mankind.”
It warns humans against secret whispers of evil by Satan within their hearts, who whisper evil/bad
ideas to humans, and then disappear and leave them on their own. “From the mischief of the
whisperer who withdraws.” Since God is all powerful and provider of all necessities and protection.
God wants humans to know that only He is the Lord, King and God over all humankind and so
everyone should turn to Him for help in difficult times, and that protection comes from Him. It also
shows humans’ responsibility to acknowledge and rely on God’s assistance not only for physical
sustenance but also in emotional and spiritual matters.
2(b) ‘God gave humankind guidance and teachings.’ Why does the Qur’an lay emphasis
on the need to gain knowledge?[10]
Having given guidance (through the Qur’an and sunnah, etc.), God wants knowledge to be used to learn
about life and to live lives in a good way. Without learning, humans would not know about their rights and
responsibilities or about their potential as human beings. In order to respond to what God wants or what is
of benefit to themselves or others, they have to learn how to respond. God is full of mercy and love, He is
guiding people so they benefit in this life and in the next. The most beneficial knowledge would be that
which helps a person fulfil their rights towards God, fellow humans, and to develop themselves.
2 (b) What do Muslims have to consider when looking after their environment?[4]
God has given humans a responsibility on earth, so they should reflect on this and what impact their
actions might have. They should consider their responsibility to other creatures, human beings and
animals, e.g. keeping pathways clear for neighbours or treating animals well by feeding them or
providing shelter. They should think about how they can look after the land and natural environment
that God has given them for their sustenance and benefit. This can take many forms: At a basic level
they can pick up their own litter and keep their own area in good condition.
They could grow their own food which has many benefits to the environment. They should also
consider ethical farming, whether they are farmers or consumers, where animals and crops are treated
in a way that has the least impact on the environment. Reducing consumption, reusing items for
longer, and recycling are also aspects that have to be taken into account to help the environment.
Finding a way to reduce waste is an important consideration for the future of the planet.
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2(b) In your opinion, why should Muslims try to understand God’s attributes? Give
reason(s) for your answer. [4]
It is extremely important for Muslims to understand God’s personality and attributes because now a
days many Muslims are becoming detached from God. Learning about God’s attributes allows them
to have an understanding of Him which increases their understanding of the world around them, or
their faith, etc. Because God is beyond humankind’s knowledge/perception, understanding Him
through what Hesays about Himself in the Qur’an allows humans to know why God is important to
them in their lives.
3(a) How did Islam grow in the years between the Prophet’s first revelation and his first
public preaching in Makka? [10]
M/J 2015
Q3 (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]
M/J 2020
Q 3 (a) Give an account of the main events of the Prophet’s preaching up until the public declaration
on Mount Safa.[10]
Answer (Learn and write):
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 which is known as Fatrah tul wahi.
1. Secret Preaching:
The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) passed this time in restlessness and anxiety, until one day, he saw angel Jibrael
again, in the sky seated on a chair. The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) became frightened and rushed home. He
asked Khadija to cover him up, after which he received a revelation which said:
“O you wrapped up (in a mantle)!
Arise and deliver your warning!
And glorify your Lord.” (74: 1-3)
In obedience to the command of Allah, the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) invited his friends and relatives to the
religion of Islam. He did not, at this stage, make any public announcement.
• The first person to believe in him was his wife, Khadija, who accepted his message without any
hesitation.This was followed by the acceptance of Islam by ten years old, Ali, son of Abu Talib. The
first freed slave to accept Islam was Zaid bin Harith. The first Person outside the Prophet’s immediate
family was his close friend, Hazrat Abu Bakr, who invited many people to Islam and many prominent
companions Muslim through him.
• Within a period of three years, while the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) was preaching his message in secret,
about forty righteous and God-fearing people accepted Islam. Among them were, Talha, Zubair,
Jaffar, Usman Abdur Rahman bin Auf, Sa’ad bin Abi Waqas and Abdullah bin Masud.
• The house of Hazrat Zaid bin Arqam (Dar e Arqam ) became the first preaching centre of Islam,
where the Prophet (pbuh) met these early converts and taught them the revelations he received.
Muslims prayed twice in a day and would often go to the mountains outside Makkah to worship
secretly.
• None of the Holy Prophet’s (P.B.U.H) uncles accepted Islam. Abu Talib gave protection to the Holy
Prophet . Abu Lahab believed that his nephew was self-deceived.
• the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) called Hazrat Ali and asked him to prepare a meal and assemble the Banu
Hashim. Hazrat Ali R.A did what he was told and most of the clan of Hashim came to the meal, about
forty of them. After the meal Abu Lahab said to everyone, ‘Your host has placed a spell upon you’
and with that they dispersed before the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) could say more.
• The next day, the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) asked Hazrat Ali R.A to do the same and invited his kinsmen
for a meal; but this time he made sure he addressed them. ‘ O sons of Abd-ul-Mutalib ! Allah has
commanded me to call you unto Him. Which of you, then, will help me in this, and be my brother
and my successor?’
When no one responded, the young Hazrat Ali R.A spoke up and said, “O Prophet of Allah, I will be
your helper in this. I will fight him who fights you”.
• The men laughed at the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H), but from among the women, the Holy Prophet’s
(P.B.U.H) aunt, Safiyah, accepted Islam as her son Zubair had done. Umm-al-Fadl, the wife of the
Holy Prophet’s (P.B.U.H) uncle Abbas, and her sisters Maymunah, Salma, and Asma also came into
the faith.
3. Open Preaching:
Soon afterwards he received another revelation through which the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) was given the
order: “Expound openly what you are commanded and turn away from those who join false gods with
Allah.” (15:94)
• Following this command, the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) assembled the people of Makkah at the Safa hill
and said to them: “O Quraish, if I were to tell you that a large army has gathered on the other side
of his mountain and is ready to attack you, would you believe me?” They all said that they would,
since they had never heard him tell a lie. But when he asked them to believe in one Allah and his
Prophethood, they became angry and some of them shouted: “You have gone mad”.
• Abu Lahab, one of his uncles, said, ‘may you perish forever, did you call us for such a thing?’. The
Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) was shocked at the harsh response and the rejection by the Makkans. Allah
comforted him by revealing the following verses regarding the punishment awaiting Abu Lahab: ‘May
the hand of Abu Lahab perish, doomed he is. His wealth and his properties shall not safe him; he
shall be thrown into a flaming fire of hell.’(111:1-3)
After this, all of them dispersed.
The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) now started to address the people in public and private gatherings and on
approach routes to Makkah which were used by pilgrims to the Holy city. His efforts were successful and
people started embracing Islam. After this event the prophet and his followers had to face persecutions
which continued until they migrated to Madina.
3(b) How can the behaviour of the first converts to Islam provide an example for Muslims
today? [4]
Muslims now should be patient when someone abuses them. Muslims are facing hostility for their faith in
many places, but they should try not to get angry and hurt others in return. Like many of the early
Muslims, who carried on practising their faith, Muslims should not despair and give up on their religious
practices. Being a good example to others would be a better way of promoting Islam.
3.(b) Was it significant that the Prophet began preaching the message in secret? [4]
• yes, 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 as the Prophet (pbuh)
always followed divine instructions.
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• It symbolises the importance of Spiritual and Mental Jihad. While they were secretly preaching, they
capitalised on their intellect, character and habits. It was the secret preaching due to which
Muhammad (PBUH) garnered support that lifted Islam.
4(a) Write an account of the main events in the life of Abu Bakr during the life of the
Prophet.[10]
Answer (Learn and write):
Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A) was a close friend of the Prophet pbuh from childhood. His pre-Islamic name
was Abdul Ka’bah which was later changed into Abdullah by Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). He was called
Abu Bakr by Arabs which means the father of baby camels; this is because he was fond of young camels
• He was the first free adult male out of Prophet’s immediate family to accept Islam. He accepted
Islam without any hesitation. The Prophet pbuh is reported to have said, “Whenever I offered Islam
to anyone, he always showed some reluctance…..Abu Bakr was the only person who accepted Islam
without any reluctance…..”.
He had to face persecutions for his faith. Once he was pulled by his beard and was dragged through the
streets of Makkah when he stopped the Makkans from attacking the Prophet.
He also brought other prominent Makkans to Islam. For example, Usman, Talha, Zubair and many other
companions accepted Islam as a result of his efforts.
He bought slaves who were Muslims and set them free. For example, he gave one of his pagan slaves
and bought Hazrat Bilal and set him free.
• He showed the strength of his faith by readily accepting the truth of the Prophet’s account of the
Miraj (the Night Journey). For his demonstration of belief, the Prophet pbuh gave him the tilte “Al
Siddiq” i.e., “Testifier to the Truth”.
Abu Bakr’s closeness to the Prophet was sealed by his daughter Aisha’s marriage to the Prophet soon
after the death of Hazrat Khadija. He accompanied the Prophet pbuh on the Hijra in 622 AD. During the
journey he stayed with the Prophet in the cave of Thaur and was reassured by the Prophet and is referred
to in the Quran as “Second of the Two” (9:40).
• After migration , he made a living by farming. He took part in all important battles against the
Makkans and the Jews . He fought all the battles during the time of Holy Prophet (PBUH). In battle of
Badr he didn’t fight but body guarded Prophet (PBUH) camp. In Uhad he showed willingness to fight
against his own son Abdur Rehman bin Abu Bakr in a duel. He also participated in digging & fighting
of battle of trench.
He again showed his unstinting support for the Prophet by supporting his decision of signing the
Treaty of Hudaibiya in 6 AH/628 AD and pacified Hazrat Umar, who was unhappy at the terms of the
treaty.
• During the battle of Hunain he remained firm and didn't retreat. He made huge financial
contributions to the expedition of Tabuk. He placed all his wealth in donation.
He led the first pilgrimage to Makkah. He also led the prayers during the Prophet’s last illness.
Prophet said at the time of his death, “ If I were able to choose a friend on earth, I would choose
Abu Bakr.”
At the time of Prophet’s (pbuh) death, he addressed the Muslim community and made everyone
realize that Islam was to continue after the Prophet’s (pbuh) death.
4(b) How can Muslims use the example of Abu Bakr in showing loyalty to their friends and
colleagues?[10]
• Offering help and support to your friends when they need it, even if you do not get something back
in return, rather doing it just to make them happy.
• Be honest with them, and do not try to hide things from them. Help them when they need help
with a project or work. Being there to support them when they are in a time of difficulty.
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• Supporting them when others are hurting/making fun of them, and not remaining silent. If you see
them going astray you can guide them back.
5(a) Describe in detail the roles of Halima and Abu Talib in the early years of the
Prophet’s life.[10]
Answer (Learn and write):
Halima Sadia :
• She was an Arab Beduin woman. She was a Wet-nurse and raised up the prophet Muhammad when
he was a child and took care of him for the first 5 years of his life.
• There were many signs about how Halimah`s life was changed to a better days. Her goats used to
come home full, and over flowing with milk, while the rest of the Bedouins' goats used to come
home scraggy and empty. Halimah knew that she had a blessed child with all the miracles and
blessings.
• After two years, Muhammad was returned to his mother Amina. She told Amina about the great
blessings that she had received when Muhammad was in her care, but soon, Amina
was persuaded by Halima and her husband (Al-Harith) to return the child back with them for another
two years to protect him from a spreading disease in Makkah.
• After two years, a strange incident happened to the prophet. He was playing with his foster brother
at the back of their homes, when two Angels appeared to them as two men wearing white clothes.
The Angels laid down the prophet and opened his chest, took out his heart, split it and removed a
blood clot and washed it and his chest until they became purified . Then, they returned the heart
back to Muhammad's body before going away. His foster brother ran to Halimah and told her that
Muhammad has been murdered. She rushed out and found Muhammad standing with a pale white
face. She checked all over his body and found that he was fine and then she took him back to their
home. Due to that incident, she was afraid.
• Later and very shortly, she returned Muhammed to his mother. Then, Muhammad was returned to
the care of his mother Amina and continued to live with her until she died..
• Years after Muhammad's mother died and he got married to Khadijah, Halimah came to him
complaining of her poverty. He asked Khadijah to give her 40 sheep. After Muhammad got his first
revelation, Halimah and her husband came to the Islamic prophet and embraced Islam. When she
came to Muhammad on the day of Hunayn, he took off his robe and put it on the ground for her to
sit.She died in 8 A.H. and her grave lies in JannatulBaqi, Madinah.The Prophet (pbuh) was known to
call Halima ‘my mother’.
• Abu Talib
• Abu Talib was paternal uncle of the Holy Prophet who brought him up after the death of his parents and
his grandfather by the time he was eight years old. He took him into his family and treated him like his own
son, giving him extra kindness. He also trained him as a shepherd and a trader. When the Holy Prophet
started to preach Islam, his relatives turned against him. But Abu Talib, who had taken care of him since he
was a child, said to him: ‘Go ahead with what you have been bidden and I pledge to continue to give you
my support and protection’.
• Abu Talib continued to maintain his positive attitude as his nephew Hazrat Muhammad did not mean
any harm and did not call anything wrong. The chiefs of Makkah did not take any action against the Holy
Prophet in the early stages. When he started to criticize their idol worship, they decided that the matter was
too serious to ignore. Yet they could not do much about it because Abu Talib protected his nephew against
all threats and let everyone know of his readiness to fight for him.
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• As the Holy Prophet continued to preach his mission, oppositions increased. Therefore, a delegation
composed of the most influential people of Makkah came to Abu Talib and asked him to stop his nephew
from preaching his religion or to hand him over to them.
• Abu Talib who continued to follow the religion of his people, did not let his nephew down. He called the
Holy Prophet and told him what had taken place. He explained to the Holy Prophet the difficulty of the
situation and said: “Save me as well as yourself and do not cause me to carry a burden I cannot bear.”
• But the Holy Prophet was firm as ever and said, “O my uncle if they place the sun of my right hand and
the moon on my left hand and ask me to renounce my work, Iwill not stop until Allah fulfils it for me, or
destroys me in the process”
• Abu Talib was deeply moved and said: “you may go and do whatever you like. I will never withdraw my
protection from you and will never let you down”
• Abu Talib communicated his resolution to the people of his tribe and asked them to protect the Prophet
against the Quraish. He suffered the difficulties of the Boycott of Banu Hashim with the prophet for 3 years
in Shib Abi Talib which was his property. He was the Holy Prophet’s protector as long as he lived. He died in
10th year of prophethood. His death was such a great loss to the Holy Prophet that he called the year of his
death the ‘year of Grief’. After Abu Talib’s death. Quraish started abusing the Holy Prophet verbally and
physically.
5(b) From these relationships, what can be learnt about keeping family ties?[4]
In the case of Halima, blood relations are not the only ones that have to be given love and time, as the
Prophet (pbuh) always respected and visited Halima.
Also, non-Muslim relations should not be severed, but given the same respect as you would other
relatives, as the Prophet (pbuh) showed in the case of Abu Talib.
• Justice will be done in the light of the truth. In this world good and evil are mixed together. But on that day
each grade of good and evil will be taken into account.
• God will be the Judge and decision about the eternal life will be made by God, only He has the power to do so.
People will be responsible for their actions on earth and given their accounts; God will give people their
accounts, which will take them to Heaven or Hell.
(b)Importance: [2 marks]
• This Surah is a warning for people to give up their lives of sin, and be obedient to Allah. The verses reaffirm
Muslim belief in the Day of Judgment. It creates a sense of accountability, reminding Muslims to stay on the
straight path.
• Good deeds will be rewarded which encourages Muslims to always do good, for example, following the Pillars
or being honest and helping others. It keeps them away from displeasing things like lying, cheating, gossiping
and not obeying God’s commandments.
• It helps Muslims understand the temporary nature of the world which stops them being distracted by worldly
things, fashion or money, etc .
• Muslims feel comforted by God's justice that no good deed will go unnoticed, or bad deed will go unpunished.
were reciting the Qur’an in a different dialect. He requested him to take immediate action for the
removal of these differences; otherwise it might create a rift among the Muslims.
• Accordingly, Hazrat Usman acquired the copy of the Quran prepared by Zaid Bin Sabit from Hazrat
Hafsa. He appointed Zaid Bin Sabit along with three other knowledgeable Muslims , Abdur Rehman
bin Harris, Abdullah bin Zubair and Saad bin Aas, who assisted to make 04 copies of the Quran from
the original text in four months. They were told to follow the dialect of the Quraish in case of
differences over the language, as the Quran had been revealed in that dialect. Hazrat Hafsa’s copy
was returned to her after the completion of the task.
• The Quran was read out loudly from the beginning to the end in the Prophet’s (P.B.U.H) mosque from
these copies of the Quran, so that not a shadow of doubt remained in the mind of anyone that
changes had been introduced in the Quran.
• These copies were then dispatched to the capital city of every Province of the Muslims States with
instructions that in future copies should be made only from the official authentic text. Hazrat Usman
also ordered that if anyone had a copy with a different text, it was to be destroyed by fire. He also
sent teachers to these areas to teach the correct dialect to the inhabitants of these areas.
Hazrat Usman is Known as Jami-al-Quran. This means that he brought the Muslims to a uniform
reading of the Quran.
2(b) Do you think, for Muslims nowadays, having the Qur’an in a written format outweighs
the benefits of having the oral tradition? Give reasons for your answer. [4]
• Both are equally beneficial for Muslims now because e.g. they both have a role to play now that Islam
has spread and covers many different regions and languages.
• The written tradition gives access to people where they are no longer able to memorise or prefer to
read, and the oral tradition gives access to people in places where education is scarce and learning
orally from a hafiz also gives them a direct connection back to the Prophet (pbuh).
(b) ‘The Qur’an should not have been compiled in written form because it did not take place
during the Prophet’s lifetime.’ Agree or disagree with this statement, giving reasons for
your answer. [4]
❖ I disagree with this statement as compilation of Quran was not against the teachings
of Quran and the Prophet pbuh.
• Abu Bakr came to see at the suggestion of Umar that the Qur’an could not be kept in memories alone.
Although the Prophet had not made a written compilation, Abu Bakr realised that this would have to be
done if the authentic Qur’an was to be preserved for the guidance of the future generations otherwise it
would be lost or corrupted like the previous divine books.
• `Uthman realised that the original message might be lost. If different versions were allowed to exist the
original meaning might no longer survive. Muslims would not have a single source of guidance. Rival
interpretations might break the unity of the community. Only the original revelation given to the Prophet
could preserve unity.
2. (b) What is the significance to Muslims today of having the Quran in the form of a
Book? [4]
2 (b) How does the Qur’an in written form help Muslims around the world? [4]
• Having the Qur’an in book form ensures a standard copy which lessens the likelihood of it being
reproduced with mistakes.
• If the Qur’an had not been collected into book form, parts may have been lost.
• It also suggests unity between Muslims, e.g. they use the same book, they read it in its original
language even if that language is not their own
• The practical benefits include that copies can be carried by individuals, and referred to with ease.
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• Even those who do not speak Arabic can read it and get the rewards.
• The availability of the written form of the Qur’an digitally, gives easy access to Muslims.
2(b) Why is understanding the teachings of the Qur’an important to Muslims? [4]
• The Qur’an has always been the foundation for telling Muslims how they live their lives, and it was
put into practice by the Prophet. Although the Prophet is not here as an example the Qur’an can
still be used by Muslims to live their lives.
• It gives them a framework for how to live their lives instead of having to look to others. By reading
the Qur’an and trying to learn the meaning Muslims can understand what God wants from them.
• Learning Arabic will help Muslims to understand the Qur’an in it’s own language. By taking one
lesson from the Qur’an and applying in their life to try to take on board the real meaning.
• Understanding the teachings helps their faith become real to them. It allows them to follow God’s
guidance for them, which in turn helps them to become closer to God.
• It is used as a source of Law so people need to understand its teachings to be able to make laws
from it.
(b) ‘Memorising the Qur’an is no longer important because the Qur’an is preserved as a
book.’ Discuss whether you agree or disagree with this statement, giving reasons for your
answer. [4]
• I disagree with the statement.
• It is still necessary to memorise the Qur’an as this was the traditional way of ensuring that there are
no inaccuracies in the Qur’an, whereas it is possible that some printed copies could contain errors.
• Memorizing the Quran as an act of devotion will be rewarded in the afterlife. the Messenger of
Allah – PBUH – said: “The one who memorized the Quran shall come on the Day of Judgment and
the Quran says: 'O Lord! reward him.”
• It will constantly purify our spirit. We are continuously interact with Allah, our Creator,
and there is no greater way than via His words.
• One who memorizes Quran by heart may enjoy reading it anywhere even he does not have the
book or has a chance to sit.
• Moreover, Prayers, especially the obligatory, need Muslim to have some verses memorized by heart.
So whatever Muslim is praying like Imam, or one of the group behind the Imam, or even alone, he
would need something of the Quran which is memorized to establish his prayers.
3(a) The Prophet went to Ta’if to teach the people there about one God. Write about his
experience of this event. [10]
Answer (Learn and write):
• In 10thyear of Prophethood , 619AD Prophet pbuh lost the tribal protection because his worst enemy
Abu Lahab became the chief of Banu Hashim after the death of Abu Talib. The Quraish increased their
attacks against the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H). This new situation meant that he could no longer stay in
Makkah with any hope of victory. Before things became too critical, he had to explore new avenues in
his search for support. So, accompanied by his adopted son, Zaid bin Hartih, he set out for Taif, a town
about 60 miles from Makkah, to preach Divine Message to its people.
• Taif was populated by Banu Saqeef, this second largest tribe in Arabia. As he began his journey, he was
full of hope that if they responded favourably it would signify a new phase in the history of Islam. In Taif
the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) approached three chiefs Masood, Habib, Abd Yalail calling upon them to
believe in Allah and support him in his efforts to establish Islam; but none gave him a favourable response
and asked him to leave the town. Prophet (P.B.U.H) did not lose heart and started to preach Islam to
common people of Taif which continued for ten days.
• When the chiefs came to know about this, they were infuriated and set upon him a crowd of teenagers
and slaves, who not only abused him but also threw stones at him. He was so badly wounded that his
4
shoes were filled with blood. Zaid tried hard to defend and protect him from the stones. In trying to
shield the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H), his head was badly wounded. The mob followed them until they were
driven to the outskirts of the city.
• The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) then sought refuge in an orchard that belong to two makkan brothers, Utba
and Shaiba, who although opposed to Islam and to the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H), felt sorry for him. They
sent their Christian slave Adas with a bunch of grapes for him. After conversation with the Prophet pbuh,
Adas accepted Islam.
• At that time the Angel Gabriel appeared and addressed him saying: “Allah has heard what your people
said to you, and how they have replied to you. Allah has sent the angel of the Mountains to you so that
you may order him to do whatever you wish to these people.”
The Angel of the Mountains then appeared and said, “O Muhammad! Order what you wish. If you like, I
shall cause mountains surrounding Al-Ta’if, to fall upon them, and crush them into pieces.” The
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) replied, “Why should I pray for their destruction,
for I hope that there shall be among their children those who will worship Allah alone, and will worship
none besides Him.”
He prayed, “O Allah forgive them and guide them … for they know me not.”
Afterwards, the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) set out on his journey back to Makkah. On his way, he and Zaid
offered prayer at Nakhla and a group of Jinns joined them in prayer.
• Before entering Makkah, the Prophet (P.B.U.H) tried to seek the protection of many influential men but
was turned down. He finally sought protection from Mut’im, the chief of Nawfal. The next day, fully
armed and accompanied by his sons and cousins, he escorted Prophet (P.B.U.H) to the Ka’aba and
announced to protect him.
3 (b) How can Muslims apply in practice the lessons learnt from the Prophet’s behaviour
in this situation?
• 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 them, but
should try to do or say good things for them.
4(a) Write about the battle of the Trench (Khandaq) fought in 627. [10]
Answer [Learn and write]:
• The Jews of Banu Nazir plotted to kill the Prophet pbuh subsequently they were expelled from
Madinah and settled at Khyber. After the exile from Madinah, they wanted to take revenge from Muslims.
A delegation of Jewish leaders went to Quraish to provoke them against the Muslims and promised them
their full support. They gave the same promise to the tribe of Banu Ghatafan and Banu Sulaiyam. The upper
hand of Quraish in the battle of Uhad motivated the Makkans and all other enemies.
• This time they assembled a large force of 10,000 soldiers under the command of Abu Sufyan.
Amongst the Army:4,000 well-armed foot-soldiers,3,000 horsemen in full armour,1,500 camels loaded with
provision,1000 camel-riding soldiers and several hundred well-armed soldiers of other tribes.
• At the same time horsemen from the Banu Khuza'a left to warn the Prophet of the invading army.
• As usual the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) consulted this companions, In the counsel, he appreciated the
opinion of Hazrat Salman Farsi (RA) who suggested digging a trench around the city of Madinah in order to
protect it.
• On three sides of the city, there were rows of houses, orchards and oasis which served as fortification
only one side was unprotected. A trench, five yards deep and five yards wide was dug. The Holy Prophet
5
(P.B.U.H) himself demarcated the site and worked like a labourer. 3,000 Muslims completed the trench in
20 days. In winter nights, the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) and his companions worked sometimes without food
for days.
• The Allied forces were confident of an easy and quick victory. They advanced determinedly upon the
city. But they came to an abrupt halt when they found a deep and long trench between them and the city.
The trench warfare was quite unfamiliar to the Makkans and their allies. The Muslims compelled them to
stay at an adequate distance from the trench by hurling stone and arrows at them. Thus, began the siege of
Madinah, which lasted for about 27 days.
• There was little food and water; Jabir bin Abdullah invited the Prophet (pbuh) to eat after
slaughtering a sheep, and the prophet fed the whole army with this one animal;
• The Quraysh tried to cross the trench, a couple of riders managed to cross a part that was narrower;
‘Ali fought them off; On this occasion , Amr bin Abd Wad, an undefeated warrior of Quraish , challenged the
Muslims for a duel. Hazrat Ali accepted his challenged and killed him.
• The hypocrites in the Muslim army, finding the situation dangerous, asked permission from the Holy
Prophet to return to their homes on the excuse that their homes were not safe in this connection the Quran
says, " Behold! A party among them said: "O men of Yathrib! you cannot stand (the attack)! therefore go
back!" And a band of them ask for leave of Muhammad, saying, "Truly our houses are bare and exposed,"
though they were not exposed they intended nothing but to run away.”[33:13]
• At the first Banu Quraiza had refused to support the unbelievers. But later they also came out against
the Muslims and broke their treaty with the holy Prophet. Thus there was a mighty attack on Muslims from
all sides. For this reason, the battle is also called Battle of Ahzab or the battle of Allies. The Quran says,
“Behold! They came on you from above you and from below you, and behold! The eyes became dim and
the hearts gaped up to the throats, and you imagined various thoughts about Allah! In that situation were
the Believers tried: they were shaken as by a tremendous shaking.” (33:10-11).
• The Prophet (pbuh) used strategic skills to create mistrust between the alliances, sending Nuaym bin
Mas’ud to sow seeds of mistrust between the allies.
• A month had passed since the siege began. The Arabs were not accustomed to such a long drawn
war. Their supplies began to run short. Moreover, it was winter with rain and icy cold winds. Because of the
shortage of food, forage and bad weather, a large number of their camels and horses died. ALLAH sent a
severe windstorm to the confederate forces, as well as His angels on a very cold day. The wind blew down
their tents and their cooking gear and the angels threw fear and terror into their hearts. They hurriedly left,
leaving behind all their possessions. - This encounter known as Battle of Tribes (ahzab) / Battle of Trench
(khandaq) ended in disgrace for the Meccans and their strength was broken forever.
- This is referred in the Holy Quran that says, “… Remember Allah’s blessing on you when hosts came down
on you (to overwhelm you) : but we sent against them a hurricane and forces ye saw not, but Allah sees
all that you do” [33:9]
• Finally, Banu Quraiza, the last major tribe left in Madinah, showed treachery in the Battle of Ditch in
627 AD. They broke the treaty with the Muslims, conspired with the Quraish and planned to attack the
Muslims from rear. A siege was laid on their fortresses that lasted for 25 days. After this siege, as a
punishment of their treachery decided by Saad bin Muaaz, around 600 – 700 men from Banu Quraiza were
executed and their wives and children were sold as slaves. The Quran refers to this incident in these words,
“And those of the people of the book who aided them- Allah did take them down from their strongholds
and cast terror into their hearts, (so that) some ye slew, and some you made prisoners . And He made you
heirs of their lands, their houses and their goods----”[33:26-27]
4(b) What can Muslims learn from the Prophet’s involvement in the digging of the
trench? [4]
4(b) What can Muslims learn from the Prophet’s conduct in this battle? [4]
• Muslims today learn many lessons from this event.
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• The Prophet (pbuh) was the leader of the army and yet he took part in digging the trench, despite his
severe hunger.
• This teaches Muslims that no matter what their position, whether heads of state or community
leaders, they should take part in hard work required for the benefit of the community or others.
• It also provides a lesson in patience and perseverance, and that God will help if you don’t give up.
• It also teaches humility, that you do not think yourself above certain types of work.
• Even if you are in a position of authority or power, you should not think that you cannot take advice
from others. There will often be people who know more than you, or have more experience or
wisdom about a subject. Therefore when you are in need, or have a dilemma, it is good to ask others
who know, as the Prophet (pbuh) would also consult and take advice from his companions.
5(a) Khadija bint Khuwaylid was the Prophet’s first wife. Write an account of her life in the
period she knew the Prophet. [10]
Answer (Learn and write):
Khadijah (R.A.)was the daughter of Khuwalid Ibn Assad who belonged to a wealthy family of the
Quraish. Her father was a successful merchant and had left her a great wealth. She was married to Abu Hala
and Atiq before she married the Prophet (pbuh). She is believed to have a daughter and two sons from her
previous marriages, Harith, Hind and Hinda. She used to send her merchandise for trading to other countries.
Muhammad (p.b.u.h) was recommended to her for his honesty and trustworthiness. He took her
merchandise to Syria and brought back huge profits. Maisara, her slave, who accompanied him in his trip,
spoke very highly of Muhammad (p.b.u.h). She was so impressed by him that she proposed marriage through
her friend Nafeesa, which he accepted after consulting his uncle, Abu Talib. At the time of the marriage,
Khadijah (R.A.) was forty years old while Muhammad (p.b.u.h) was twenty-five.
The marriage was successful. They had six children, two sons and four daughters; both the sons died in
infancy. The elder was Qasim by whom the Prophet had his Kuniyat; he was called Abu Qasim, (the father of
Qasim). The younger son was Abdullah, who was known as at-Tayyib and at-Tahir. The daughters were
Zaynab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthoom and Fatima (R.A.). The marriage freed Muhammad (p.b.u.h) from his
financial worries as Khadijah (R.A.) placed her wealth at his disposal. She brought wealth, prestige and
influence to Muhammad (p.b.u.h).
Khadijah (R.A.) was very devoted and loving wife. She stood by him at the time of hardship and trial. After
the first revelation when he came back home shaken from the experience, she comforted him saying that
Allah would not disgrace him as helped the widows and looked after the orphans and the needy. She took
him to her cousin Waraqa bin Naufil who further assured him that he was ordained by Allah to be a
Messenger.
She was the first person to accept Islam, she was the only wife of Muhammad (p.b.u.h) who suffered the
persecution of the early days of Islam and suffered the most at the time of boycott. She died in the 10th year
of prophet-hood. This year was declared as the Year of Grief in the Islamic history.
“The Noblest women of the world are Maryam and Khadijah.”
One day, Khadijah’s sister Halah came to visit the Muhammad (p.b.u.h), when he heard the familiar voice,
he said, “this must be Halah; her voice is just like that of Khadijah.” A’ishah said, “How is it that you always
think of the old woman, who is no more living, when Allah has given you much better wives.” “Never better”,
he replied. “She was the wife who believed in me when other rejected me. When people refused to believe
me, she affirmed my truthfulness. When I stood forsaken, she spent her wealth to lighten the burden of my
sorrow.” (Bukhari)
Jibr’il is said to have sent greetings of peace to her, through the Prophet, from God and himself; Khadija was
Muhammad’s first wife and he chose not to marry any other woman during her lifetime.
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5(b) The Prophet’s employer was a woman who was successful in business. What lessons
can be derived from this for Muslims now? [4]
Muslims can learn that women can and should be allowed to work and can hold positions of stature in the workplace.
That men working for them should not feel that they are inferior in any way, as how well a person does their job is
more important than who employs them. Or that men and women can work together and can, and should, maintain
integrity and respect between each other.
(b) Taking two aspects of their relationship, explain how the marriage of the Prophet and
Khadija sets a good example for Muslim marriages today? [4]
• They had a love and respect for each other that people could learn from today; she had her own
business which the Prophet never stopped her from, and she supported the Prophet through all his
difficulties. Following their example, Muslim couples today should support each other in times of
difficulty and distress.
• She reassured her husband when he told her about the revelation and never stopped believing he was
telling the truth because she knew his character. In times of difficulty people should be patient with
each other and try to reassure their partners.
Surahs
1. Choose any two of the following passages from the Qur’an, and:
(a) briefly describe the main theme(s) in each passage. [4]
(b) briefly explain the importance of the themes in the daily living of Muslims. [4]
1. The meaning of Quran is general; Hadith makes it specific and particular.The Hadith may add and
supplement the legal provisions of the Quran
the Quran teaches that Muslims must establisg regular daily prayerand pay Zakat, the charity tax. “And be
steadfast in prayer, give the charity tax, and bow down your heads with those who bow down.” [2:43]
Here Qur’an stresses the need to offer prayers but it is the Hadith/Sunna of the Prophet (pbuh) that tells
Muslims how to perform salat and what to read in it. Prophet said, “Pray as you see me offering prayer.”
In this example, Muslims are encouraged to give Zakat, but they are not told exactly what they should give,
or how they should give it. These details are found in the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet:
“No charity tax is due on property mounting to less than five Uqiya of silver, and no charity tax is due on
fewer than five camels, and there is no charity tax on fewer than five Wasq of wheat grain.”Ahadith such
2
as this helped legal experts to give advice to Muslims about how the teachings in the Quran about Zakat
should be obeyed.
3. The hours of fasting in the month of Ramadan are mentioned in the Quran in these words, “And eat and
drink until the white thread becomes distinct to you from black thread of dawn.” When companions were
unable to understand this verse, the Prophet (P.B.U.H) interpreted by saying that “the white thread refers
to day and black thread refers to the night.”
4. Hadith makes certain exceptions to the general rules as laid down by the Holy Quran. The Quran made a
declaration in general that one may inherit his property to his parents or children.
“It is prescribed, when death approaches any of you, if he leaves any goods, that he should make
a bequest to parents and next of kin.” [2:180]
Hadith has created the exception in the rule by declaring that there will be no transfer of inheritance
between Muslims and non-muslims.
“A Muslim may not inherit from a non-Muslim, nor a non-Muslim may inherit from a Muslim.”
These examples show that Hadiths contain tafsir which are invaluable guides to key verses in the Quran, and
help Muslims understand the words of their creator better, thus enables them to live their lives in
accordance with the tenets of Islam.
2(b) Why do you think the Qur’an and Sunna are not the only sources of Law and are
supplemented by ‘ijma and qiyas? [4]
• All eventualities could not have been put in the Qur’an and Hadith.
• The Prophet’s life was an example of the Qur’an, and the way that Islam should be lived, and so was
limited to the norms and culture of that time.
• Now there are advancements in ideas and technology that need clarification, so ‘ijma and qiyas are
required for these new issues, but they have to be based on original rulings, and therefore on the
Qur’an and sunna.
2(b) How has the Qur’an, as a primary source of law, helped to unify Muslims over time? [4]
• Muslims around the world believe in the Qur’an as the most fundamental source of guidance,
revealed by God, hence unifying them as they all consult the Qur’an for advice.
• The Qur’an provides the basis of Islamic Law making. That means that despite the growth of Islam
and the number of Muslims from different countries and cultures, they all believe in the Qur’an as
the basis of faith and law-making which unifies them in terms of the main teachings they live by and
laws they follow.
• As the Qur’an has not changed over the years and was preserved at a very early stage and God has
taken the responsibility to guard it, it has prevented many disagreements and divisions in Muslims
on different issues.
3(a) The Prophet exercised a lot of self-restraint and patience when preaching Islam in
Makka. Write about at least three events from this period of time that show these virtues.
[10]
3
3(b) Giving examples, say how in your opinion Muslims can show self-restraint and
patience in their everyday lives. [4]
• Generally people are required to have patience because daily life is so busy and everyone wants
everything done quickly, but people have to be patient and do things in their own time as many things
cannot be done instantly;
• that they need to be patient when they want new clothes etc., because they or their parents may
not be able to provide them straight away.
• This also shows self-restraint; if there is a lot of traffic on the road they should be patient and not
get angry;
• they should have patience if tragedy befalls them, e.g. the death of a family member or a serious
illness.
4(a) Give a detailed account of the Prophet’s journey from Makka to Madina in 622. [10]
4
• After under taking six days of journey the Prophet (P.B.U.H) arrived at Quba, a place near Yathrib on 23rd
September 622 A.D. He stayed at the place of fourteen days during which he built a mosque. That was
the first mosque of Islam; the Prophet (P.B.U.H) himself participated in the building of the mosque at
Quba. Ali R.A joined him in Quba. On his way from Quba to Madinah, the Prophet (P.B.U.H) offered his
first Friday congregational prayers at the quarters of Banu Saleem, and delivered his first Friday sermon.
• Meanwhile the people of Madinah waited for the Prophet (P.B.U.H) eagerly. In their delight, the girls of
the Ansar sang to greet the Prophet. On the day the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) arrived, the people had
just gone back into their houses. The first person to see him was a Jew, thus fulfilling the prophecy
contained in the Torah. In Madinah, the people greeted the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) enthusiastically.
Children were singing as he arrived.
4(b) How is the migration of the Prophet like the migration of some Muslims now? Give
reasons for your answer. [4]
• the migration is similar to the migration of some Muslims now, because Muslims now in some parts
of the world are facing persecution and threat of death and are having to find other places to live;
that many Muslims who have migrated were welcomed to the new count
(b) What was the significance of this journey for the Muslims? [4]
• The importance of migration can be judged from the fact that the Muslim calendar starts from this
event and not from any other incident in the life of the Prophet (P.B.U.H).
• The migration completely altered the prevailing conditions of Arabia, it reshaped the Arab peninsula
socially and politically.
• Muslims before migration used to pray secretly for fear of the unbelievers. As they were weak and in
minority. They became strong enough to stand against injustice and persecutions.
• Prophet also got the chance to organize his followers into a disciplined community.
• As a result of this event, the first Islamic state was established and the Prophet pbuh became the head
of the state where Prophet’s call received response and continued to grow and expand.
5(a) Write about lives of the Companions Bilal ibn Rabah, Ja’far ibn Abi Talib and Salman
al-Farsi. [10]
Answer [Learn and write] :
Bilal:
Bilal Ibn Rabah R.a was a slave from Abyssinia. He was one of the seven early converts. He suffered a lot for
accepting Islam. His master Umayyah bin Khalaf use to torture him; He would make Bilal R.A lie down on
burning sand and would place a heavy stone on his chest. He told Bilal to denounce Islam or he would be left
there to die. Bilal in reply would say “Ahad Ahad!” Once Abu Bakr was passing by while he was being
tortured, Abu Bakr bought him and set him free. Umar R.A used to say, “Abu Bakr is our leader and he set
our leader free meaning Bilal” (Bukhari). After migration to Madinah, the Prophet (pbuh) chose Bilal to
deliver Adhan to call the Muslims for prayers, as he had a high pitched and resonant voice. Bilal came to be
known as the Mudhin of Prophet (pbuh).
Bilal R.A accompanied the Prophet (pbuh) in his journey. Bilal participated in all the battles fought during the
life of the Prophet (pbuh). He killed his master Umayyah ibn Khalaf in the Battle of Badr. After the conquest
of Makkah, he deliver Adhan on the roof of Ka;bah. Bilal gave Adhan for the first time after the death of the
Prophet (pbuh) on the request of the Caliph Umar when a treaty was made with the Jews.
Bilal was very pious person. He settled in Syria and married there. Once he dreamt that the Prophet (pbuh)
was calling him, he wept bitterly and left for Madinah. Hassan bin Ali, the Prophet’s grandson comforted him
and asked him to give Adhan. On hearing Bilal giving Adhan everyone was greatly moved as it reminded them
6
of the time of the Prophet (pbuh) and tears rolled out of their eyes. He died at the age of 60 and was buried
in Damascus.
5(b) In your opinion, what is the significance of the Prophet encouraging the liberation of
Bilal and Salman from slavery? [4]
whilst slavery was permitted, it was to show that there is a preference for people to be free, and if you can
aid in freeing someone you should. It was also to show that even though someone had been a slave, or was
from another land/country, that their status in faith was the same as everyone else, and that they should be
7
treated equally. The equality of humans and their place in the ummah is emphasised over their colour,
ethnicity or background. These former slaves were given prominence in the community to highlight this
equality. this is significant for Muslims now who may not treat other Muslims the same because of their
background, ethnicity or social status.
Surahs
1. Choose any two of the following passages from the Qur’an, and:
(a) briefly describe the main theme(s) in each passage. [4]
(b) briefly explain the importance of the themes in the daily living of Muslims. [4]
“How should I fear (the beings) you associate with Allah when you fear not to give partners to Allah..”
(6:81)
It also show that all the Messengers conveyed the same message of oneness of Allah (Tauheed)
Jesus (5.110) was the son of Maryam (Mary). His birth was a Miracle. He was born to Maryam without
a father by Allah’s command. He spoke as an infant and defended his mother. He was given special
miracles which helped him understand God’s personality and His ultimate power. God asked Jesus to
recount the blessings that God had given him and his mother (Maryam), showing that God gives his
prophets favours to help them in their lives. God then gives a list of the things He has given Jesus, and the
benefits of those favours: He was given the holy spirit which allowed him to speak to the people as a child
and when he was older. He was also taught the Law and the Gospel to teach the people how to live their
lives in accordance to God’s laws. He was also able to give life to the dead and heal the sick, by the will of
God. “And you heal those born blind, and the lepers by my leave ,and behold you bring forth the dead
by my leave.” (5 :110)
He also protected Jesus from the unbelievers who accused Jesus of magic and did not believe His powers
were a sign of God’s majesty. “That they said (in boast) “We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary the
Apostle of Allah;” But they killed him not, nor crucified him but so Allah raised him up unto Himself;
and Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.” This all showed Jesus the favours he was given by God which
allowed him to believe in Him and follow Him.
The Prophet Muhammad faced hardships like the other prophets, but God reminds him that He
gave him blessings in this life and the next.
God revealed Surah Kauthar(108) to console and give hope to the Prophet (P.B.U.H) under the increasing
difficulties in Makkah by promising that he would be given abundant blessings in this worldly life and in
the hereafter.” To you have we granted abundance”. It is interpreted as fountain in heaven, his spiritual
progeny (Muslims) and his daughter Fatima, who gave him two grandsons Hassan and Hussain. Prophet
(P.B.U.H) was instructed to remain loyal to his faith by continuing to live as God taught him. “So pray to
your Lord and sacrifice”. It also warned that it would not be the Prophet (P.B.U.H) but his enemies that
would be cut off. “He who hates you, he will be cut off”.
Surah Duha (93) reassured him that “your lord has not forsaken you, nor is He displeased”. It also gave
him the glad tiding of successful future life by saying, “and the hereafter will be better for you than the
present .”which referred to his successful future life in Madina. It reminded the prophet (pbuh) of God’s
support for him throughout his life “did he not find you an orphan and give you shelter ; And he found
you wondering and he gave you guidance ; And he found you in need and he made you independent”
After the revelation of these surah the Prophet (P.B.U.H) continued his mission with renewed hope,
strength and devotion.
In this way these passages of Quran strengthen our belief in all the messengers which is an article of faith in
Islam. They also show God’s special concern for his chosen people and how they were helped throughout
their lives.
2(b) ‘Undergoing hardships brings a person closer to God.’ Agree or disagree with this
statement, giving reasons for your answer. [4]
Yes, it brings a person closer to God. All prophets were tested which allowed them to get closer to God,
likewise humankind now can get closer to their Lord through their hardships, as long as they reflect and
understand that God is testing them. Also, by remaining patient and steadfast, and not leaving their worship,
they will gain rewards and understanding. Prophets were tested and remained steadfast, so Muslims should
also expect to be tested and they should also remain steadfast.
(b) As God’s “representative (khalifa) on Earth” say how men and women can serve God,
giving examples. [4]
3
Muslims can serve God on earth by understanding and fulfilling their obligation to Him, primarily through
praying and fulfilling the five pillars, and by not disobeying His commands. They should be grateful to Him for
what He has given them, food, shelter, clothing, and thank Him. This can be done by praying, reciting Qur’an,
being generous to others, helping those in need, e.g. by feeding the poor, giving gifts and charity.
They should also look after the provisions God has given them, whether it be the food and the environment
it grows in, the knowledge He gives for guidance or the people who are in a person’s life for their help and
wellbeing, e.g. by not wasting food or eating too much, by learning something and teaching others, by
respecting teachers and colleagues.
3(a) The Pledges of Aqaba were made in the Prophet’s last years in Makka. Outline the
reasons for these pledges and write about the details in them. [10]
O/N 2012
Q3(a): Describe the events surrounding the Pledges of Aqabah and the main details in them. [10]
Answer [Learn and write]:
The prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) has incurred the displeasure of Quraish by preaching Islam openly
in Makkah. As a result of that he had to face severe persecutions and difficulties. The Prophet’s clan Banu
Hashim was boycotted for three years i.e 7th to 10th year of prophethoodSoon after Abu Talib’s death
conditions became unfavorable for the Prophet in Makkah because his worst enemy Abu Lahab became the
chief of Quraish, which meant that the prophet had no clan protection. He decided to go to Taif, accompanied
by his freed slave and adopted son,Zaid bin Harith to invite the people of Banu Saqeef tribe to Islam. He
invited the 3 chiefs and then the common people to Islam. They rejected and persecuted him. He was so
severely injured that the blood trickled down his body and filled his shoes. Angel Jibrail appeared with the
angel of mountains and offered him to destroy the town but he forgave them and prayed for their guidance.
• The Holy Prophet returned from Taif to Makkah and resumed his preaching. He had started preaching
to the pilgrims who came to Makkah each year. In the eleventh year of prophethood (620A.D) six pilgrims
from the tribe of khazraj in Yasrib Came to Makkah. They embraced the faith after hearing the teachings of
Islam by the prophet. They promised to spread the message of Islam in Yasrib to their friends and relatives.
• Later in 12th year of prophet hood/ 621 AD, twelve persons met the Prophet pbuh. Two of them
belonged to the Aws tribe, and 05 of them had already accepted Islam last year. They accepted the faith and
pledged to abstain from all the un-Islamic practices i.e stealing, adultery, killing their children, slandering or
disobeying the prophet etc and to lead a righteous life believing in one Allah. In this first Pledge of Aqabah
they vowed: “We pledge our allegiance to the Messenger of Allah that we would associate nothing with
Allah, that we would neither steal, nor commit fornication, nor slay our offspring, not utters slanders; and
that we would not disobey him in that which is right.”
These people promised to spread Islam in Yasrib and the Holy Prophet sent Musab bin Umair with them to
recite the Quran and to preach Islam to the residents of the city. This pledge is also known as “Pledge of
women”(Bayyat e Nisa) because fighting was not mentioned in it.
• In 13th year of prophet hood (622A.D) a deputation consisting of 73 men and 2 women came from
Yasrib to take the same Pledge. This is called the second Pledge of Aqabah. The Prophet’s uncle Abbas, who
at that time was a non muslim, accompanied the Prophet pbuh and asked the people of Madina to support
him through thick and thin. They promised to listen and obey the Prophet, to spend in plenty as well as in
scarcity for the cause of Islam, to enjoin upon good and forbid evil, fear no one but Allah and to defend the
Prophet against his enemies if he needed and to lay down their lives for the cause of Islam. They also invited
the Prophet to Yasrib and pledged full support for him. Here, Bara, a chieftain of Yathrib, took the Prophet
(P.B.U.H) and swore: “By Him who sent you with the truth, we will protect you as we protect them (our
wives and children). So accept the pledge of our allegiance, O Messenger of Allah, for we are men of war,
possessed arms that have been handed down from father to son.” The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) replied: “I
4
am yours and you are mine. Whom you war against, him I war against. Whom you make peace with, him I
make peace with.” This pledge came to be known as Bayyat e Harb i.e the pledge of war.
• When the unbelievers came to know of these developments they redoubled their persecution, so the
Prophet allowed his companions to secretly migrate to Yasrib and family after family left in this manner.
• Mut’im, the chief of Nawfal tribe, passed away soon after the second pledge of Aqabah; with his
death, the Prophet (P.U.H.H) was once more vulnerable to the violence of the Quraish. Abu Jahal now
perfected a plot to murder him. The Quraish held a meeting in the council hall,“Dar-un-Nadwa” where it was
decided that one person from each tribe should be selected who would simultaneously attack the Prophet
and kill him.
The prophet was informed of this plan of his enemies by Allah and was told to leave Makkah that same night.
The Holy Prophet asked Ali to sleep in his bed, and then he quietly left the house unnoticed. Accompanied
by Abu Bakr, he made his way to Yasrib.
3(b) In your view, why should Muslims provide a safe haven for others? Give reasons for
your answer. [4]
• They should provide a safe haven for people who are fleeing persecution, such as those fleeing the war
in Afghanistan / Syria etc. and their governments should provide shelter and basic facilities for them.
• It is from the teachings of Islam to care for others and to provide the basic needs of fellow human beings.
• Muslims could also provide a safe haven for those who have lost their families, especially children who
are now orphaned, whether it be due to war or famine or natural disasters.
• Providing homes and shelter for them would allow them to start a new life much like Muslims of Makka
started a new life due to the invitation of the Madinans.
• Also, the Prophet said that the person who looks after an orphan will be with him in paradise.
4(a) The Muslims in Makka faced a lot of hostility after the Prophet began preaching openly.
Describe the persecutions against the followers of the Prophet at this time. [10]
M/J 2011
(a) Describe the difficulties faced by the followers of the Prophet in Makka. [10]
M/J 2013
(a) Give an account of the persecutions faced by the early converts to Islam in Makka. [10]
O/N 2020
(a) Describe the main difficulties faced by the early followers of Islam. [10]
Answer [Learn and write]:
• For the first few years the Prophet (pbuh) preached the message in secret. Initially only a handful of
Muslims accepted Islam, the main ones being Khadija, Zaid, ‘Ali and Abu Bakr, who in turn brought many
people to Islam including, ‘Uthman, Zubair ibn Awwam, and Talha. Other early converts were Bilal, Abu
‘Ubaida, Abu Salamah. Prayer was established morning and evening. They would pray and practise their
faith in secret, often praying in the mountains.
• The Prophet pbuh proclaimed the message of Islam openly on the mount of safa after the divine command
for open preaching of Islam in 613 AD,
“Expound openly what you are commanded and turn away from those who join false gods with Allah.”
[15:94]
He was rejected and after this event, period of persecutions and difficulties started for the prophet
pbuh and his followers especially the poor and the weak.
• Another victim of the cruelty of Quraish was Ammar bin Yasir (R.A), a freed slave of Banu Makhzum,
who had accepted Islam in its early days along with his parents. They were repeatedly made to lie on
the burning sand and beaten. At times, Ammar was also thrown on burning embers.
5
His parents Sumayya and Yasir were persecuted to death by Abu Jahl when they refused to abandon
their faith. They were the first martyrs of Islam.
• Bilal bin Rabah (R.A) was the slave of Ummayah ibn Khalaf was severely beaten by his master.
Sometimes, a rope was put around his neck and he was dragged by street boys around the streets
and hiss of Makkah. He was deprived of food and drink, and one day during its hottest hour, he was
bound and a heavy stone was put on his chest. He was then asked to renounce his faith, but he kept
repeating ‘One, One’ to honour the oneness of Allah. Hazrat Abu Bakr was passing by and, moved by
the sight, he purchased Bilal from his master and freed him.
Not only the poor and the weak but the rich and the noble Muslims were also persecuted.
• Once Abu Bakr(R.A) was pulled by his beard and was dragged through the streets of Makkah for
protecting the Prophet pbuh.
• Usman(R.A) was wrapped in palm leaves by his uncle and fire was lit around him so that he would be
suffocated but despite this, he did not leave Islam.
• Harith bin Abi Hala(R.A) was also killed by the Makkans when he was trying to protect the Prophet
against his enemies.
• Zinra (R.A), a Roman slave girl was beaten and made blind by her master.
• Suhaib Rumi(R.A) was beaten so badly that he became unconscious,
• Khubaib -bin--Arat(R.A), a blacksmith was branded by his own tools; his body was burnt badly as they
threw him on burning coal.
• Abdullah bin Masud(R.A) was persecuted mercilessly when he recited the Quran loudly near the
Kaaba.
The poor and the weak Muslims were deprived of their possessions and their means of livelihood were
taken away.
• Due to the severity of the persecutions, the Prophet (pbuh) told the believers to meet secretly at Dar
al-Arqam, In 5th year of prophet hood/615AD the Prophet (S.A.W) permitted some of his followers
specially the poor and the weak, to migrate to Abyssinia to the protection of the Christian king Negus.
The Quraish followed them and demanded Negus to send them back. He called the emigrants and
after listening to the speech of Jafar bin Abu Talib, he refused to send them back and the Makkans
had to return unsuccessfully.
• The Prophet pbuh and his family Banu Hashim were boycotted for three years i.e., from 7th till 10th
year of prophethood and were forced to live in a narrow valley outside Makkah which is also known
as Shib-e-Abu Talib. It was a time of difficulties and hardships but they remained steadfast. They were
not allowed to worship at the Kaaba.
4(b) In today’s world how practical are the reactions of the Prophet’s followers to these
persecutions? [4]
• living in a situation where their family may not want them to practise their faith, to pray, fast or wear
hijab, they can try to conceal their faith and practice it where they can and in secret.
• if they are being persecuted by the wider community for their beliefs, they could migrate to a safer
place where they would be accepted and allowed to live in freedom. It is not going to be an easy
journey, but the early Muslims did not go back on their decision.
5(a) Outline the tasks performed by the Prophet’s scribes during his lifetime. [10]
M/J 2014
5 (a) Write briefly about the tasks carried out by the Scribes of the revelation at the time of the
Prophet. [10]
Answer (Learn and write):
• Scribes of the Prophet (pbuh”) were among the closest companions, They not only kept a record of
revelations but also wrote letters and treaties as commanded by the Prophet(pbuh). They were the
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four rightly guided Caliphs, Abu Bakr, Umar, Usman, and Ali, who accompanied the Prophet
(pbuh)from his childhood and was a memorizer of Quran. He also wrote the terms of Treaty of al-
Huadaibiya.
• The Qur’an was written in its entirety during the Prophet’s time even though it was not compiled in
one text. There were various scribes who had different roles as companions, who wrote the verses
down on a number of materials. These included animals skin, shoulder bones of camels, palm leaves,
stone tablets and pieces of wood etc.
• Some of them were official scribes who wrote letters for him (for example Ubayy ibn Ka’ab) whilst
some became scribes because they kept their own personal copies of the revelations (for example
‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘As. He sought the Messenger’s specific permission asking, ‘May I write
down everything I hear from you in the states of contentment and anger?’ He replied, ‘Yes, for I speak
nothing but the truth.’). A number of companions had their own personal copies of the words of the
revelations, which were later used to verify the one copy in the time of Abu Bakr. Companions who
kept a private record of the text of the Qur'an satisfied themselves as to the purity of their record by
reading it out to the Prophet.
• The Prophet used to instruct the scribes about the sequence in which a revealed message was to be
placed in a particular Sura (chapter). In this manner, the Prophet arranged the text of the Qur’an in a
systematic order till the end of the chain of revelations. Zayd ibn Thabit reported, “We used to record
the Qur’an from parchments in the presence of the Messenger of God.” There was always a scribe
on hand to write down the revelation or to insert new ones revealed to Holy Prophet under Divine
guidance through angel Jibrael during 610AD to 632AD. This is mentioned in Quran,
“(written) by the hands of the scribes honourable, pious and just.”(80:15-16)
• Zayd bin Thabit, one of the chief scribes relates: "I used to write down the revelation for the Holy
Prophet, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. When the revelation came to him he
felt intense heat and drops of perspiration used to roll down his body like pearls. When this state
was over I used to fetch a shoulder bone or a piece of something else. He used to go on dictating
and I used to write it down. When I finished writing the sheer weight of transcription gave me the
feeling that my leg would break and I would not be able to walk anymore. When I finished writing,
he would say, 'Read!' and I would read it back to him. If there was an omission or error he used to
correct it and then let it be brought before the people."
Some companions, who did not write down the revelations, had memorized them instead and their
versions were used to verify the written copies after the Prophet’s death.
5(b) The scribes had the Prophet as a source of information. How useful is the internet as a
source of information about Islam? [4]
It is a useful source of information because e.g. there is a lot of information easily available on the internet
so it is possible to do a few searches and find a lot of sources available for you to read on a subject. The
Qur’an and most hadith books are all online now, so people can easily access the information they need.
People who may not have access to books about Islam can learn about it online, and would be useful for
those interested / new to Islam.
or
it is not useful because e.g., the internet has a lot of information about Islam that is questionable, and it
would be difficult to know which sites are presenting the material in the correct way / giving the correct
information about an issue. Better answers may say that the Prophet said, “go to those who know”, meaning
that people should learn from scholars who have studied in a traditional way, as they would provide an
understanding that a person would not necessarily get from the internet. Those interested in Islam may be
put off by the sites that present Islam inaccurately, and it can also lead to people hating Islam / Muslims
because they have read information that is not true.
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5.(b) Explain the importance of the principles employed by the compilers of the Qur’an at
the time of the Caliphs. [4]
After the Prophet’s death there was deemed a need to compile to Qur’an into a book form. Various principles
were employed, all of them to ensure authenticity to the original message.
• The Qur’an was compiled in the dialect of Quraysh because it was the original dialect –other dialects
could have been fabricated or distorted.
• Zayd bin Thabit gathered written materials from various companions, and checked all these versions
with those who had committed the Qur’an to memory –
• this was to ensure that none of the written copies had anything added or omitted and so that the
Qur’an remained authentic to the way the Prophet had received it.
• The order of the suras was not complied in the order that the Prophet had received revelation, but
generally in order of descending length – this was due to the belief that the order of the suras was
divinely ordained and the main scribes would have known this.
Surahs
1. Choose any two of the following passages from the Qur’an, and:
(a) briefly describe the main theme(s) in each passage. [4]
(b) briefly explain the importance of the themes in the daily living of Muslims. [4]
• This verse of Surah Fussilat also known as Ha Mim was revealed during the early years in Makkah. It
discusses the theme of Allah in Himself.
• Fussilat means “clearly spelt out message of Quran.” It is directing attention to the concept of Tawhid
(Oneness of God) by saying that God creates and controls everything; in this verse specifically the sun
and the moon.
• celestial bodies and the cycle of nature on earth are the signs of God’s power for mankind and help
them to identify our true Lord and His presence. The Quran says, “Behold! in the creation of the
heavens and the earth and the alternation of Night and Day – there are indeed signs for men of
wisdom.” (3:190)
• The order of the sun and the moon shows that God alone should be praised and worshipped and
nothing should be associated with Him. It is a negation of paganism; the sun and moon are not to be
worshipped.
(b) Importance [2 marks]
• This passage is important in daily lives of Muslims because it creates a strong link with God so Muslims
do not look up to anything/anyone else, famous people, money, etc., and they worship only Him.
• It stops them from committing shirk by making them realise that all created things are not
permanent.
8
• God's signs invite Muslims to observe their environment and ponder over His signs. It creates awe
and wonder to help get closer to Him.
• Muslims in their daily lives learn from this passage that God administers all affairs. Thus, they consider
themselves humble servants of God and turn to Him for salvation through prayer, fasting and other
acts of worship.
Surah Anaam 6. 101-103 speaks of the absolute unity and Authority of Allah over the entire universe,
being the only Creator and Protector of everything . Therefore, He alone is to be worshipped .Allah creates
on His own without any help which shows that not only the Creation ,but the plan and means of creation
are all on account of His Will .Quran says “To Him is due to primal origin of the heavens and the earth.”
Since everything is creation of Allah, the question of His heaving a son does not arise. Allah, unlike humans,
is free from all human attributes and far superior to be in need to have children or spouse. “How can He
have a son when he has no consort.”
It is further states that human vision does not comprehend Him, but He comprehends everything of the
universe and nothing remains hidden from Him. Nothing is conceived from Him. He watches us all the time
and knows our intentions, “He created all things and He has full knowledge of all things.” Allah’s nature is
so subtle and far beyond our limited conception so as to be invisible to the physical eye and to be
2
imperceptible to the senses. His presence can only be felt through the manifestation of His creation and
His total control over it.
Surah Fussilat 41.37
This passage speaks of the cosmic sign of the universe as the great signs of Allah’s lordship, authority,
wisdom and power. These signs are not to be worshipped. Instead, by pondering over them one can
understand the reality of Allah’s Greatness and creative power. People have repeatedly been told in the
Quran that natural objects on earth and sley are creation of Allah with no power or authority .Night and
day are not conflicting power but are both creations of Allah. Allah is the sole cause and the source of all
that exits and whatever exits is a sign of His creative power. The objectives in this verse is to express the
glory of Allah and His exclusive worthiness for worship in the minds of the human beings. This verse invites
people to look over the wondrous creation of Allah and believe in Him. Quran says, “Behold! In the
creation of the heavens and earth and the alternation of night and day there are indeed signs for men of
understanding”
The cycle of the night and day clearly points to the fact that sun and moon are not the objects of divine
power, but are helpless and powerless objects . They are moving according to the law of Almighty Allah . So
Allah alone should be worshipped and not the things which he has created which are actually subservient to
His commands. Thus these passage reflect that Allah is unique in His attributes and power. He alone is
worthy of worship and praise.
Surah ash Shura 42. 4-5
This passage highlights Allah’s total authority and ownership. All that is in the heaven and on the earth is
the exclusive property of Allah and He has full authority and controls to deal with it in any manner He
wants. He is the Master and Owner of the earth and heavens and everything contained in them, in any
form whatsoever, and no one else has any part or share in His ownership, His attributes and His Power. It is
said in Quran, “His are all things in the heavens and on earth.”
Allah’s glory and praise is so majestic that even the magnificent heavens tremble before His Might and
Splendour above them and are almost ready to burst asunder by His glory . “The heavens are almost rent
asunder from above them.” The angels, who are noble and pure beings glorify Allah. They look after the
safety of all beings on earth and pray to Allah for their forgiveness .They reflect on one side on Allah’s glory
and praise and on the other, to His forgiveness and mercy.
As all humans beings are weak and are liable to err and sin , Allah has willed upon Himself the law of grace
and mercy. Allah is forgiving and Merciful is clear from the fact that people persist in transgressing His
commands and rejecting His message, yet He mercifully goes on giving them respite so that they may
realize their mistakes and come to the right path. The Quran says, “He has inscribed for Himself (the rule
of ) Mercy.”
Surah Ikhlas 112
The name of this sura is Ikhlas meaning “Purity of faith” which is core matter because faith in the absolute
unity of Allah is the foundation of Islam. Allah is one, without any hint of plurality, He has no one to share
in His lordship, neither in His essence or His attributes. He is the only one to whom worship is due, all
other things or being are His creatures and in no way resemble Him are comparable to Him in rank,
attributes work or power “Say, He is Allah, the one and only.”
Allah is Eternal and Immortal without beginning or end , not limited by time or place or circumstances. He
is absolute no sustained or dependent on any other person or thing whereas all other are dependent on
Him for beginning as well as their continued existence. “Allah, the eternal, absolute.”
This sura negates the concept of polytheism and destroys all assumptions of family relations of Allah when
it is said, “He begets not nor is He begotten.”And there remains no room for confusion in this regard the
Quran says , “No son did Allah beget, nor is there any god along with Him.”
The fact that Allah is matchless and unique in every respect beyond the range of human imagination
explains why any attempt at depicting Him by means of figures or symbols must be denial of truth. “And
there is none like him.”
3
2(b) In your opinion, why should Muslims try to understand God’s attributes? Give
reason(s) for your answer. [4]
• It is extremely important for Muslims to understand God’s personality and attributes because
now a days, many Muslims are becoming detached from God.
• Learning about God’s attributes allows them to have an understanding of Him which increases
their understanding of the world around them, or their faith, etc.
• Because God is beyond humankind’s knowledge/perception, understanding Him through what
He says about Himself in the Qur’an allows humans to know why God is important to them in
their lives.
• Knowing God gives substance, reason, and purpose to our worship. Once we know him, it
makes perfect sense to worship him.
• We understand our relationship with God more clearly when we see not only how he
differs from us, but also how we can relate to him in spite of that.
chaos in the ranks. Talha ibn Abi Talha, who was the flag-bearer of the Makkans, came forward and
shouted for a man to meet him in single combat. Hazrat Ali R.A stepped forward and killed him with
a blow. The Makkan standard was taken by Talha’s brother who was struck down by Hazrat Hamza
R.A.
• The battle was fiercely fought and the Makkans were being pushed back and killed. Abu Sufyan
narrowly escaped an attack. The Muslim advance continued until the enemy lines were broken
altogether and the way to their camp was thus laid open. Khalid bin Walid tried to break the Muslims
from behind three times but the archers held him off. Muslims got an advantage and the Makkans
started to flee from the battlefield in all directions.
• The archers posted to guard the rear of the Muslim army took this as signal to come down and collect
the spoils of war. Khalid ibn al-Waleed, noticing this fatal error on the part of the archers, and
attacked the unprotected Muslims.
• Panic now set in and despite the Prophet (P.B.U.H) calls, many of the Muslim warriors, who had
fought bravely, rushed for safety to the upper slopes of Uhad. Many, however, stayed and fought; a
group of nine Muslims made a protective shield around Prophet (P.B.U.H) and only Talha bin
Ubaidullah and Sa’d bin Abi Waqqas survived.
• The enemy tried to reach the spot where the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) was. He was wounded in the
head and face and lost his teeth. They killed the Muslim flag bearer Musab bin Umair who resembled
the Prophet. The enemy raised the cry that the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) was killed and the confusion
increased.
• The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H), however, stood firmly and called out to his companions to come back.
Ka'ab bin Malik announced that the Prophet was still alive. When the Muslims saw their leader, they
rejoined the battle. Soon, more support came to the Prophet (P.B.U.H) and a group of his companions
moved him to a well-protected area at the foot of the mountain.
• Now the fighting was less one-sided. The Muslims who had rallied put up a determined fight. Both
parties were, however, extremely exhausted. Soon the fighting died down and each army prepared
to leave. Before leaving Abu Sufyan challenged for a battle next year at Badr and the Prophet
accepted his challenge.
• In this encounter 63(70) Muslims were killed and forty injured; while the enemy lost only 22(37) of
their men. Wahshi al Harb killed Hazra tHamzah with a spear. Hinda mutilated the corpse and
chewed his liver in order to avenge the death of her father, Utba, killed in the Battle of Badr at the
hands of Hamza.
The Holy Quran mentions this battle in these words:
“Allah did indeed fulfill His promise to you, when you, with His permission, were about to destroy your
enemy, until you flinched and fell to disputing about the order and disobeyed it after He brought in sight
( of the spoils) which you desire. Among you are some who desire this world and some who desire the
Hereafter---.” (3:152)
“Those of you who turned back on the day the two hosts met, --- it was Satan who caused them to fail,---
.” ( 3:155)
3(b) Why is it important for Muslims to show obedience to God in difficult situations? [4]
• In difficult times, such as times of war, they should not give up hope of victory or of ease in their
situation,
• and that they should continue to pray and worship God and carry on doing good deeds, because God
is there for those who ask for help.
• in times of difficulty such as illness, God is testing how a person reacts, whether they lose hope and
despair,
• whether they continue being steadfast in their faith. God says “Call on Me and I’ll answer you.”
5
(b) ‘Success for Muslims depends on their obedience to the Prophet.’ Discuss this
statement in relation to Muslims today. [4]
(b) What lessons might be learned from the outcome of the Battle of Uhud? [4]
• The defeat at Uhud occurred due to the fact that the archers did not obey the Prophet’s command,
therefore, Muslims should obey the Prophet.
• The rules and guidance of Islam is based on the Qur’an and also the sunna and so to truly practise Islam
the way of the Prophet has to be followed.
• In battle, Muslims should stick to the rules that the Prophet gave, like not harming the environment or
women and children, and this can give Muslims success as they are following the commands of God, which
they will be rewarded for.
• In their everyday lives Muslims can obey the Prophet’s commands as to how to live their lives, in terms
of prayer, being good to people, etc., and this will make them successful in their lives as the guidance
given is all for their betterment.
4(a) Write about events from the Prophet’s (pbuh) life that show his qualities of
generosity, honesty and simplicity in action. [10]
Answer (Learn and write):
1. Generosity
Generosity means giving freely without expecting anything in return. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H)
liked generosity as one of the quality of believers and has encouraged Muslims to show a generous attitude
towards every needy person. The generosity and kindness of the heart of the holy Prophet Muhammad
(P.B.U.H) was a household world.
• During the month of Ramzan, he would give away so lavishly as to leave hardly anything for himself.
He never kept money with him overnight. If he had anything left, before nightfall he would give it to the
needy and destitute. If he came across someone who was starving, he would give him hi meal and remain
hungry himself.
• Once a man who had embraced Islam asked the Holy Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) for some goats
and sheep. It so happened that at this time the holy Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) had recently being given
great abundance of these animals. He gave the man so many that they filled the space between to hills.
• The Holy Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) was once given 70,000 dirhams, which he began to distribute
among the beggars soon the whole amount was exhausted. After all the beggars had departed and old man
came and asked for alms. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) had nothing left to give but he did not
want to send the man away empty-handed. He therefore, borrowed something from another and gave it to
him.
• When Prophet (pbuh) returned a debt he gave more than he owed.When a Jewish man came to
demand back the money the Prophet owed him, he grabbed the Prophet by the collar. ‘Umar got angry at
the Jew, but the Prophet smiled. He asked for the debt to be repaid and extra given due to the harsh
treatment by ‘Umar. Even when he asked for water from a woman to drink, he gave the water skins back
with more water in them as well as some food.
• He was also generous with his prayers, praying for those who hurt him rather than asking for their
destruction, e.g. at Ta’if and Uhud.
2. Honesty and Trustworthiness :
Prophet (P.B.U.H) was honest and truthful. He was a poor orphan who started trade with his uncle, but in
short period; he became well known and respected. He was known as Al-Sadiq (the truthful) and Al-Amin
(the trust worthy).
6
• When the dispute arose among the various tribes of Makkah as to who should lay the Black Stone,
they decided the one who entered Ka’bah the next morning would place it. They were very pleased when
Muhammad (P.B.U.H) happened to enter the Ka’bah the next morning as they trusted him for his honesty.
• When Muhammad (P.B.U.H) was elevated to Prophet Hood the Quraish abused him, called him mad,
bewitched etc, but never called him a liar. Abu Jahl his bitterest enemy often said, “Muhammad, I do not
say that you are a liar, but what you say I do not think right.” (Ibn Ishaque)
• When Allah commanded the Prophet (P.B.U.H) to invite his people to Islam. He called the Quraish at
the mount Safa and said, “If I were to tell you that any enemy was advancing to attack you from the back
of the hill, would you believe me?” They said, yes, we have always known you to be truthful. However,
when he invited them to Islam, they turned away.
• Khadijah married him because of his high morals and honesty. Khadijah was a wealthy widow, who
used to send her merchandise to other countries. When she heard about Muhammad’s (P.B.U.H)
truthfulness and trustworthiness, she sent for him and proposed that he should take her goods. He came
back with double the profits that she normally used to get. She was so impressed by his high character that
she proposed marriage to him.
• People of Makkah used to keep their belongings with him for safe keeping. At the time of migration,
though his life was in danger he entrusted the belongings of people to Ali (R.A.) before leaving Makkah.
3. Humility and Simplicity:
Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H) was a simple man. He was unceremonious and informal his habits. He ate
whatever was available, wore coarse cloths. His bed consisted of a blanket and a pillow of date fiber covered
with leather. He ate bread made from coarse flour, and spent days on dates only. He sat on floor, bare ground
or a mat, without any hesitation even when he was the ruler of Madinah.
It is reported “Allah’s messenger Muhammad (P.B.U.H) used to patch his sandals, sew his garment and
conduct himself at home as anyone of you does in his house.”
• His companions used to stand up to show respect to him when he appeared in their midst but he forbade
them saying, “Don’t stand up for me as the unbelievers do to show respect to others.”
He lived humbly all his life and never boasted of his social or political status even after his success at Madina.
There are many incidents of his humility reported by his companions and recorded in history books. Anas
said that Allah’s messenger used to visit the sick, accompany funeral and accept the invitation of slaves.
• It is reported by Anas that when Allah’s messenger performed pilgrimage he kept on reporting.
“O Allah! make this pilgrimage, a pilgrimage without pretence and fame.”
His companions had a great deal of love and respect for him. However they did not stand up when he entered
a room, as he disliked it. He did not wish to be treated as a ruler.
• Someone asked Hazrat Aisha about the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) life at home. She replied that he did
household work. He mended clothes and shoes, milked the goats and swept the house. He shared and ate
his meals with the slaves and the poor. He sat with the needy and the destitute in such a way that no one
could tell the difference between him and poor people. When he went to an assembly, he sat wherever
he found place.
• When he was entering Makkah as a conqueror, he was not proud or boastful like a worldly conqueror. An
expression of humility and gentleness was on his face and he lowered his head in such a way that it touched
the saddle of his camel.
• It is reported by Hazrat Umar the he heard the holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) say: “Do not praise me as the
Christians praise the son of Mary. I am a servant of God, call me a servant and messenger of God.” Another
one of his companions reported him as saying, “Allah has revealed to me that you must be humble, so that
no one boasts that he is better than other.”
The Prophet (P.B.U.H) always lived in a humble way and taught his followers to do the same. He lived the
life of an ordinary human being and showed by his own example, how to live humbly, even in greatness
7
4(b) Can Muslims adopt a life of simplicity like the Prophet (pbuh) in current times? Give
reasons for your answer. [4]
• Yes, e.g. because people now have too many things and can live without a lot of them.
• They could simplify their lives and get rid of a lot of the things they have in their homes, as well as
eating less food.
• They could also spend less and give away more to charity.
5(a) Write about the lives of Fatima and any one other of the Prophet’s (pbuh) daughters. [10]
O/N 2013
Q5 (a): Give accounts of the lives of the Prophet’s four daughters. [10]
O/N 2018
5(a) Write a detailed account of the lives of the Prophet’s daughters, Zaynab and Fatima.[10]
M/J 2021
5(a) Write about the life of the Prophet’s daughter, Fatima. [10]
Hazrat Usman, hence he came to be known as Zul-Noorain. She did not have any child. She died in 9 A.H in
the month of Shabaan while her father and husband were away on the Tabuk expedition.
Hazrat Fatima(R.A)
She was the youngest daughter born to Prophet (P.B.U.H) and Hazrat Khadja five years before prophethood.
She was much loved by her father and among all her sisters resembled him the most.
She used to hear him recite the Quran and had memorized the entire Holy Book. She also acquired much
knowledge and wisdom by spending time in the Prophet’s (P.B.U.H) company. After the death of her mother
Hazrat Khadija she tried to look after the comfort and needs of her father at home. Whenever the Prophet
(P.B.U.H), came home injured from the streets of Makkah she would tend to his wounds.
Once she saw Abu Jahl putting the guts of a dead animal on her father’s back when he was praying and was
in prostration, she ran to him to remove the filth from its back whilst he stayed in his position. When the
Prophet (P.B.U.H) saw her crying he said, “Don’t cry, my daughter for indeed Allah will make your father
victorious”.
Prophet (P.B.U.H) migrated to Madina before her because he knew that if he allowed her to go before him
the Quraish would have known about his plans to migrate , and if he took her with him it would have posed
a big danger to her. So, she stayed back and followed later him to Madina with Hazrat Saudah.
In Madina many sought Hazrat Fatima hand in marriage but the Prophet (P.B.U.H) politely declined all and
gave her in marriage to Hazrat Ali. In 624AD they were married and lived simple yet happy life together,
experiencing the poverty faced by the most of the immigrants. She suffered hardships after her marriage
and did all the work at home herself, for example, grinding flour and carrying water from the well. When she
asked the Prophet (pbuh) for a share in the spoils of war after one of the battles, thinking she may be able
to get a maid to help at home, he said, I shall give you something better and told her to say Subhanallah,
Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar before going to sleep. A Year later Hazrat Fatima gave her birth to her first son
who the Prophet (P.B.U.H) named al-Hassan, the beautiful one and the following years in 626 she gave birth
to another son who the Prophet (P.B.U.H) named al-Hussain the little beautiful one. She also had two
daughters Zainab and umm kulthoom.
Prophet (P.B.U.H) had a special affection for his youngest daughter on one occasion he said to her,“You are
the highest of the women of the people of paradise except for Maryam daughter of Imran .”
She also remembered by her title ‘Al Zahra’, ‘the shining one’. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) showed his affection
for her and would visit her before he left on a journey and upon returning. In his last illness he foretold that
Hazart Fatima would be the first of his family to follow him and she died in 632, within 6 months of her father
death. Muslim hold Hazrat Fatima in high respect and she regarded as the perfect role model for Muslims
women.
5(b) Explain the importance of the statement, ‘Daughters are a mercy (rahma)’. [4]
• In a time where daughters were not valued, the Prophet had four, and was loving and kind to them.
• This shows the kind of relationship parents should have with their daughters.
• They should protect them and be supportive of them.
• Education and work should be made available to them, and all daughters should be provided for
equally.
• Daughters in turn bring softness and care to a family, and are a means of salvation for parents who
look after them; “Whoever brings up two girls till they reach the age of puberty, he and I will come
on the Day of Resurrection like this,” (and he joined his blessed fingers.)
5.(b) Can Muslims learn from the Prophet’s bond with Fatima? Give reasons for your
answer. [4]
• Yes, we can learn many lessons as there is no greater father daughter relationship example than that
of prophet and Fatima and we can model our life after them.
9
• The holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) had special affection for Hazrat Fatima. He always stood up when she
came to him. Prophet’s great respect and dignity to her teaches us what good treatment to our
daughters looks like.
• Distance and dismissive behavior is against Islamic tradition. Once Prophet (P.B.U.H) said “Fatima is
a part of me, whoever hurts her, hurts me and whoever holds malice against her hold malice
against me”. Fathers who have a healthy connection with their daughters will find that what hurts
their daughter will hurts them.
• Prophet (P.B.U.H) never mourned that he had daughters and no sons (as his three sons died in
infancy) so Muslim should not think thatsons are better than daughters. Daughters can learn from
Hazrat Fatima loyalty and respect for her father.
Surahs
1. Choose any two of the following passages from the Qur’an, and:
(a) briefly describe the main theme(s) in each passage. [4]
(b) briefly explain the importance of the themes in the daily living of Muslims. [4]
• It is recited by Muslims for seeking Allah’s protection in their daily lives against all evils.
(6:101-103)
• These teachings emphasise the importance of tawhid for Muslims for their spiritualpurification.
It also protects them from shirk in daily living.
• Mankind is asked to worship Him as only He can fulfill their needs, so Muslims should be careful
to pray and fast, etc., to fulfill their obligation to Him.
• When Muslims believe in Allah as Al-Knowing-Well Aware, they refrain from committing sins
even secretly and become fair in dealings with people.
• In a world where there are lots of distractions, this surah reminds Muslims that they should
always remember their Creator as He is the ultimate authority over their affairs .