Chapter 3

Personalities
(b) Did the role of Abu Talib help strengthen the early Muslim community? Give
reasons for your answer. [4] J14 P11
If yes, for example, because he allowed the boycotted Muslims to stay at Shib-i-
Abi Talib, which gave them a place to stay in a time of difficulty; he supported the
Prophet at all times, which in turn supported the followers of the Prophet and this
would have helped them carry on in their mission; when the Quraysh offered the
Prophet bribes and the Prophet refused, Abu Talib said he would not ask him
again, which again helped strengthen the support given to the Prophet and his
community. If no, for example, because he did not become Muslim – if he had
more people may have converted; him remaining non-Muslim gave the Quraysh
continued reason to oppress the Muslims.
(b) Explain why the death of Abu Talib threatened the Prophet’s security in
Makkah.[4] Specimen09
The holy Prophet was brought up by Abu Talib from his boyhood. Hazrat
Muhammad’s mother died when he was 6 and he went to his grandfather ‘Abd al-
Muttalib. But then he died and Abu Talib took the Prophet to be his own son. He
remained loyal to the Prophet throughout his life, and he loved him like his own
child. When the Prophet began to receive revelations he did not become a
Muslim, but he gave the Prophet freedom to teach Tawhid. The Quraish wanted
the Prophet to stop, and they asked Abu Talib to make him stop, but he refused.
Abu Talib was very powerful. He was the head of the clan of Hashim, the
Prophet’s clan, and he could ask the members of the clan to support anyone in it.
This is why he could give the Prophet protection from all the difficulties put in his
way by Quraish. This means that when he died in the ninth year of prophethood
his protection was no longer there for the holy Prophet, and the Prophet was at
risk of persecution from Quraish.
(b) What can be learnt from Bilal’s role in the Islamic community? [4] N12 P11
Events from Bilal’s life can provide Muslims with valuable lessons: his ethnic
background was not a hindrance in his status as a companion of the Prophet, and
so racial equality should be practised amongst Muslims of all communities. His
background of being a slave did not prevent the deep friendship between him and
the Prophet, and so all men should be treated equally despite their class. They
could also mention that due to the beauty of his voice the Prophet favoured him
as muezzin, and that it is the purity of ones heart that God looks at.
(b) In your opinion, what is the significance of the Prophet encouraging the
liberation of Bilal and Salman from slavery? N17 P11
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
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. Better candidates
could also say that this is significant for Muslims now who may not treat other
Muslims the same because of their background, ethnicity or social status.
(b) In your opinion, can Muslims today learn anything from Abu Sufyan’s
involvement with the Prophet? [4] N14 P12
Muslims can learn that no matter how fierce a person is against Islam, they can
change and become friends to Islam. Therefore, Muslims should not treat non-
Muslims in a bad way, as they can be part of their community in the future. The
example of the Prophet is to treat people well no matter how they treat you.
Muslims can also learn that a new Muslims’ sins are wiped clean so their past
should not be held against them. So Muslims now should not look down on new
Muslims no matter what their background.
(b) Explain why they each died in the way they did.(Hassan and Hussain) [4] J09
P1
Al-Hasan and al-Hussain opposed the Umayyads. Al-Hasan died because of the
constant threat from the Umayyads to secure power, and they always viewed al-
Hasan as an obstacle due to his support and his being the grandson of the
Prophet. His poisoning reflects the treachery of the Umayyads. Al-Hussain died
because he resisted the Umayyads as he saw them as corrupt. He never gave up
on his principles even for his own safety, and so he was seen as an upholder of
right against wrong.
(b) Explain how al-Hussain’s death remains important to Muslims today? [4] J12
P1
He was a strong defender of justice, and truth against falsehood, amongst other
things. They could relate these traits to their own lives and show how they can
put them into practice, e.g. Muslims are encouraged to speak out against injustice
and be upholders of the truth whatever the circumstances. Good answers might
also consider the importance of Hussain’s death, specifically for the Shi’a, who
commemorate the events of Karbala.
(a)Identify twelve of the Wives of the Prophet. [6] N04 P1
(a) Identify twelve of the wives of the Prophet. [6] J07 P1
H.Khadija bint Khuwaylid, H.Sawda bt Zama'a, H.A'isha bt Abi Bakr, H.Hafsa bt
'Umar, H.Zaynab bt Khuzayma, H.Umm Salama, H.Zaynab bt Jahsh, H.Juwayriyya
bt al-Harith, H.Umm Habiba, H.Safiyya bt Huyayy, H.Maymuna bt al-Harith,
H.Rayhana bt Zayd , H.Mariya al-Qibt.(May Allah be pleased with them). (the main
name will be enough).
(b) Both wives were narrators of Hadith. What can Muslims learn from this
about women and education? N18 P11
Muslims can learn that being wives of the Prophet, and being pious and close to
God themselves, they still valued being educated, knowing the way the Prophet
did things, trying to understand the teachings of Islam, and then teaching others
the rules about Islamic rites and obligations, etc. This should also mean that
women now should value education too, and whilst they can still be good wives
and Muslims, learning and passing on that knowledge is a valuable thing to do,
and should not be neglected.
(b) The Prophet’s employer was a woman who was successful in business. What
lessons can be derived from this for Muslims now? N17 P12
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) Why was his relationship with his wife Khadija important for him? [4] J10 P1
Khadija’s support of the Prophet, financially and spiritually, and being the first
Muslim, her maturity allowed her to console and believe in the Prophet when he
received revelation [reference to Surah 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.]
(b) Explain the importance of the statement, ‘Daughters are a mercy (rahma)’.
J17 P11
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.)
(b) What can Muslims learn from the Prophet about the relationship between
fathers and daughters? [4] N18 P12
(b) Can Muslims learn from the Prophet’s bond with Fatima? Give reasons for
your answer. [4] N13 P12
The Prophet respected Fatima by standing when she entered a room, and so
Muslims should learn that they should not disrespect their daughters but rather
honour them; the Prophet never mourned that he had daughters and no sons, so
Muslims should not think that sons are better than daughters; he shared a special
bond with Fatima, so she was happy to have tidings she would be the first to
follow him after his death.
(b) ‘Aisha is a role model for Muslim women around the world.’ Say whether
you agree or disagree with this statement, giving reasons for your answer. [4]
J15 P12
(b) How can she be seen as a role model for Muslims now? (H.Ayesha) [4] N11
P1
Her role as a teacher of Sunna should inspire Muslims to learn and teach their
religion. She memorized the Qur’an which Muslims should also aspire to do. She
is especially a role model for women as she was more learned than many of the
men of her time. She was patient in times of difficulty and generous with wealth
when she had it. She took part in public life. Or a different perspective, e.g. that
she cannot be a role model, men and women now need modern role models that
are more relevant to their lives so it is easier to understand them + the Shi’i point
of view.

(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] J14
P12
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. 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 and support their partners.
(b) What can the life of any one of these wives teach Muslims about marriage?
(Sawda bint Zama’a, Aisha bint Abu Bakr, Hafsa bint ‘Umar and Umm
Salama)[4] N12 P12
Examples of how these lessons could be put into practice: piety is a more
important factor than age or whether someone has been married before; that
women can play a vital role in society and should not be deprived of education;
compassion and fairness should be practiced or other lessons.
(b) What lessons can Muslims learn from Abu Bakr’s conduct in this period, and
how are these lessons relevant now? [4] N14 P11
Candidates could write about stories of friendship and loyalty, or about belief and
strong faith, or other points mentioned about his life, but as well as mentioning
them they should give concrete examples of how these could be applied in
people’s lives, so e.g. showing how Muslims can be loyal to their friends, or how
Muslims could give their wealth to benefit the Muslim community in times of
need.
(b) Explain why one of these figures was important in the development of the
Islamic community (Hamza, ‘Abu Bakr and ‘Ali). [4] J11 P1
Relationship was important to the Prophet and the early development of Islam,
gave the Prophet encouragement and defended him, and why this was important
to the Prophet, and therefore the Islamic community, at the time it happened.
(b) How can Muslims use the example of Abu Bakr in showing loyalty to their
friends and colleagues? J18 P11
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. 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.
(b) Why was Abu Bakr given the title ‘Saviour of Islam’? [4] N10 P1
The importance and significance of Abu Bakr to the Prophet and therefore to
Islam. His loyalty to the Prophet contributed to keeping the community united, he
held the community together when the Prophet died, and this led to him
becoming the first caliph.
(b) ‘‘Uthman was known to be generous with his wealth.’ How can Muslims
now apply the trait of generosity? [4] N16 P12
Muslims who have money should ensure they spend their wealth for
good/betterment of their community: they can give to mosques to expand them,
or hospitals or provide healthcare for those who can’t afford it. They could
provide the basic necessities for people, like ‘Uthman provided the water well for
free. Even if they do not have much money, Muslims can be generous with what
they have by giving a meal to someone else, or giving some of their clothes to
those in more need. Generosity does not have to be about money, but can be
giving advice, time or support.
(a) Identify the Ten Blessed Companions. [8] N05 P1
(a) Identify each of the Ten Blessed Companions. [4]
Names of: 1st 4 Caliphs and Ubaidha bin Jarrah, Talha bin Ubaidullah, Saad bin Abi
Waqas, Sa’id bin Zaid, Zubair bin Al Awwam, and Abdur Rehman bin Awf.
(b) Explain why they were known by this name. [2] N05 P1
• On one occasion when they were all with the Prophet he promised them that
they would all enter paradise directly. • Since they were spared the final
judgement, they were called the Ten Blessed Ones, `Ashara mubashshara.
(b) To what extent do ‘Ali and Zayd’s relationships with the Prophet provide
models for family relations today? [4] N15 P11
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.
(a) Briefly explain the importance of the Scribes of the Prophet. [4] J06 P1
• They were among the closest Companions of the Prophet. • They included the
four Rightly Guided Caliphs and other leading Companions [allow up to 2 marks
for two or more names]. • They were always near the Prophet to ensure the
revelations were written down at an early point. • They came to know the Qur’an
well, and were able to check the truthfulness of copies. • Their work assisted the
memorization of the Qur’an.
(b) The scribes had the Prophet as a source of information. How useful is the
internet as a source of information about Islam? J17 P12
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.
(b) Why was the task they performed significant? [4] J07 P1
• They ensured there was a written record of the revelations. • The Prophet could
not read or write. • This assisted the memories of those who memorized the
Qur’an. • Without their written records the Qur’an may have been lost after the
Prophet’s time. • The written passages they produced formed the basis of the
standard collection of the Qur’an made under Abu Bakr and ‘Uthman.
(b) Outline the work they carried out in writing down the revelations. [4] J06 P1
• They took down the revelations as the Prophet dictated them. • They assisted
him because he was illiterate. • They used various forms of writing material. •
These included shoulder bones and palm leaves.
(b) Explain the importance of the principles employed by the compilers of the
Qur’an at the time of the Caliphs. [4] J14 P11
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 Prophet’s 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.
(c) What was the part played by Zayd Ibn Thabit in compiling the revelations?
[6] J07 P1
(c) Describe the part played by Zayd Ibn Thabit in preserving the revelations
after the Prophet’s death. [8] J06 P1
• Abu Bakr requested him to make a first collection. • Later ‘Uthman asked him to
make a correct collection. • He led a small group of senior Muslims in doing this. •
They consulted leading Muslims about the correctness of what they collected. •
They sought out all the fragments and pieces they could find. • They made use of
the Mushaf which had been entrusted to Hafsa. • They applied careful methods in
their collection, such as preferring passages in the Meccan dialect of the Prophet.
• They preserved the original order of the chapters.
(b) What lessons can Muslims learn from ‘Umar’s conversion? [4] J15 P11
‘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) Why was ‘Umar’s conversion important for the early Muslims? [4] J13 P1
His staunch character and that people feared him, which meant that his
conversion was a boost for the morale of the Muslims. His openness meant that
he was not willing to pray in hiding, and so Muslims could now pray openly. His
temper and physical strength gave protection to the vulnerable Muslims as no-
one dared challenge him.
Importance in lifetime of Prophet:
Abu Talib: • He trained the Prophet as a merchant. • He brought him up after his
grandfather’s death. • He protected him against his enemies in Mecca. [1 mark,
but 2 marks for explanations of how he could do this under the tribal structures of
the time] • He shared in many of the Prophet’s hardships.
Abu Sufyan: • He was a merchant and one of the leaders of Mecca. • He became
one of the Prophet’s main opponents. • The Battle of Badr was fought over his
caravan. • He led the Meccan army at the Battle of Uhud. • After much resistance
to the Prophet he finally reached an agreement with him and became a Muslim. •
Meccans who gathered in his house when the Prophet entered the town were
guaranteed safety.
H. Bilal: • He was a slave who became one of the first Muslims. • He was tortured
mercilessly but never gave up his faith. [1 mark, but 2 marks for full details of his
conduct under torture] • He was appointed as the first muezzin in Islam.
The Ansar: • They were people of Medina who accepted Islam. • They helped the
Muslim emigrants (muhajirun) when they came north. • They shared their
possessions with them. • They took them as brothers. • They helped the Prophet
against unbelievers in Medina.
H. Khadija: • Khadija was a widow who conducted business in Mecca. • She
employed the Prophet because she had heard of his honesty. • When this was
proved after a business trip she proposed marriage to him. • She was the first to
accept Islam. • She bore him four daughters and two sons. • She gave him
financial security, and her support allowed him to spend time in seclusion and
that his seclusion prepared him for receiving revelation • She reassured him after
his traumatic experience of the first revelation. • She endured the Quraysh
persecutions with him, including their boycott. • She supported him morally and
materially until her death in 619.
H. Ayesha: • 'A'isha was the daughter of Abu Bakr. • She was about 9 at the time
of her marriage to Muhammad. • She was always a strong personality. • She
caused scandal in Medina when she was lost in the desert and brought home by a
young Arab. • She supported the Muslims in the battle of Uhud. • The Prophet
died in her lap, • and was buried in her apartment. • She remained a leading
figure in the community after the Prophet's death. • When she disagreed with 'Ali
she sided with Talha and Zubayr. • After they were killed at the Battle of the
Camel she retired and lived quietly in Medina. • She was known as an expert in
matters of faith and law. • She narrated more than 2000 Hadiths.
H. Fatima: • Fatima was the daughter of Muhammad and Khadija. • She was
married to 'Ali • She gave birth to Hasan and Hussain, • so she was the mother of
the Prophet's only surviving descendants. • The Prophet always showed her great
respect. • She was stricken by her father's last illness. • He predicted that she
would soon follow him. • She sided with her husband after the Prophet's death. •
So she at first refused to recognise Abu Bakr as Caliph.
H. Abu Bakr: • Abu Bakr was the first adult male to accept Islam. • He brought
other prominent Meccans to Islam. • He accompanied the Prophet on the hijra. •
During that journey he was reassured by the Prophet and is referred to in the
Qur'an. • He gave his daughter in marriage to Muhammad. • He readily accepted
the truth of the Prophet's account of the mir'aj. • He remained close to the
Prophet during the battles fought by the Muslims. • He gave all his possessions to
support the Tabuk expedition. • He led the prayers during the Prophet's illness. •
He led the first pilgrimage to Mecca.
H. Usman: • 'Uthman became a Muslim at an early stage. • He gave his wealth to
help Islam, e.g. by buying a well near Medina for the Muslims. • He married the
Prophet's daughter Ruqayya. • He took part in the emigration to Abyssinia with
her. • When Ruqayya died he married the Prophet's daughter Umm Kulthum. •
He made a contribution towards the costs of the Tabuk expedition.• He was a
scribe for the Prophet. • He acted as the Prophet's ambassador to Mecca when
the Muslims first approached the city. • He was chosen to escort the Prophet's
wives at the farewell pilgrimage.
H. Ali: 'Ali was brought up by the Prophet and Khadija. • He was one of the first
Muslims. • Some say he was the first to accept Islam after Khadija. • On the night
of the hijra, he agreed to lie in the Prophet's bed as a decoy. • He married Fatima
soon after the Muslims arrived in Medina and became the Prophet's son-in-law. •
A sign of his closeness to the Prophet is that he was paired with him when Ansar
and Muhajirun were paired. • He played a prominent part in the battles against
the Quraysh and Jews. • As a scribe of the Prophet he wrote the Treaty of
Hudaybiya. • He washed and buried the Prophet's body. • The Prophet uttered a
number of Hadith that give ‘Ali much honour and a place very close to him. • In
Shi'a views, words of the Prophet about 'Ali at Ghadir Khumm on the return from
the farewell pilgrimage are an indication that he meant 'Ali to be his successor. •
For his bravery the Prophet gave him the title Asad Allah / Lion of God.
Importance after death of the Prophet:
H. Ayesha: • 'A'isha heard and remembered more than 2,000 Hadith from the
Prophet. • She was recognised as an important source of teachings from him. •
She played a significant part in important decisions made in the early years. • She
was influential in supporting some Muslims against others. • Her disagreement
with 'Ali over the punishment of 'Uthman's killers led to discord. • Some would
say that her part in the revolt of Zubayr and Talha caused the first serious split in
the community.