Prophet's (PBUH) Life (Question/Answer)

3 (a) Write about the life of the Prophet up until the first revelation. [10]
(M/J/10)

Candidates can provide details of any events related to the Prophet

Muhammads life up until he received the first revelation. However, good
answers will write a narrative naming key figures, important events and
sequence them in the order in which they happened. Candidates could talk
about the Prophets parents, his guardianship under his uncle Abu Talib,
and his relationship with the Quraysh. They could mention special events
that occurred in his childhood, e.g. the angels washing his heart. They
should also mention his trade journeys, and related to this, his
subsequent marriage to Khadija, as well as the meeting with Bahira.
Better answers may also give elaborations about his character and
mention his increasing seclusions just before revelation with any
relevant supporting quotations.

(b) Why was his relationship with his wife Khadija important for him? [4]

Good answers to this part will mention Khadijas support of the Prophet,
financially and
spiritually, and being the first Muslim. They could also mention that her
support allowed him to spend time in seclusion and that his seclusion
prepared him for receiving revelation. They could also mention that her
maturity allowed her to console and believe in the Prophet when he
received revelation [reference to Sura 93:8]. Candidates should look to
give thoughtful and insightful explanations as to why this was important
to the Prophet and the subsequent development of Islam.

Question 3
This question was a popular choice with candidates out of the three
optional questions and was well answered.
(a) Where candidates answered this very well, they gave detailed and
chronological descriptions of the main events of the Prophets life from
infancy to prophethood.
The best candidates wrote at length on the life of the Prophet but there
was often little

discrimination between major, significant events and trivial detail. Some

candidates wrote two pages on details of rearing the infant Muhammad
and then moved directly to his marriage to Khadija. There was a lot of
confused chronology, which made the answers appear confused. However,
it was good to see that the more perceptive answers attempted to
demonstrate how the events of his early life showed the formation of his
character and his predestination as a prophet. A few answers wrote about
the Prophets revelation showing they did not read the question properly.

(b) This was the best answered of the part (b) questions. Khadijas
support and assistance to the Prophet and the importance of this to the
development of his mission was analysed fairly well, although some
candidates only managed to explain the nature of her support and not its
importance. Most answers talked about her wealth and the implications
for the Prophet of not having financial worries. There were a lot of
answers that wrote about her wealth but offered no evaluation about its
significance.

4 (a) Describe the events relating to the Prophets experiences in caves.

[10](M/J/10)

Candidates should be able to give an in-depth narrative of the Prophets

experiences in the two caves, namely Cave Hira and Cave Thawr/Saur.
They should be able to name the caves and give details of what happened
in each cave.They should also be able to name the key figures involved,
e.g. Jibrail and Abu Bakr. Related to Cave Hira, candidates could mention
why the Prophet was in the cave, the appearance of the angel, the
quotation of Sura 96:15, as well as a description of what happened to the
Prophet when he left the cave. Related to Cave Thawr/Saur, candidates
could mention why the Prophet found himself in the cave, who he was
with, details about Abu Bakrs role as well as a reference to the Quranic
verse relating to this incident.

(b) Explain the significance

development of Islam. [4]

of

one

of

these

experiences

for

the

Candidates should try to show some understanding of the importance of

one of these

incidences, and try to relate its significance to Muslims today. Cave Hira
This event started Gods final guidance for mankind as it was when the
Prophet was given the first revelation of the Quran, which is the most
important book for Muslims to get guidance. The event was also
significant for the Prophet as he was given his prophethood. It highlighted
the transition from polytheism to monotheism. Candidates should try to
reflect upon these reasons and their significance to themselves or the
wider community of Muslims. Cave Thawr This event was significant
because there was a threat to the Prophet in Makka and God gave
permission to leave. Candidates should mention that at this time, the
Prophet had to have trust in God as well as his followers to escape the
threat. If he hadnt trusted them and if he had been captured Islam would
not have developed. It was the beginning of a new phase for the Muslims
because they left everything behind. Candidates should try to reflect upon
these reasons and their significance to themselves or the wider
community of Muslims.

Question 4
This question was also popular with candidates to answer.
(a) This was generally a well answered question, with candidates being
able to give details about the two caves, Hira and Thawr, and the main
events that happened. Hira was usually described better than Thawr. The
descriptions of what happened at Thawr were sometimes vague and
incomplete with candidates failing to refer to key Quranic teachings when
describing the events in this cave. Some candidates mixed up the names
of the caves. Also, some candidates, instead of describing events that
happened inside the caves, wrote about what happened outside the caves
before and after the actual events in the caves. For example, candidates
gave a brief description of the
revelation inside the cave of Hira, but had written a lot about the social
situation of the Makkans at that time before revelation, or, they wrote
about the plot to kill the Prophet rather than giving details of what
happened when the Prophet and Abu Bakr entered the cave. However,
most candidates scored highly in this question.

(b) There were some good answers to this part of the question. There
were some perceptive answers particularly on the significance of the
events at Thawr and the importance of the migration to Madina for the
development of Islam. The most common mistakes were to write vaguely
that Islam began with the revelation in cave Hira or that it spread widely
after that event. However a number of candidates mistakenly attempted
to write about both experiences instead of just one, as the question asks.

2 (a) Give a brief description of the Prophets experiences in caves. [12]

(O/N/07)

The Prophet had two experiences in caves. His experience in the valley of
Abu Talib during the Makkan boycott does not count.

(i) The cave on Mount Hira allow up to 6 marks

This incident took place in 610; Muhammad was 40.
Muhammad had withdrawn to the cave to meditate and pray.
A figure appeared and ordered him Recite!
Muhammad protested that he could not recite.
The figure squeezed him tightly.
This squeezing and the command happened three times in all.
Then the figure recited to him Sura 96.1-5.
He returned home to Khadija, confused and afraid.
(No details of the rest of the story.)

(ii) The cave of Thawr allow up to 6 marks

This incident took place in 622; Muhammad was 52.
After his followers had left Makka, Muhammad departed with Abu Bakr.
When the two knew they were being pursued they hid in the cave of
Thawr.
The pursuers saw two nesting birds at the mouth of the cave and saw no
need to
look inside.
Abu Bakr was bitten by a scorpion or snake but did not cry out.
Muhammad reassured Abu Bakr by telling him God was with them.
Abu Bakr's daughter brought them food.

(b) Explain why one of these experiences was important in the history of
Islam. [4]

(i) Mount Hira

This was the occasion on which the Quran was first sent down.
It marks the beginning of Gods final guidance for humans, telling them
how to live
their lives.
It marked the change from polytheism to monotheism.
Muhammad was changed and was chosen for prophethood.
(ii) Thawr
If Muhammad had been captured Islam might not have developed.
The success of his mission depended on his leaving his home.
He had to trust to God and to his followers for survival.
It shows that meeting force with force is not always the way to success.
The importance of the incident is such that the Quran refers to it.

Question 2
(a) This part was answered well by many candidates, although there was
more weight given to the Prophets experience in Mount Hira over Mount
Thawr. In this question, good answers focused on the significant events in
these two caves. The best answers began their narration from the
Prophets first visit in Mount Hira at the age of 40 by the angel Jibrail, an
account of the conversation between them, and the Prophet returning
home to his wife shaken and asking to be covered, without giving details
about his life before prophethood or what happened after he returned
home. Then the answers would continue with the story of the Prophet
leaving his house with Abu Bakr for Madinah, staying in Mount Thawr to
escape their enemies, and the relationship between the Prophet and his
companion in the cave. Candidates should be careful in these answers not
to present too much information that is not related to the question, and
Examiners also look for accuracy of facts. Some candidates were confusing
the names of the two caves, or giving the wrong names completely, and
some gave the name of Abu Bakrs daughter who brought them food as
Aishah. Candidates again should read the question carefully, as it asks for
the Prophets experience in caves (plural), but a few candidates only
related an account of one cave.

(b) There were some good answers to this part, but generally answers
were vague or repetitive. Here, candidates were expected to show how
these events were important, not just the time they happened, but in later
years. The experience at Mount Hira was important because not only was
the Quran first sent down, but it was the beginning of Gods final
guidance. It also changed the way the people of the time were living and
its teachings were also important for future generations. The experience
at Mount Thawr was important because if the Prophet had not left his
home in Makkah, he may have been killed and Islam would not have
spread and flourished. He also had to put a lot of trust in God and his
followers which is a significant lesson for building future communities.

Question 4

(O/N/02)

Most candidates answered this question reasonably well, identifying the

cave on Mount Hira and the cave of Thawr as the two places associated
with the Prophet.

(a) Marks were given for concise and accurate accounts of the experience
of the Prophet in each, and candidates were faced with having to decide
the point at which to begin and end their description. The best accounts
began with the Prophets retreats in the cave of Hira in his middle age
and ended with his return to Khadija, and then with his departure from
Mecca and after three days his onward journey to Medina, and covered the
main incidents between each. Marks were particularly given in each case
for relevant quotations from the Quran.

(b) Marks were given for such comments as: Muhammads experience on
Mount Hira was the beginning of his career as a prophet; this was the
first revelation of the Quran; his experience in the cave of Thawr showed
that God was with him; his survival there meant that the growth of Islam
went ahead. The main difficulties candidates appeared to encounter were
concerned with having to decide what points to put in part (a) and what to
put in (b). In questions such as this, it is generally safest to give only
descriptions
in (a) and explanatory comments in (b).

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

revelation.

[10] (O/N/04)

(b) Explain the significance of the actions of the angel and Waraqa lbn
Nawfal in this event. [2 x 3]

(a) For full marks answers should include all the points marked *.
*Muhammad was meditating in a cave on Mount Hira.
This was when he was 40.
*A being unknown to him but later identified as Gabriel appeared.
*This being seized him and crushed him, and gave him the order 'Recite!'
*He could not, and the crushing and order were repeated twice (three
times in all).
*Then the being itself recited Recite, in the name of your Lord who
created, etc.
(give one mark for a reference to the Qur'anic verses, and 2 marks for a
full quotation).
Muhammad left the cave and returned home.
On the way he again saw the being as a giant figure astride the horizon.
He went to his wife Khadija in confusion.
She took him to her relative Waraqa lbn Nawfal for an explanation of
what had happened.
He said the being was the Angel of the Law.

(b) The angel was performing the duty he had previously performed with
other
messengers.
He was the first to alert the Prophet to his new career.
His appearance is a sign that the revelations were truly from God.
Waraqa was the first to explain to the Prophet the significance of his
experience.
He helped him realise that he had been visited by the angel who had
appeared to other messengers.
This helped the Prophet understand the responsibilities to which he had
been called.

Question 2
(a) This part was answered very well by many candidates, though some
answers were fuller than others. The fullest detailed the triple crushing of
the Prophet, quoted the verses revealed to him, referred to his second
vision of the angel after leaving the cave, his comforting by Khadija and
his visit to Waraqa. In descriptive questions, the Examiners look for
accuracy and completeness, and candidates often lose marks by getting
basic facts wrong or leaving them out altogether. The need for planning
answers is paramount. There were some surprising interpretations in a
few answers. One was that the angel did not crush the Prophet but held
him in order to reassure him, and another was that the angel first visited
the Prophet six months before coming to him in the cave with the first
revelation. If any teachers know an authentic source for such
interpretations, they are asked to share them in the Discussion Group (see
above). The Hadith preserved by al-Bukhari is generally taken as the most
reliable source;
this is quoted in full in the Islamiyat textbook, pages 10-12 (see above).

(b) There were some good answers to this part, though many candidates
were unable to say why the two characters of the angel and Waraqa were
important. The best answers explained that the angel who appeared was
Gods messenger to all Prophets, and was the first to inform the Prophet
Muhammad of this new career that had been chosen for him, and that
Waraqa helped him to understand what this new career was, who the
angel was, and the difficulties that lay ahead.

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

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

(M/J/07)

(a) (i)
The Quraysh rejected Muhammad when he began his preaching (1 extra
mark for
the full story).
An old woman regularly pelted him with rubbish on his way to prayer.
He was once nearly strangled while praying.
The Quraysh subjected him to temptation, insults and verbal abuse (1
mark for a
mention or brief story, 2 marks maximum).
The death of his uncle Abu Talib deprived him of protection.
He was rejected and assaulted when he preached at al-Taif.
He and his family were boycotted and forced to live in a narrow valley
outside Makka
(1 extra mark for comments about their steadfastness - credit this point
either
here or in (ii) but not in both).
The death of Khadija discouraged him.

(ii)
Many of his followers were subjected to torture (1 extra mark for the
story of Bilal
or of Sumayya).
Some followers were forced to flee to Abyssinia to the protection of the
king (1 extra

mark for comments about the pursuit by Quraysh and their reception by
the king).
They were boycotted and forced to live in a narrow valley outside Makka
(1 extra
mark for comments about their steadfastness - credit this point either
here or in
(i) but not in both).
They were prevented from worshipping at the ka`ba.
Their means of livelihood were taken away.

(b) Main points include:

Muhammad was not deflected from preaching even when offered bribes.
He retained dignity and patience at all times.
His followers preferred to undergo hardships and death rather than give
up their faith.
Muhammad showed concern for his persecutors and forgiveness towards
them.
Muslims under persecution should remain loyal to one another.
(Allow up to 2 marks for mention of moral points such as these.
Allow 1 extra mark for one lesson derived from these points.
Allow 1 extra mark for more than one lesson.)

Question 2
This asked about the difficulties encountered by the Prophet and his
followers while they lived in Makka, and how their reaction can provide
lessons for Muslims today.
In part (a) candidates were asked for accurate accounts of the personal
difficulties of the Prophet, including the insults and abuses he suffered in
Makka and al-Taif, the boycott, and the problems presented by the deaths
of Abu Talib and Khadija; and also for equally detailed accounts of the
difficulties faced by the first Muslims, including the tortures inflicted on
some of them, the difficulty of worshipping in public and the necessity to
flee to Abyssinia. Many candidates gave full accounts, and this tended to
be a high-scoring question. Inaccuracies seen in some papers were that

the Prophet was stoned until his shoes filled with blood while in Makka not
al-Taif, that he himself took part in the flight to Abyssinia, and that during
the boycott the Muslims took refuge in the cave of Thawr (which is where
the Prophet and Abu Bakr hid during their migration to Madina).

Part (b) was more demanding, asking candidates to reflect on the facts
given in part (a) and to make a connection between the response of the
early Muslims to their difficulties and Muslims today. Good answers would
have referred to the first Muslims steadfastness and refusal to abandon
their faith, the dignity they maintained, their unfailing loyalty towards one
another, and the concern shown by the Prophet himself for his
persecutors. The best answers would have gone on to add comments
about the lessons these reactions can teach Muslims now. A shortcoming
seen in some answers to this part was that they gave general comments
about Muslim behaviour without connecting these to the conduct of the
Prophet and his first followers. Candidates who
gave answers such as these had clearly not thought about the Question.

3 (a) Describe the main difficulties encountered by the Prophet himself

during his time in
Makka after his call to prophethood.

[10] (O/N/10)

Candidates should write a detailed account of the difficulties faced by the

prophet, and
should write about the events as they happened. Candidates could give a
brief description of the Prophet beginning to preach openly after years of
secret worship, including an account of when he stood on the hill and
made his speech declaring his faith, and the reaction of the Quraysh. They
could go on to give a description of the subsequent mocking and torture
he faced, mentioning the key figures involved in the persecutions, and
mention of the tolerance and patience of the Prophet. They could also
include relevant references from the Quran.

(b) How does his conduct in one of these difficulties provide an example
for Muslims
today? [4]

Candidates should take one of the incidents mentioned in part (a) and
comment on how it can be used as an example to Muslims. They should
give a brief mention of one incident, e.g. throwing intestines on Prophet,
preaching at Taif, etc., and elaborate by saying how the Prophet reacted
and the characteristics displayed e.g. patience, tolerance, forgiveness.
They should then go on to give an example of how this could be related to
a present day situation. Better answers will be able to give a detailed
explanation of how the prophets morals give guidance for the
contemporary situation.

Question 3
This question was a popular choice with candidates out of the three
optional questions.
(a) Overall this part was answered well, with most candidates writing
about the difficulties faced by the Prophet once he was given the order to
preach openly. Excellent answers provided a clear and detailed narrative
of the key events, the main people involved in the persecution as well as
giving relevant quotations. As well as showing that they had knowledge of
the topic (mentioning a lot of the key events relating to the persecution of
the Prophet, e.g. the events at Taif, the mocking and boycott) candidates
needed to give details of what happened and mention specific names of
those involved.
The persecution inflicted upon the companions of the Prophet was not
required for this question. There were a few candidates who seemed to
have memorised a completely different answer, usually about the wars the
Prophet took part in, and simply narrated that without checking what the
actual question was asking.

(b) Answers for this part were too general. Many candidates were able to
pick out the Prophets conduct, e.g. his forgiveness. This then needed to
be linked with Muslims today. General statements such as the Prophet
showed forgiveness and so Muslims today should also needed more detail.
The best answers showed a mature reflection on behaviour and attitude to
events today rather than just a general comment about behaviour, e.g.
linking the Prophets patience or forgiveness to the situation in Kashmir.

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

Makka.
[10] (M/J/11)

Candidates should give a detailed narrative of the persecutions faced by

the early converts in the days after the Prophet started preaching Islam.
Good answers will be able to name key figures involved in the persecution,
and the names of the Muslims who were being persecuted, stating that it
included slaves and those without tribal protection. They could talk about
the type of difficulties they faced and give an account of the persecutions.
Good answers will be able to present their narratives in a clear and
comprehensive manner without confusing details.

(b) What can these stories teach Muslims in their everyday lives today? [4]

Answers should reflect on the accounts the candidates have given in part
(a) and be able to put their answers in a modern context. They may be
able to say e.g. that Muslims should remain steadfast under all
circumstances, or that they should not retaliate, but the better answers
will be able to give clear examples from the lives of the candidates or the
world they live in. Better answers will refer to (a) but not repeat the
description, rather will explain the accounts/stories in a modern context or
related to their everyday lives.

Question 5
(a) Where chosen, this question was answered reasonably well, and again
where candidates did not gain the highest level marks it was due to a lack
of detail in their answers. Most candidates wrote about the persecution of
various companions, giving their names and the way in which they were
tortured. Some included mention of the boycott and the migration to
Abyssinia. The better answers wrote about all this, giving names and clear
details about these events. There were a significant number of candidates
who concentrated on the persecutions upon the Prophet, some starting
with the companions then concentrating on the Prophet and others only
talking about the treatment of the Prophet. Candidates should always
keep the focus of the question in mind when preparing answers, and
perhaps a minute spent planning their answer would aid this.
(b) This part of the question was not so well answered with most
candidates repeating the fact that the followers of the Prophet were
steadfast, and that Muslims today also need to be steadfast. There was
not much attempt at evaluation.
Better candidates gave real life examples whether personal, national or
global.

2 (a) Write brief accounts of the following two incidents in the life of the
Prophet: (M/J/05)

his attempt to preach to the people of al-Taif; [5]

Muhammad went to al-Taif when the persecution at Mecca was intense.

He was looking for a new place where his teachings would be accepted.
The townspeople rejected his message.
Boys pelted him with stones as he left.
He was badly injured.
Angels offered to destroy the town for him, but he forgave the people.
(1 mark for quotation of his words: I was sent as a blessing to the
worlds)

his conquest of Mecca. [5]

By 630 Muhammad had grown powerful in Arabia.

He decided to attack Mecca because the people had broken their treaty.
He promised that those Meccans who did not resist would be safe.
He approached Mecca with a great army.
There was no resistance when he entered.
He spared all who sought his pardon.
He executed a few stubborn people who resisted him.
He cleansed the ka`ba of its idols.

(b) What lessons can Muslims today learn from the Prophets conduct in
each of these
incidents? [2 x 3]
[Candidates should make at least 3 comments about each incident, e.g.:]
(i) Muhammad attempted to find a realistic solution to his difficulties in
Mecca.

 He did not try to resist the people of al-Taif when they rejected him.
He responded to cruelty with forgiveness.
He attempted to understand the peoples ignorance of who he was and
what he
said.
[Reserve the third mark for clear applications of these lessons to
contemporary
conditions.]

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

Question 2

(M/J/03)

In part (a) candidates were expected to give a concise but accurate

account of the main difficulties experienced by the young Muslim
community in the years between the first revelation to the Prophet
Muhammad and the hijra. An immediate challenge was to decide when to
start and when to finish the account. Good answers would not have
started with the first revelation itself, but with the Prophets first public
preaching and the rejection he encountered. Answers should have

concluded at the point of the hijra, but should not have described it, since
the Prophet left Mecca at this time. They would have included, e.g. the
sufferings of Muhammads followers, especially Bilal and others known to
have been tortured; the insults and physical assaults on the Prophet
himself; the flight to Abyssinia; the boycott imposed on the Prophets
family; the deaths of the Prophets wife and uncle. Examiners looked for
sharp accounts of these sufferings, and there were many very full
answers, leading to high scores in this part. However, some candidates
omitted a number of these events, others brought in events from the
Prophets youth or the hijra, and one or two wrote about the battles
waged between the Prophets forces and the Meccans in the years
following 622. Part (b) was answered very well by some candidates, and a
few were able to draw moral comparisons between the events of the
Prophets time and events taking place in the Arab world at the time of
the examination itself. This is exactly what the Examiners wish to
encourage, since it shows a lively ability to see in the crucial happenings
of the Prophets life lessons for Muslims today. Others wrote more
generally about the examples of patience and acceptance set by the first
Muslims, though some continued to give facts about the period referred to
in the question without addressing the question asked in (b) itself.

4 (a) Write an account of the first migration (hijra) of the Muslims to

Abyssinia. [10]
(M/J/09)

Good answers should be able to narrate the story of the migration to

Abyssinia with
considerable detail, being able to name the main Muslims involved.
Answers could give an account of the persecution faced by Muslims in
Makkah and why these persecutions had increased on the Prophets
followers; that the Prophet ordered some followers to go to Abyssinia to
seek protection from its just king; they were led by the Prophets cousin,
Jafar Ibn Abu Talib; the Quraysh followed them and asked the king to
return them; what happened when Sura Maryam was recited to the king.
Excellent answers will give in-depth details of the story as it happened, as
well as saying why these particular Muslims took part.

(b) Why did the people of Makka pursue these Muslims? [4]

Good answers here will be able to give reasons for the migration rather
than repeat the story again. They could say why the Makkans wanted to
destroy the new faith, as it threatened their own religious and economic

stability, and therefore didnt want the Muslims to escape and for Islam to
flourish. Excellent answers will show a clear understanding of the threat
the Makkans felt and the fears they had due to the increasing number of
Muslims.

Question 4
This question was also popular with candidates to answer.
(a) This was generally well answered, and good answers were able to give
a detailed and concise narrative about the migration to Abyssinia, from
the persecution of the new Muslims to the events in King Neguss court.
Many candidates gave an excellent account including the names and
number of migrants, the difficulties faced during the hijra and the
acceptance of Islam. Candidates made the connection between
Christianity and Islam being similar and also pointed out why they thought
so.
Some lower level answers were unbalanced with a lot of detail about
persecution and a lack of detail of about why they decided to go (lack of
protection/vulnerability) as well as what happened in Abyssinia.
Unfortunately a significant minority of candidates wrote at length about
the Hijra to Madinah.

(b) This part was answered well on the whole, but there was some
confusion with a number of candidates misunderstanding that the
question was referring to the pursuit by the Quraish of the Muslims who
escaped to Abyssinia. Many answers were further descriptions of the
persecution of the Muslims in Makkah, possibly because candidates
confused the word pursue with persecution. Again, candidates should
do their best to read the question carefully and understand it before
attempting to answer it.

4 (a) Describe the main events relating to the first migration (hijrah) of
Muslims to Abyssinia.
[10] [M/J/12]

(b) What was the importance of making this migration at that time? [4]

(a) Good answers should be able to narrate the story of the migration to
Abyssinia with

considerable detail, being able to name the main Muslims involved.

Answers could give an account of the persecution faced by Muslims in
Makkah and why these persecutions had increased on the Prophets
followers; that the Prophet ordered some followers to go to Abyssinia to
seek protection from its just king; amongst the first group was Uthman
and Ruqayyah; the second group was led by the Prophets cousin, Jafar
Ibn Abu Talib; the Quraysh followed them and asked the king to return
them; what happened when
Sura Maryam was recited to the king.
Excellent answers will give in-depth details of the story as it happened,
name the Muslims who migrated, as well as saying why these particular
Muslims took part.

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

3 (a) Give an account of the events of the Prophets night journey and
ascension [Isra wa miraj].
[10] (M/J/11)

Candidates should talk about the events of the night journey as they
happened, and be able to provide an in-depth narrative of the journey.
They could talk about the Prophet being woken from his sleep and taken
on al-Buraq from Makka to Jerusalem by the angel Jibril They could
mention all the things that he saw on his way, the prophets that he met,
the questions that he asked Jibril, and the fact that he led the prophets in
prayer. They should also go on to mention that he was taken through the
heavens and was finally in the presence of his Lord. Answers should also
mention that this all took place in one night, and what the people of
Makka said when he told them about his journey.

(b) Explain the importance of this event to the Prophet himself. [4]

Good answers here will be able to mention the conditions for the Prophet
in Makka at this time that he had lost his closest supporters and was

being mocked for being left by God. They should talk about the
importance of physical and spiritual support needed by the Prophet. The
events reassured him of his closeness with God and his status among
other messengers, and gave him spiritual support. His physical support
came from his companions who believed that if the Prophet said it
happened, then it did.

Question 3
(a) This part was answered well, with most candidates being able to write
about some of the key events of this journey. Many answers narrated
different aspects of the story. More detail was needed for the higher
levels. Excellent answers provided a clear and detailed narrative of the
key events, from the Prophet being awoken in Makka by Jibrail, being
taken to Jerusalem, his journey to the heavens, his meeting with God,
giving details of what happened at the different stages, as well as
including relevant quotations.
Some responses focused too much on what happened at each level of the
skies at the expense of e.g. mentioning the stop at Masjid al-Aqsa and the
gift of prayers, and there were a few confused scripts where the events
were totally out of sequence or major and important parts missed or not
well covered.

(b) It was important to write about the significance of this journey in

answering this question not just to give a general answer. Good answers
showed how this event was important to the Prophet e.g. it was to boost
his morale especially after the loss of his wife and uncle, he found support
amongst his companions such as Abu Bakr, or in fact that it was a
vindication for the prophets claim that he was a messenger of god.

3 (a) Write about the Prophet Muhammads interaction with the Quraysh
while he lived in
Makka, before and after revelation.

[10] (O/N/2011)

Good answers will be able to provide a detailed and concise narrative of

events that occurred between the Prophet and the Quraysh. Candidates
should talk about the Prophets status in the community prior to Islam.
They could talk about the fact that the Prophet was known as Al-Amin or
the trustworthy. They could mention, using examples, that prior to his
Prophethood, the Quraysh used to consult him in important matters, trust
him with their goods, and look to him for advice. For example they could

mention that when the Prophet was younger he was chosen by the
Quraysh to settle the dispute of who should replace the sacred black stone
to its position at the Kaba.
Answers should also mention that after Prophethood, the Prophet
Muhammad was rejected when he invited the Quraysh to Islam. He was
taunted, mocked and openly humiliated by different members of the
Quraysh. The best answers will include details of events before the period
of revelation and after revelation.

(b) Why did the Quraysh feel they needed to reject the Prophets
message?
[4]

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

5 (a) Outline the main events of the Prophets journey from Makka to
Madina. [10]
(O/N/10)

Candidates should be able to write a detailed narrative tracing the main

events as they
occurred on his journey to Madina. Candidates could give brief background
information relating to the threat in Makka and his departure, and
mention by name the key figures involved in the threat and his departure.
They should mention that he left with his companion Abu Bakr, and give a
detailed account of their journey and their stay in Cave Thawr. They could
also mention their stay at Quba as well as giving some details of their
arrival in Madina. Better answers will be able to mention all the key
figures involved, the events as they unfolded and be able to quote
relevant Quranic verses.

(b) What was the significance of this journey for the Muslims? [4]

For this part, candidates should look to show some reflection and
understanding behind the reasons for leaving Makka, and not repeat the
narrative provided in (a). They could give a basic mention of the threat to
the Prophet and the believers and why there was little success with
preaching. They could mention that the Madinans were inviting him and
give reflections on how his migration saved Islam for future generations
any insight shown as to why the migration was important for that
generation of Muslims, as well as future generations, should be credited.

Question 5
(a) Where chosen, this question was answered reasonably well. Excellent
answers gave some brief background information about the threat posed
to the Prophet by the Quraysh, and then gave details about him leaving
with Abu Bakr, their stay in the cave and what happened when the
Quraysh pursued them, their stay in Quba and their reception in Madina,
as well as naming the key figures involved and giving some relevant
quotations. Many candidates were able to write about these events, but
with fewer details about what happened or who was involved. There were
a few candidates who wrote about the migration to Abyssinia, and some
who focused their answer on what happened after the Prophet arrived in
Madina.

(b) This part of the question was well answered with many candidates
being able to show some insight into why it was important for the Muslim
community to migrate.

5 (a) Trace the events that led up to the Prophets migration (hijra). [10]
(O/N/09)

For this answer an account should be given about the events before the
prophet migrated to Madina, not the actual journey or events of migration
itself.
Answers could briefly discuss the persecution of the Muslims by the
Makkans and their
migration to Abyssinia which later encouraged them to make the
migration to Yathrib. The boycott of the Banu Hashim clan by the Quraysh
followed by the deaths of Abu Talib and Hazrat Khadije are points that
candidates can discuss when answering this question. Answers could also
talk about the prophets reaction to the loss of protection and his
attempts to spread Islam elsewhere. The prophet met six men in Makka,

who had come from Yathrib for the annual pilgrimage. They became
Muslim and returned to Makka the following year with more people who
took an oath at Aqaba in 621. The following year more people came to
take the oath with the prophet. They invited the prophet to come to
Yathrib as their leader. The best answers will be able to give details of the
number of pledges, the number of Yathribites/Madinans involved, some
brief details of what was in the pledges, and an indication of the result of
the pledges.

(b) Explain the importance of the Pledges of Aqaba to the Prophet in the
period leading
up to the migration. [4]

Good answers should be able to talk about the prophets vulnerability at

this time, and his attempt to gain support from other places (e.g. in AlTaif). They could also mention the tribal system of the time and the
difficulties the prophet faced without protection within this system. Also,
the pledges gave hope to the Muslims and the prophet as they found
support and protection from a different, but willing, source.

Question 5
For this Part (a) answer an account had to be given about events before
the Prophet migrated to Madina, not the actual journey. Some candidates
did make the mistake of writing the latter in great detail. Very few
discussed the point that the migration to Abyssinia gave the Prophet and
Muslims in general the encouragement to make the greater migration to
Madina. Even from those who mentioned the migration to
Abyssinia, many failed to point out the link that its success encouraged
the greater migration. Candidates should be encouraged to think for
themselves and link answers to the question being asked. Also, in this
answer the Pledges of Aqaba had to be discussed in detail to get good
marks. The question was well done on the whole by those who attempted
it.

In Part (b) of this question many focused on writing a detailed account of

the Pledges of Aqaba (even if they had not done so in Part (a) where it
would have earned them marks) which was not what was being asked.
Good answers needed to talk of the Prophets vulnerability at this time
and the difficulties he was facing due to lack of tribal support and how,

due to the pledges, the Prophet found support and protection from a
different but willing source.

2 (a) Describe the main events of the Prophets migration from Makka to
Madina. [10]
(M/J/08)

(b) Explain why he thought it important to make this journey. [6]

[Candidates have to decide what the main events are.]

Either Muhammad had incurred the enmity of Quraysh by his preaching

[This is
background and for any general information of this kind allow 1 mark]
Or A small group from Yathrib (later renamed Madina) listened to his
preaching and
invited him to their town [This is also background but more specific, so 1
mark for such
details]
He departed from Makka on the same night that the Quraysh planned to
murder him
He departed with Abu Bakr
He left `Ali in his bed as a decoy/in order to return items people had left
with him
The Makkans sent riders to pursue the two migrants
They took refuge in the Cave of Thawr
The Prophet reassured Abu Bakr who was frightened
Abu Bakr allowed himself to be bitten rather than shout and wake the
sleeping Prophet
A spider wove a web/two birds built a nest over the entrance, which
showed there was
no-one inside
The two made their way to Madina when they knew they were safe

 They stayed at Quba on the way to Medina and established the first
mosque/`Ali joined
them there
The people of Medina welcomed the Prophet publicly
The Prophet was given a revelation to leave Makka

(b)
He was in danger of his life in Makka
He had no clan protection
His preaching met with little success
He was assured of acceptance at Madina
Here he might put the teachings he was receiving into effect
His migration was in order to save Islam
[Credit the last point in (a) if not already credited]

Question 2
This asked for an account of the Prophets hijra, and the reasons why the
hijra was important for him.
In part (a) candidates were asked for accurate accounts of the Prophets
journey north to Madina. A few marks were allowed for background
circumstances, but most were given for details of the journey itself,
including the parts played by Abu Bakr and Ali, the miracle of the spider
and birds at the cave of Thawr, the pursuers from Makka, the halt at Quba,
and the arrival at Madina. A number of candidates gave full and detailed
accounts, but some understood the question to be about the events
leading up to the hijra, or the events that took place after it.

Part (b) was more demanding, asking candidates to reflect on the reasons
why this journey was important for the Prophet. Good answers included
points such as: the danger to his life in Makka, his assurance of
acceptance in Madina, his wish to put the teachings of Islam into effect,
the divine instruction to depart. Some candidates wrote descriptively
about the Prophets failure at al-Taif, or gave long accounts of the
pledges of the Madinan pilgrims. However, these were not answers to the
question itself because they did not address the issue of the importance
of the journey.

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

migration, the
hijra.

[10] (O/N/05)

Suggest three reasons why he decided to move from Mecca to Medina. [6]

(a) [The problem here concerns exactly what events led up to the hijra.
Candidates have to decide when to start the story.]
Muhammad had incurred the enmity of Quraysh by his preaching. [This is
background and for any general information of this kind allow 1 mark.)]
His wife Khadija and uncle Abu Talib died in 619 leaving him
defenceless.
He sought acceptance by preaching at fairs in Mecca and elsewhere.
A small group from Yathrib (later renamed Medina) listened and
accepted
his preaching.
The next year they swore allegiance to him (the first pact of al-`Aqaba,
the oath of women, not involving fighting for him).
The following year 73 men from Yathrib swore to defend him (the second
Pact of al-`Aqaba). [1 mark, but 2 marks for details of numbers etc.]
Muhammad gradually sent Meccan Muslims north to Yathrib.
He himself went on the same night when the Quraysh planned to murder
him.
He departed with Abu Bakr.
He left `Ali in his bed as a decoy, and in order to return items people had
left with him.
The Prophet received a divine instruction to migrate.

(b)

 He was defenceless at Mecca, because Abu Lahab the head of his clan
after Abu Talib's death was his enemy. [1 mark, but 2 marks for full
details.]
His attempts at persuading the people of Mecca to accept his teachings
had met with little success,
except for a small group of followers.
These followers were under threat, and some had experienced long
persecution.
The people of Medina appeared to welcome him.
They recognized his mission and accepted him as a religious leader.
They also offered him and his followers protection.

Question 2
(a) This part was answered very well by many candidates, though some
answers started their account of the hijra from the beginning of
revelation. In descriptive questions, the Examiners look for accuracy and
completeness, and candidates often lose marks by getting basic facts
wrong, leaving them out altogether or even starting their answer from too
early a point. This results in the answer being more general than specific
to the question. The need for planning answers is paramount. There were
a few candidates who wrote about the events in Madinah immediately
after the hijra, which again emphasises the need for the candidates to
read the questions properly. Overall, those candidates who answered this
question well showed accurate details of the events,
particularly those relating to the Pledges of al-Aqaba. (b) Most candidates
were able to give some general comments stating the reasons the Prophet
moved from Makkah to Madinah. However, Examiners were looking for
some elaboration on these points
for candidates to be able to earn the full six marks. Also, some candidates
simply repeated comments made in part (a) in this section. There were
some good answers to this part where candidates expanded on the basic
points, e.g. explaining that the Prophets small group of followers had
faced lots of persecution which was a threat to the development of a
Muslim community in Makkah.

3 (a) Describe the events of two of the battles fought by the Prophet while
he was leader of the community at Madina.
[10] (M/J/09)

Candidates may choose any two battles, but will probably write on Badr,
Uhud or Khandaq (the Trench). Some may choose Hunayn or Khaybar.
Whichever two battles candidates choose, they should be able to name
them and describe them in detail giving dates and important points.
Better answers will also narrate the events as they unfolded rather than
giving confused details; excellent answers will give an in-depth narrative.

(b) How does his conduct in one of these battles provide a model for
Muslims today when they face difficulties? [4]
Answers could give an account of the part played by the Prophet in the
particular battle they choose to talk about. Good answers could identify
the qualities shown by the Prophet by his actions in the battle, his
reaction to danger or his enemies and draw some conclusion from it, e.g.
Muslims today should act like this when they face an enemy. Excellent
answers could be able to identify and discuss how these qualities can be
transferred to situations today, and give an example of how Muslims may
follow his way of acting. There may also be a relevant quote from Quran
or Hadith.

Question 3
This question was a popular choice with candidates out of the three
optional questions.
(a) Overall this part was answered well, with most candidates choosing to
talk about the battles of Badr and Uhud and giving good, detailed
information about them. Some candidates also chose to work on the Battle
of Khandaq. There were a few unusual answers with the battle of Mutah,
Hunain, Conquest of Makkah and Tabuk as well which were not well
thought out enough to gain higher marks. Lower level answers wrote
inaccurately or padded out their answer with irrelevant detail. (b) Answers
for this part often failed to achieve the higher levels because they were
too general. So although many candidates were able to pick out the
Prophets conduct from one battle, e.g. his
patience, they were not able to relate it to their own lives or current
affairs. The best answers showed a mature reflection on behaviour and
attitude to events today rather than just a general comment about
behaviour.

2 (a) Give descriptions of the main events of the battles of Badr and Uhud.
[12]

(b) Explain why the people of Makka fought against the Muslims of
Madina. [4]
(M/J/06)

(a) Badr occurred in 624, the second year after the hijra.
The Muslims had heard of a Makkan caravan passing near Madina, and
they waited
for it near the wells of Badr.
The caravan summoned troops from Makka.
The two armies were badly mismatched, 300 Muslims against over 1000
Makkans.
Despite the odds the Muslims won.
The Prophet surprised everyone by treating the captured Makkans
honourably.
The Muslims saw in the victory Gods support for their cause, when he
sent angels to
help them.
Uhud occurred in 625.
An army of 3000 from Makka came to destroy the Muslims.
The Prophets army was smaller, and was decreased further by the
desertion of some
Madinans.
In the fighting the Muslims gained the upper hand.
But then some Muslims who had been ordered to guard a pass left their
posts for
spoils.
Some Makkans saw an advantage and attacked from behind.
The Muslims were nearly defeated and some leading men killed.
The Prophet himself was injured.
The Muslims realised they should obey the Prophet.

(b) They could see that the Muslims were a threat.

They threatened their livelihood since they might attack their caravans.

 They also threatened their religion with their belief in only one God.
They saw Islam as a threat to their leadership in Arabia.

Question 2
(a) Good answers would have given the dates of the two battles, the
circumstances immediately before them, the main events of the battles,
and the aftermath.
Many answers contained most major elements of the battles, and a good
number of high marks were gained for this part. Some candidates clearly
knew the events of the battles thoroughly, but some omitted to mention
such details as the numbers of the two sides at Badr, the way in which the
prisoners after Badr were treated, and the effects of the reversal at Uhud.

(b) Some answers to this were excellent, explaining the threat the
Muslims were thought to pose to Makkan trade, the differences in religion
between the two sides, the threat they saw to their leading position in
Arabia. However, these answers were in a clear minority, and some
candidates appeared to have no idea why these battles took place,
suggesting they had learnt the facts without understanding their
significance.

Question 2

(O/N/03)

The majority of candidates appeared to know a great deal about these two
battles, and many scored highly in part (a). The best answers carefully
described what happened in the battles, and included such details as their
dates and the names of leading individuals whose actions are
remembered. There were some excellent answers to (b), containing
comments on the religious and economic reasons for the hostility of the
Meccans to the Prophet and their fears for their own position in Arabia.
Most candidates were able to give some reasons for the enmity based on
religious differences.

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

fought in.
[10](O/N/2011)

Candidates can mention his conduct in any two battles, but should remain
focused on the Prophets conduct rather than giving a narrative of the

whole battle. Basic answers will describe the actual events in which the
Prophet took part. Better answers will describe his conduct as leader
rather than focussing on the actual events of the battles.
Some points that candidates should mention include: that the Prophet
constantly turned to God for help, that he would take opinions from
others, he was patient and did not fight out of anger, that he treated
captives/prisoners of war well, and that he took part in all the battles
himself. Candidates could also mention other points as long as they are
relevant to the battles and to his position as leader. Good answers will be
able to relate examples and events and give the names of the battles they
happened in.

(b) What can Muslim leaders today learn from the Prophets conduct in
their relations with other states?
[4]

Good answers here will be able to take at least one of the examples of the
Prophets conduct and show some evaluation of how that conduct is
relevant to modern lives and in particular the way in which Muslim leaders
deal with others. Candidates should show how the Prophets way of
dealing with things is still relevant today.

3 (a) Give an account of the battles of Khandaq (Trench) and Khaybar. [10]
[M/J/12]

(b) What lessons can Muslims learn from either of these battles? [4]

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

have moved a door by himself which would have taken 4050 men to
move; he was given the title of Lion of Allah; Jewish leader was killed;
Jews requested they stay in the oasis and in return give half their produce
to the Muslims.
Excellent answers will expand on these points and give an in-depth
narrative.

(b) There could be various answers given for this part and any relevant
and detailed answers should be credited accordingly. Some suggestions of
what candidates could write are, that in times of difficulty to keep hope
like when the Muslims were hungry and weak during the battle of
Khandaq and Khaybar (allowance was made to eat non-halal food if there
was no other option); Muslims should remain strong and patient and work
hard for their victory; despite victory, Muslims should remain fair and
trustworthy (keeping their promise to the Jews to allow them to remain in
Khaybar); they should have faith in God at all times; it is important to be
open to suggestions from others (e.g. the Prophet taking advice from
Salman al-Farsi).

2 (a) Outline the changes in the Prophet's relations with the Jewish tribes
and the hypocrites' in Medina in the years between 622 and 632. [12]

(b) Suggest reasons why his relations with the Jewish tribes changed. [4]
(M/J/04)

(a) [Ensure that marks are divided between comments on the Jewish tribes
and the
munafiqun, hypocrites.]

At first the Prophet treated all parts of Medinan society equally.

He devised the Covenant of Medina as an agreement in which all in
Medina,
Muslims, non-Muslim Arabs and Jews, were given
responsibilities. (2 marks for a detailed comment here)

privileges

and

Gradually the Jews distanced themselves from him: they persistently

mocked
the revelations, and doubted his claims to prophethood.

 Muhammad expelled the three major tribes in three stages after they
showed
treachery in fighting and sided with the Quraysh. (up to 3 marks for dates
and
full details)
These tribes were Qaynuqa', Qurayza and Nadir. (1 mark for all three
names)
He punished them for their treachery. (2 marks for details)
There remained Medinans who did not become sincere Muslims or
acknowledge Muhammad.
They showed their disloyalty most strongly in withdrawing when the
Quraysh
attack led to the battle of Uhud.
They remained persistent opponents of Muhammad.
The Muslims later attacked the banished Jews in their fortress at
Khaybar.

(b)
He gradually became aware that the Jews did not respect his position.
They refused to acknowledge that he was a Prophet like the one in their
scriptures.
They openly made fun of him, especially when the qibla was changed.
An important turning point was when they subjected a Muslim woman to
public
humiliation.
They broke the Covenant by not defending Medina.
Their treachery in conspiring with the Quraysh threatened the security
of
Medina.
This was also a threat to the survival of Islam.

Question 2

This question is nearly always concerned with the life and significance of
the Prophet. In this paper it asked about the period of his life in Medina,
and Examiners were looking for accurate accounts of his relations with the
three major Jewish tribes and with the non-Muslim Arabs of the oasis. In
part (a), they credited factual details about the developments that took
place, including the names of the tribes and their changes in
conduct that led to their exclusion, and also the main actions of the nonMuslim Arabs against the interests of the Muslims.

In part (b), they credited precise reasons for the deterioration in relations
between the Muslims and Jews from the time of the Covenant of Medina to
the attack on the fortress of Khaybar, including their mocking of the
Prophet and his followers, their siding with the Meccans and their
breaking of the Covenant. In answers to part (a), most candidates showed
impressively detailed knowledge of the exploits of the Jews in Medina,
though many thought that the Covenant of Medina was no more a treaty
made specifically
between the Prophet and the Jews in which he allowed them freedom.
When teaching this aspect of the Prophets life, teachers should make
clear the true nature of this Covenant, which was intended to include all
the tribes and clans in the oasis in an equal agreement with shared
privileges and responsibilities, with the Jews named among them. Many
candidates said almost nothing about the hypocrites, those Medinan
Arabs who appeared reluctant to side with the Muslims and withdrew their
support at Uhud. This is strange, given that in past years when a question
on Uhud has appeared candidates have usually written a great deal about
the force that withdrew from the Prophets army before the battle, giving
its number and the names of its leaders.

In answers to part (b), many candidates were able to give four good
reasons for the change in the Prophets relations with the Jewish tribes,
most importantly their siding with the Meccans and desertion of their
Covenant obligations. However, there were, unfortunately, many critical
and insulting remarks about the Jewish tribes of Medina. Few candidates
appeared to be aware that one reason for the change in relations
was that the Prophet gradually saw that his proclamation was not
accepted by the Jews as agreeing with theirs. This is a religious rather
than political reason.

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

(a) [Look for four of the Prophet's qualities that can be a model for
Muslims.
Do not give marks for qualities unique to the Prophet, e.g. that he is a
blessing for humankind.
In each case award 1 mark for:
identification of the quality,
examples of how it was shown in the Prophet's life,
possible supporting quotations from the Hadith, Qur'an and remarks of
his Companions.]

(b) [In each case:

Give 1 mark for the basic outline of a Muslim putting the chosen quality
into practice.
Give a further 1 mark for an example fully worked through.]

Question 2
(a) This part was answered reasonably well by many candidates, although
equally, many candidates wrote about the same quality more than once,
thereby losing out on vital marks. Good answers would have chosen four
specific qualities, given a different example for each of them from the
Prophets life (rather than a general description of the quality) and
included a quotation for each quality. Some examples of the types of
qualities Examiners look for are: honest/truthful, forgiving/merciful and
trustworthy, but not that the Prophet prayed all his prayers or learnt the
Quran by heart. Many candidates did not realise that honesty and
truthfulness were in effect the same quality, and so gave similar examples
under two separate headings. A few candidates also
confused some of the stories from the life of the Prophet resulting in the
wrong example being given for a chosen quality. Other candidates did not
realise that truthful and trustworthy are different qualities and so used
them interchangeably.

In descriptive questions candidates often do not gain marks by getting

basic facts wrong or by allowing themselves to become distracted by what
they have just written. This results in the answer being more general than
specific to the question, or it results in the candidates not completing the
question. For example, some candidates wrote about two/three qualities
of the Prophet and gave many examples of these qualities, but were
unable to gain more marks because they overlooked the need to mention
another one/two qualities. The need for planning answers is paramount.

(b) There were some good answers to this part, but many candidates did
not show how the two chosen qualities could be applied to their own
lives/the modern world and instead repeated examples of how these
qualities were shown in the Prophets life. Excellent answers showed, for
example, how honesty can be used in school/at work no matter what the
consequences, and then went on to give an example of how students
should not lie about their homework if they have not done it. This kind of
answer shows that the candidate has thought about the relevancy of
these qualities in their own lives, which is what the evaluative part of each
question often looks for.

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

that would make clear to the people who lived with him that he was the
Messenger of God. [4 x 3]
(O/N/08)
[In each of the four cases look for a clear and specific action or quality
that distinguished the Prophet from ordinary people. So it is not enough
to say e.g. that he was loving unless the quality of his love is shown to be
far superior to love in other people. Examples might be: his quality of
forgiveness, shown at the capture of Makka; his periodic receiving of
revelations; his Night Journey. In each case give 1 mark for a basic
identification; 1 extra mark for a fuller description which introduces some
details; and the final 1 mark for a full and rounded description with all
expected details, and maybe quotations from the Quran or Hadith]

(b) Explain what Muslims mean by the title Seal of the Prophets. [4]
This is a title of the Prophet found in the Quran.
It means he completes the line of prophets that stretched up to him.
Just as a wax seal closes a letter, so his prophethood closes the line.
It also means he is a prophet for all times and places unlike the local
prophets before
him.

Question 2
(a) This part was either answered very well, or very poorly. Candidates
had to use their own reasoning more than just relying on teachers notes
that they may have learnt.
There were many examples that candidates could choose from, but the
key was to be able to support their answers to show that this was a
quality of the Messenger of God, not just of any other human being. Some
examples that could have been used are forgiveness, trustworthiness,
honesty, justice, patience and the miracles that he was awarded. Of these,
a good answer for forgiveness/mercy would be where candidates showed
that this was a quality of the Messenger of God because he was able to
forgive people in remarkable ways. So, at the conquest of Makka he
forgave his enemies, even those that had persecuted him and his
followers for years, and also when he went to Taif he showed one of the
greatest examples of his mercy for others where he did
not call for the people who hurt him to be crushed between the
mountains, but for them to be saved in case even one of them would later
become Muslim. Good answers would be able to mention the quality and
give full explanations of how that quality was related to the Prophet
specifically. Some candidates also mentioned things like he received
revelations, which in itself would count as an action or quality specific to
the Prophet, but many did not expand on it or give any details as to how
the revelations happened or that they were significant because the
prophet could not read or write, or that these revelations addressed
specific people or events happening at the time. Also, saying that the
Prophet was a model of excellence was too general a comment. The
better candidates did very well in this question and lots of good examples
were brought out
from the Seerah of the Prophet like the conversation of Heraclius with Abu
Sufyan about the Prophets trustworthiness. Candidates who did not
perform as well were not able to mention four qualities, or mentioned four
but two were the same, e.g. they gave truthful as one quality and honesty
as another but gave similar examples for each. Also, many candidates
wrote the qualities but did not give examples.

(b) Answers in this part were average, with most candidates earning two
marks. Good answers would have mentioned that this is a title given to
the Prophet by Allah, that he closes the line of prophets that was sent by
Allah, and that he is a Prophet for all times and places.

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

revelation. [10]
(S/P/09)
L1 for a bare account of the basic outline
L2 for a fuller account, including names of e.g. Jibril, Khadija and Waraqa
L3 for a full and accurate account including the Prophets threefold
crushing and the
dialogue between him and the presence
L4 for a full account that includes quotations from the Quran (esp. Sura
96.1-5 in
full) and allusions to the Hadith which contains the account

(b) Explain the meaning of the title Seal of the Prophets. [4]
L1 for saying the Muhammad was the last of the prophets
L2 for adding that he was the end and climax of the line of prophets
L3 for adding that his prophethood was universal whereas earlier prophets
were
sent to single communities
L4 for explaining the metaphor of a seal that closes and confirms
something that is
sent

3 (b) Explain the meaning of the title Seal of the Prophets. [4]

Answer 1
Almighty Allah sent Hazrat Mohammad to be the last prophet on this
earth. He delivered to us the holy Quran which he completed. The Quran
contains everything to guide Muslims in their life on this earth. The holy
Prophet also gave his example for us to follow so that we can live good
lives for Allah.

Level: 1
This answer is largely irrelevant. It makes one statement about the
significance of the Prophet Muhammad at the beginning, but all that
follows does not answer the question.

Answer 2
Our Prophet Muhammad came into the world at a very important time
when the world needed a prophet. He was the last Prophet whom Allah
had sent, and he completed the line of Allahs prophets that had begun
with Hazrat Adam. He was the last in this line and there was no prophet
after him because he completed the line.

Level: 2
There is a clear indication here that Muhammad was the last prophet, and
some awareness that there was no need for any prophet after him. The
answer is, however, very repetitive.

Answer 3
Hazrat Muhammad was sent by Allah to the whole world. He was the last
of the prophets sent by Allah, and he completed the line of messengers
that had started with Hazrat Adam. Hazrat Adam and the other prophets
such as Hazrat Abraham and Hazrat Musa were sent to their own
communities to teach them. But our prophet Hazrat Muhammad was sent
to all the world.

Level: 3
This candidate clearly realizes the difference between Muhammad and
other prophets, and brings out his universal relevance against their local
relevance quite clearly. He also gives suggestive hints about knowing the
names of individuals in the line of prophets.

Answer 4
Hazrat Muhammad is called the Seal of the Prophets in the holy Quran
because he came at the end of the line of prophets sent from Allah and he
completed this line. A seal is used on a letter to close it firmly. This is why
our Prophet is called the seal of the prophets. Hazrat Muhammad came
after Hazrat Adam, Hazrat Ibrahim, Hazrat Musa, Hazrat Isa and the other
prophets. They were sent by Allah to their communities, but our Prophet
Muhammad was sent to everyone in the earth. This is why he is called the
Seal of the Prophets, because he ended the line of prophets and was for
the whole earth.

Level: 4
This answer not only refers to the Prophet in relation to earlier prophets,
some of whom it names, and explains clearly the difference between him
and predecessors, but it also gives some explanation of the metaphorical
nature of the title itself. It is a confident response to a question that
requires careful thinking.

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