Why SOME SUPPORTERS OF ALI LEFT HIM AFTER SIFFIN:

Talha and Zubayr thought he should punish Usman’s assassins as soon as

possible. This was the just action and they thought `Ali was wrong not to do
it.Ali’s supporters at Siffin thought he was the leader of the community and those
who opposed him were wrong.So they thought he was wrong to arbitrate with
sinners.
ARBITRATION:
In Ramadan Abu Musa Ashari and Amr bin Aas met at Dumat-ul-Jandal, a place
between Kufa and Damascus, for arbitration.The question put to them was ‘’are
the two eligible for the post of Caliph.’’Abu Musa announced that both Ali and
Muaviya would resign and the people should be given a right to choose any one
of them as Caliph. Amr bin Aas announced that he agreed with Abu Musa to
depose Ali but he himself had decided to retain Muaviya on his postBecause
Muaviya is a successful governor and his people have no complaints against him,
so the election for the Caliph should take place while Muaviya retained his
seat.The decision was one sided so Hazrat Ali, on principle did not accept it. Now
the only way for him was to fight against Muaviya once again.
KHARIJITES:
The term Kharijites literally means separatists or out goers. These people had
taken part in the revolt against Usman and were involved in his murder.When
Muaviya raised the cry for revenge for the blood of Usman, they allied themselves
with Hazrat Ali and fought on his side in the Battles of Camel and Siffin. When the
troops of Muaviya asked for cease fire, they responded to the call and forced Ali
to suspend hostilities, although victory for his forces were near.When Hazrat Ali
was going to Kufa after the decision of arbitration right after the Battle of Siffin,
they insisted that Hazrat Ali should attack the Syrians. Ali replied that he could not
break the agreement signed by him.Their argument was that neither Ali nor
Muawiya were worthy of rule.They based it on a verse of the Quran 49:9 which
said that there is no arbitrator but God.In fact, they went so far as to say that the
true caliphate came to an end with 'Umar and that Muslims should live without
any ruler over them except God.When they arrived near Kufa, 12000 men
separated and marched towards Harwara, where they formed a party and started
their activities against Hazrat Ali.In this way these people separated from the
main body of the Muslims.

BATTLE OF NAHRAWAN:
While Hazrat Ali made preparations to attack Muaviya, the Kharijites from all over
the country collected at Nahrawan and began to create problems.So Ali had to
fight against them first. The Kharijites were defeated badly. Out of 4000 only a
few dozen managed to escape.The survivors vowed to take revenge.This decisive
victory diverted his attention from the main struggle against Muaviya.It was
because of this war that Hazrat Ali was assassinated by a Kharijite two years later.

FALL OF EGYPT:
When Hazrat Ali decided to step forward against Muaviya, his troops
disobeyed.Muaviya took advantage of the disobedience and ordered Amr bin Aas
to attack Egypt.Governor of Egypt was defeated and Egypt came under the
control of Muaviya.After the fall of Egypt, a rebellion broke out throughout the
Muslim Empire against the Caliph.Ali signed a treaty with Muaviya in which it was
decided that Syria and Egypt will be ruled by Muaviya and remaining territories
would remain under Hazrat Ali.The Kharijites did not want peace to prevail and
they now started preparation to kill Hazrat Ali.
MARTYRDOM:
After the Battle of Nahrawan, the Kharijites became his bitter enemies. The
survivors of the battle wanted revenge for their friends who were killed in the
battle. In 40A.H some of the Kharijites assembeled in Makkah and decided to kill
Ali, Muaviya and Amr bin Aas simultaneously.They claimed that neither Ali nor
Muawiya were worthy of rule.In fact, they went so far as to say that the true
caliphate came to an end with 'Umar and that Muslims should live without any
ruler over them except God. They vowed to kill all three rulers, and assassins were
dispatched in three directions.The assassins who were deputed to kill Muawiya
and Amr did not succeed and were captured and executed.Abdul Rehman bin
Muljim was selected to assassinate Ali.On the 18th of Ramazan when Ali was
leading the morning prayers in a mosque at Kufa, Muljim attacked him with a
poisonous sword.The wounds proved fatal and he died on the 21st of Ramazan.
His son Hassan killed Muljim the next day.There are different versions as to the
place of his burial. Majority of the people hold that he was buried in Najaf.He did
not name anyone as his successor.
ADMINISTRATION:
The whole period of his caliphate passed in civil wars therefore he did not have a
chance to pay proper attention to administration or conquests.He administered
the state on the lines laid down by the previous caliphs without making any
changes.The divisions of the provinces remained the same as during Umars time
with a few exceptions.The capital was changed from Medina to Kufa and some of
the officers and governors were changed.Was very particular in taking care of
non-Muslims.He constructed castles for the women and children who were
widowed and orphaned in Iran during the days of revolt.He introduced Islamic
injunctions which included whip lashes to drinkers and cutting of hands on
stealing.He passed laws to provide food to the prisoners.
MAIN ACTIVITIES DURING HIS CALIPHATE:
He became caliph after the murder of `Uthman. He did not immediately take
steps to punish `Uthman’s killers.For this Talha and Zubayr, supported by `A’isha,
opposed him.They fought him at the battle of the Camel.[+1 for a full account of
this opposition and its outcome.] Uthman’s nephew Mu`awiya also opposed
him.They fought at the battle of Siffin.This was indecisive so they agreed to
arbitration.[+1 for a full account of this opposition and its outcome.] Some of
`Ali’s supporters disagreed with this and abandoned him.He defeated them at the
battle of Nahrawan. He was killed by one of these while at prayer.
SIGNIFICANCE:
NOVEMBER 2005(2)
In this question you should answer part (a) and either part (b) or part (c)
(a) Write an account of the life of `Ali ibn Abi Talib, paying particular attention to:
(i) His companionship of the Prophet; [6]
(ii) His caliphate. [6]
Either (b) Explain why `Ali was opposed by Mu`awiya during his rule as caliph. [4]
Or (c) Explain why `Ali’s leadership of the community is regarded as important by
Shi`i Muslims. [4]
(a) (i)
• He was close to the Prophet from childhood.
• He became one of the first Muslims.
• He married the Prophet’s daughter Fatima.
• He took the Prophet’s place in his bed at the time of the hijra.
• He was taken by the Prophet as his brother when pairing Ansar and Muhajirun.
• He was one of the foremost warriors of the Islamic community.
• He offered to fight single-handedly before a number of battles.
• [1 mark for details, e.g. his feats at the battle of Hunayn.]
• He was a scribe of the Prophet.
• He wrote the Treaty of al-Hudaybiya.
• [Shi`as believe the Prophet designated him as his successor.]
(ii)
• He became caliph after the murder of `Uthman.
• He did not immediately take steps to punish `Uthman’s killers.
• For this Talha and Zubayr, supported by `A’isha, opposed him.
• They fought him at the battle of the Camel.
• [+1 for a full account of this opposition and its outcome.]
• `Uthman’s nephew Mu`awiya also opposed him.
• They fought at the battle of Siffin.
• This was indecisive so they agreed to arbitration.
• [+1 for a full account of this opposition and its outcome.]
• Some of `Ali’s supporters disagreed with this and abandoned him.
• He defeated them at the battle of Nahrawan.
• He was killed by one of these while at prayer.

Jihad
In literal terms Jihad means to struggle or exert oneself to achieve a particular
goal. In Islamic terminology, it means to struggle in the way of Allah to achieve
and establish righteousness and shun evil. There are 3 main kinds of Jihad:
Spiritual, Mental and Physical Jihad.
Jihad bin Nafs (jihad by the self) (Spiritual Jihad) is the greater jihad in which a
Muslim fights against his own evil desires and struggles to obey Allah and become
a better Muslim. It lasts a lifetime, and affects every aspect of life. Prophet told
warriors returning to Madina after a battle that they had returned from the lesser
jihad (of warfare) to the greater jihad of struggle against one’s own heart, i.e.
desires that lead to wrong doings.
Jihad bil Lisan (jihad of the tongue) (Mental Jihad) is speaking and upholding the
truth, speaking out against what is wrong and immoral, and spreading the word of
Allah and the teachings of Islam. Some scholars also relate it to acquiring
knowledge and call it jihad by knowledge or pen. The Prophet Muhammad said:
“The best jihad in the path of Allah is a word of justice to an oppressive ruler”.
Jihad bil Yad (jihad by the hand) (Physical Jihad) refers to choosing to do what is
right and to combat injustice and what is wrong with action. It is to stand up for
what is right. Prophet said, “if anyone of you sees an evil action then let him
change it with his hand…………
Jihad bil Mal. (Jihad by maal) (Physical Jihad) is spending wealth in the way of
Allah e.g. to improve the social conditions of people around, to help the weak and
needy. Quran says, “Strive hard in Allah’s way with your person and property.”
(Sura As-Saff)
Jihad bis Saif ( jihad by the sword) (Physical Jihad) referring to qital fi sabilillah
(armed conflict in the way of Allah) is the most common usage- a term that has
been exploited and misused as ‘holy war’. It must be fought only as a last resort
when all other options are explored and exhausted. However when there is
injustice, oppression and the very existence of Islam and Muslims is threatened,
and one’s faith is at stake, Jihad becomes obligatory on Muslims: “And why
should you not fight in the cause of Allah and of those who being weak, are ill-
treated men, women and children, whose cry is: ’Our Lord! Rescue us from this
town, whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from us from thee one who
will help! (An-Nisa, 4:75)
According to the Qur’an, if the enemy ceased hostilities and sought peace,
Muslims were to seek peace as well: ‘If your enemy inclines towards peace, then
you should seek peace and trust in Allah’. (8:61) In Sura Baqara (2:216-217) Allah
says that even though warfare is prohibited in the sacred months, yet Muslims
may fight if the circumstances require them to do so. Qital is done to remove
hindrances in the propagation of Islam and never impose Islam on non-believers
as Qur’an says, “Let there be no compulsion in Religion”.
Prophet laid down various rules for Qital e.g. Muslims were instructed to fight in
self-defence and not to be the first ones to initiate fighting. This is limited to the
area which is involved e.g. Palestine. It is not an excuse for open warfare all
around the globe. Therefore, Jihad must be in the name of Allah and according to
His will.

Hajj
The Main Observances Involved:

8th Zilhajj Meeqat - perform wudu

 - wear Ihram
- offer 2 rakat
- make niyat
- recite Talbiah
8th Zilhajj Ka’abah - perform tawaf-e-qudum,
encircling Ka’abah 7 times
- kiss the black stone
8th Zilhajj Multazim - say private prayer
8th Zilhajj Maqaam-e-Ibrahim - offer 2 nafal
8th Zilhajj Safa and Marwa - sayee, starting at Safa and
ending at Marwa, 7 times
8th Zilhajj Mina offer Zuhr, Asar, Maghrib, Isha
prayers

9th Zilhajj Arafat - listen to sermon

- offer combined Zuhr and Asar
prayers
- perform wuquf-e-arafat
9th Zilhajj Muzdalifah - perform Maghrib and Isha
prayer combined
-collect pebbles for rami
- spend night in rememberance
of Allah
10th Zilhajj Mina - stone Jamarat-ul-uqba 7
times with pebbles
-offer sacrifice
- men cut their hair and women
clip a lock
11th – 12th Zilhajj Mina - perform rami, symbolic
stoning of satan
- perform tawaf-e-ziyarat
between one of these days in
Ka’abah
- perform tawaf-e-wida before
leaving Makkah

Questions for Hajj

(a) Describe the main events of the annual pilgrimage (hajj). [10] (O/N/09)
An attempt to answer this part of the question would be to describe the sequence
of observances but without much detail and perhaps with some confusion. Other
answers maygo on to give a clearer account of the main days of the pilgrimage
with some basic detail.Points made about the main events could include the
changing into ihram by the pilgrimsbefore entering Makka (7 Dhu al-hijja), the
first tawaf of the ka'ba, sa‘y, the night spent atMina (on 8), the travel to Arafat (9)
going to Muzdalifa to spend the night there and collectpebbles, the throwing of
the pebbles at the three pillars at Mina (10, 11, or 12) sacrificing ananimal at Mina
(10). The cutting of the hair and change into normal clothes and finally the
performance of a further circumambulation of the Ka'ba and running between the
hills.The good answers will confidently describe the sequence of observances with
accuratedetails and may even go on to add quotations.
(b) Explain the significance of the prophet Abraham in the observances of the
pilgrimage. [4]
Answers could give some basic descriptive facts about the connection between
Abraham and Makka, like his family lived in Makka or that the Qur'an says that he
rebuilt the Ka'ba.The better answers will give a clear description of the main
points at which pilgrims remember Abraham e.g. Hajar ran between Marwa and
Safa searching for water (sa’y), Abraham rejected the devil three times when
taking his son for sacrifice (rami), an animal was provided for Abraham to sacrifice
in place of his son (sacrifice) and refer to the significance of these events. Some
very good answers may refer to the remembrances of Abraham and relate these
to Qur'anic references again bringing out the significance of Abraham.
Question 5
The answers were very mixed, some explained the main events of the annual
pilgrimage really well whilst there was confusion in the minds of others about the
itinerary of the Hajj. When writing about Arafat a large majority did not write
about the importance of Arafat in the Hajj. The sermon delivered there by the
Imam from the Mount of Mercy and the performance of Zuhrain are part of the
main events of Hajj which should have been written about. Candidates however
did reasonably well in this question and it was a popular question. There was a lot
of information that could be written and was written for part (b).
3 (a) Write an account of the annual pilgrimage to Makka, the hajj, describing the
mainobservances made by the pilgrims. [10] (M/J/08)
(b) In what ways are the prophet Ibrahim and his family important to the annual
pilgrimage? [6]
(a)
• Pilgrims change into the ihram before entering Makka (on 7 Dhu al-hijja)
• They make the first circumambulation of the ka`ba (tawaf)
• They run between Marwa and Safa (sa’y)
• They spend the night at Mina (on 8)
• The travel to the plain of `Arafat outside Makka (on 9)
• They stand there through the afternoon
• At sunset they make for Muzdalifa
• Here they spend the night and gather pebbles
• The next day they throw the pebbles at three pillars at Mina (rami) (on 10, 11 or
12)
• They sacrifice an animal at Mina (on 10)
• They cut their hair and change back into normal clothes
• They perform a further circumambulation of the ka`ba and run between the hills
• [Give 1 mark for two or more indications of dates]

(b)
• The Qur’an says Ibrahim built or rebuilt the ka`ba
• His family lived in Makka
• Hajar ran between Marwa and Safa searching for water (sa’y)
• Isma’il uncovered the well of Zamzam by scraping his heel on the earth
• Ibrahim rejected the devil three times when taking his son for sacrifice (rami)
• An animal was provided for Ibrahim to sacrifice in place of his son (sacrifice)

Question 3
This was popular with some Centres, but there was frequent confusion over the
order of key elements in the annual pilgrimage. Part (a) asked for descriptive
answers about the main observances of the annual pilgrimage, and part (b) asked
about the importance of Ibrahim and his family in this event
Good answers to part (a) gave straightforward accounts of what happens during
the days of the pilgrimage from the putting on of the ihram at the start to the
final departure from Makka. The best answers also included the dates on which
the main observances are made. A number of candidates went into long and
unnecessary details about the form of ihram for men and women, while others
confused what happens at Mina and Muzdalifa, or failed to mention the
important wuquf at ‘Arafat.
Good answers to the less straightforward part (b) connected Ibrahim and Isma’il
with the building of the ka’ba, explained the connection between Hajar and the
sayi and between Isma’il and Zamzam, and the connection between Ibrahim’s
sacrifice and the rami. Many candidates commented on these points and did well
in this part, though a few appeared to know little about Ibrahim.

5 (a) What beliefs and practices are involved in:

(i) stoning the Jamarat
(ii) performing sa’y
(iii) assembling at Arafat [10] (M/J/2011)
In giving the answer the candidate must refer to both beliefs and practices in
order to gain higher levels.
(i) Candidates could say that Muslims believe that satan tried to mislead Ibrahim
at thethree places where the Jamarat are situated in Mina when he was on his
way to sacrificehis son in Allah’s way and he in turn stoned the devil. In memory
of this act the threepillars/Jamarat are stoned by the pilgrims during hajj.
(ii) Hazrat Hajra ran several times between the hills of Safa and Marwa in search
of water for her infant son, sa’y is performed in memory of this act in which
pilgrims run between the two hills during hajj.
(iii) According to Muslim belief Adam and Eve were reunited at Arafat; on the day
of judgement humankind will assemble at Arafat. Staying at Arafat is a
compulsory component of hajj without which hajj is void. Pilgrims offer their
combined zuhr and asr prayers at Arafat and listen to the sermon of the Imam.
(b) Explain the main differences between hajj and umrah. [4]
Umrah means a minor pilgrimage, like hajj it begins with the pilgrims putting on
the ihram at Miqat. Although some acts of the hajj and umrah are the same there
are some fundamental differences between the two. Good answers should
discuss these differences with a degree Of evaluation in their answer e.g.
candidates could write that hajj is one of the pillars of Islam and is compulsory on
all healthy Muslims who have the means to perform it whereas umrah is not,
though it is recommended. Excellent candidates may go on to state that reference
to both hajj and umrah is made in the Qur’an. ‘And complete the hajj or umrah in
the service of Allah’ (Al-Baqarah 2:196).
Question 5
This question was a very popular one and the majority of candidates who
attempted it answered it well.There were some excellent answers for both parts
(a) and (b) which displayed both knowledge and understanding. In answering part
(a), candidates needed to refer to both beliefs and practices. Some candidates
wrote either about belief or practice and hence did not achieve high marks. A few
wrote about the rituals of hajj which was not answering the question. However,
this applied only to a small minority; overall candidates did very well in Question
5.
Q3 Give a brief explanation of the importance of each of the following in Muslim
beliefs and practices in relation to the hajj: (M/J/06)
(a) the Ka’ba; [4]
(b) ihram; [4]
(c) ‘Arafat; [4]
and (d) ‘Id al-Adha. [4]
In each part candidates must refer to both beliefs and practices in order to gain
full marks.
(a)
• The Ka’ba was built by Adam, and later restored by Ibrahim and Isma’il, and
again in
the time of the Prophet.
• It was the first sanctuary in which God was worshipped.
• It is the focus of Muslim prayer from all parts of the world.
• It is the first point in Makka that most pilgrims make for.
• During pilgrimage Muslims circumambulate it seven times.
• They try to kiss the Black Stone as they pass it following the Prophet’s example.
(b) • Ihram is the state of purity which Muslims enter when beginning the
pilgrimage.
• The chief sign is for men two pieces of white cloth worn around them.
• For women it is normal clothes covering the whole body except face and hands.
• It removes signs of distinction and makes all pilgrims appear equal.
• In the state of ihram the pilgrim comes under particular restrictions of conduct,
such
as no cutting of hair or nails.
(c) • ‘Arafat is the plain outside Makka where all pilgrims gather during the annual
pilgrimage.
• Here they perform the wuquf, standing between noon and dusk in order to
obtain
God’s forgiveness.
• This is the high point of the pilgrimage, without which it is not valid.
• Adam and his wife were reunited here after being expelled from the garden.
• The last judgement will take place here.
(d) • Muslims celebrate this by slaughtering an animal.
• They do this in order to remember Ibrahim’s sacrifice of his son.
• Ibrahim was instructed to make this sacrifice as a sign of obedience.
• The ‘Id is celebrated at the high point of the annual pilgrimage.
• All over the world families celebrate this feast by making a sacrifice.
Question 3This was the more popular of the two optional questions, though it
was not in general answered well. It asked about the significance of these items
related to the annual pilgrimage in both beliefs and practices. Candidates were
required to write about both in order to gain full marks for any part.
(a) Most candidates knew what the ka’ba is and were able to say something about
its link with Abraham and its place in the pilgrimage. But only a few mentioned it
as the direction in which prayer must be performed and the rite of
circumambulation.
(b) Most candidates answered this well. The best answers referred to the
requirement of ihram for the pilgrimage and detailed what it is for men and for
women. A few mentioned how it removes distinctions between people and makes
everyone equal.
(c) This was not answered well. Few candidates knew about the wuquf at Arafat
or its importance and some thought it was the place where pebbles are gathered
before the stoning of the devil.
(d) Most candidates knew that this involves the killing of an animal, and were able
to link this with Abraham and the call to sacrifice his son.

Questions for Hazrat Ali

4 (a) Describe the main events of the caliphate of ‘Ali. [10] (M/J/09)
A very basic answer will show some knowledge of the main events, including the
battle of Camel and the battle of Siffin. A slightly more developed answer will
describe the problems faced by the caliph in some detail. The better candidates
will give a full account of the caliph’s rule and show the difficulties he faced, giving
names and dates e.g. they could give an account of Talha and Zubayr’s opposition
to him with the support of Hazrat A‘isha, ‘Ali’s dismissal of the governors
appointed by ‘Uthman and the consequent problem that resulted from it, as well
as the separatist movement of the Kharijites and the battle fought with them in
658AD/37AH. Answers may go on to give a comprehensive account that reflects
both knowledge and understanding of the reasons for the upsets during ‘Ali’s
rule.
(b) Explain why Talha and Zubayr opposed ‘Ali. [4]
The candidates could give a mainly descriptive account of the opposition of Talha
and Zubayr. Better answers could give an explanation of their action stemming
from their disagreement over ‘Ali’s reaction to the death of ‘Uthman. Candidates
may well discuss ‘Ali’s problem of having to act against law-breakers while not yet
in a secure position. However focussing on reasons rather than description and
pointing towards the complexity of motivations on both sides will enable
candidates to get top marks.
Question 4
A very popular question and generally well answered by most who attempted it.
The candidates confidently wrote about the battles of Camel and Siffin giving
detailed and descriptive answers. They were able to chart the events of the
caliphate of ‘Ali in great detail, however some candidates were confused about
details of the arbitration and the role of the Kharijites. Part (b) as in the previous
questions proved to be more challenging and candidates found it difficult to
discuss the complexity of motivations and resorted to summarizing the points
made in part (a), having said that some Examiners found that some candidates
gave some very insightful accounts and perspectives on why Talha and Zubayr
opposed ‘Ali but such answers were few.
Q4 In this question you should answer part (a) and either part (b) or part (c)
(a) Write an account of the life of `Ali ibn Abi Talib, paying particular attention to:
(i) his companionship of the Prophet; [6] (O/N/05)
(ii) his caliphate. [6]
Either (b) Explain why `Ali was opposed by Mu`awiya during his rule as caliph. [4]
Or (c) Explain why `Ali’s leadership of the community is regarded as important by
Shi`I Muslims. [4]
(a) (i)
• He was close to the Prophet from childhood.
• He became one of the first Muslims.
• He married the Prophet’s daughter Fatima.
• He took the Prophet’s place in his bed at the time of the hijra.
• He was taken by the Prophet as his brother when pairing Ansar and Muhajirun.
• He was one of the foremost warriors of the Islamic community.
• He offered to fight single-handedly before a number of battles.
• [1 mark for details, e.g. his feats at the battle of Hunayn.]
• He was a scribe of the Prophet.
• He wrote the Treaty of al-Hudaybiya.
• [Shi`as believe the Prophet designated him as his successor.]
(ii)
• He became caliph after the murder of `Uthman.
• He did not immediately take steps to punish `Uthman’s killers.
• For this Talha and Zubayr, supported by `A’isha, opposed him.
• They fought him at the battle of the Camel.
• [+1 for a full account of this opposition and its outcome.]
• `Uthman’s nephew Mu`awiya also opposed him.
• They fought at the battle of Siffin.
• This was indecisive so they agreed to arbitration.
• [+1 for a full account of this opposition and its outcome.]
• Some of `Ali’s supporters disagreed with this and abandoned him.
• He defeated them at the battle of Nahrawan.
• He was killed by one of these while at prayer.
(b)
• `Ali ordered Mu`awiya to surrender his position as governor of Syria.
• Since Mu`awiya would not accept `Ali as caliph he did not do this.
• `Ali refused to take steps against the killers of Mu`awiya’s uncle `Uthman.
• Mu`awiya insisted that `Ali should punish them before he would obey him.
• Mu`awiya’s opposition was a combination of personal ambition and desire for
justice.
(c)• The Prophet designated `Ali his successor at Ghadir Qumm.
• He also showed `Ali other unique signs of recognition.
• E.g. he said: I am the city of knowledge and `Ali is the gate.
• `Ali was married to the Prophet’s daughter Fatima.
• The Qur’an gives special recognition to him as one of the five members of the
Prophet’s family.
• He was the father of the only descendants of the Prophet Hasan and Husayn.
Question 4
This proved a challenging question, and while it brought a few very good answers,
there were also some muddled answers, in which the Battles of the Camel and
Siffin were mixed up, or the achievements of ‘Ali and ‘Umar or even Abu Bakr
were confused. In (a) most candidates were able to describe the two parts of ‘Ali’s
life in full, particularly his youth during the lifetime of the Prophet, though there
was confusion over the events of his caliphate. In this latter part, extra
marks were allocated to detailed accounts of the Battles of the Camel and Siffin,
though few candidates gave these, particularly the indecisiveness of Siffin and the
arbitration that ensued. It appears that the facts of this part of ‘Ali’s life were not
clear in most minds, and future candidates would benefit from fuller explanation.
For (b) most candidates were able to make factual points about Mu’awiya’s
insistence that ‘Ali should punish the assassins of ‘Uthman, and his own self-
interest in holding on to the governorship of Syria. But very few were able to use
these to explain, as the question asked, in what way these contributed to the
governor’s opposition.
In (d) very few candidates attempted this part, and those who did often talked
about ‘Ali’s descendants rather than the Imam himself. Marks were allowed for
the special regard in which the Prophet held ‘Ali, the significant statements he
made about ‘Ali’s relationship to him, and his closeness to ‘Ali through Fatima.
But few mentioned these significant points.

4 (a) Describe the main activities of 'Ali during the lifetime of the Prophet. [6]
(O/N/08)
• He was brought up in the Prophet’s house.
• He was among the first converts to Islam/the first child to become a Muslim.
• He lay in the Prophet’s bed on the night of the hijra/He was entrusted by the
Prophet to
return the belongings of the Makkans.
• He married the Prophet’s daughter Fatima.
• He fought in single combat before the battle of Badr.
• He fought fiercely during the capture of Khaybar.
• He wrote down the text of the Treaty of Hudaybiya.
• During the Tabuk expedition Ali was the Prophet’s deputy in Madina and did not
participate in the battle.

(b) Describe the main events of 'Ali’s rule as caliph. [6]

• He was confronted with the decision of how to treat the assassins of 'Uthman.
• Talha and Zubayr, with the support of 'A’isha, opposed him.
• He defeated them at the battle of the Camel.
• Mu'awiya refused to give him allegiance or vacate his position as Governor of
Syria.
• The armies led by the two met at Siffin.
• The battle proved indecisive.
• 'Ali agreed to arbitration.
• Some of his supporters deserted him.
(c) Explain why close Companions of the Prophet opposed 'Ali, and why his
supporters deserted him towards the end of his life. [2 × 2]
• Talha and Zubayr thought he should punish 'Uthman’s assassins as soon as
possible.
• This was the just action and they thought `Ali was wrong not to do it.
• 'Ali’s supporters at Siffin thought he was the leader of the community and those
who
opposed him were wrong.
• So they thought he was wrong to arbitrate with sinners.
Question 4
This question was not attempted by many candidates. Those who did attempt it
managed to do relatively well in part (a). A few candidates did reasonably well in
part (b) as well, though there was confusion between the battles of Camel and
Siffin and very few went on to state that ‘Ali’s supporters deserted him because
they were against the arbitration he had with Muawiya.
Part (c) was further sub-divided; the first part required an explanation of why the
close companions of the Prophet opposed ‘Ali and the second part required the
candidates to explain why ‘Ali’s supporters deserted him towards the end of his
life. The answers to part (c) were on the whole very weak. Here some candidates
just stated that ‘Ali’s close companions opposed him as he failed to take action
against Uthmans assassins. They however needed to further expand their answer
by saying that the companions felt their demand was a just one and that ‘Ali was
wrong in not taking swift action against the assassins. The second section of this
part required an answer highlighting that ‘Ali’s supporters at Siffin thought he was
the leader and those who opposed him were wrong and that they felt ‘Ali was
wrong to arbitrate with sinners.
5 (a) What were the main events of the caliphate of ‘Ali. [10] (O/N/2010)
‘Ali became caliph after the murder of ‘Uthman. He did not immediately take
steps to punish‘ Uthmans killers for which he was opposed by Talha and Zubayr.
The better answers will give further details like he was also opposed by Ayesha
who supported Talha and Zubayr and by ‘Uthman’s nephew Mu’awiya. The two
main battles fought during his caliphate, those of the Camel and Siffin, will also be
mentioned here by the better candidates and some details may well be given.
Good candidates will focus on the point that after the battle of Siffin proved
indecisive, arbitration was agreed to and so some of ‘Ali’s supporters deserted
him as they disagreed with his decision to arbitrate with whom they believed
were sinners. He defeated them at the battle of Nahrawan and was killed by one
of them while at prayer.
(b) Explain why you think Mu’awiya refused to accept ‘Ali? [4]
Candidates could give a range of reasons when answering this question. Some
could say e.g. that he wanted ‘Ali to take immediate steps to punish the killers of
‘Uthman whilst others could give personal ambition and a desire for justice as his
reasons. All valid points should be credited.
Question 5
This was a question in which the well prepared candidates showed their
knowledge. Events, names of key figures, battles fought, dates, names of
commanding officers, aftermath of the battles, and result were all aspects that
needed to be given in good answers and some candidates wrote very good
responses. It was important not to get the events of the two battles mixed up. In
part (b) candidates needed to evaluate the feelings of Mu’awiya in relation to the
events to produce good answers.
Question 5 (M/J/03)
Surprisingly, this question was generally not answered accurately and many
candidates did not appear to have a thorough grasp of the facts relating to `Ali’s
dealings with Mu`awiya. Again, there was scope here for answers to give Shi`i
interpretations of the events, though hardly any candidates took the opportunity
to do so. In (a) most attempts referred to `Ali’s decision to remove Mu`awiya from
his position, though few went on to make the point about Mu`awiya’s dispute
over `Ali’s treatment of the murderers of `Uthman. Good answers would have
mentioned the events following the third Caliph’s death, and especially
Mu`awiya’s insistence that `Ali should punish his uncle’s murderers. The best
answers would have briefly mentioned `Ali’s difficulties over taking any action,
and Mu`awiya’s continuing refusal to recognise him until he acted. Part (b)
required accurate descriptions of the main events of the Battle of Siffin, including
the meetings of the two forces, the indecisiveness of the engagement, the ploy of
Mu`awiya’s troops to tie Qur’ans to their lances, and the decision about
arbitration. There were some complete answers to this part, of which the best
hinted at the unease felt among some of `Ali’s side about this outcome. Part (c)
was the least well answered, mainly because most candidates did not know about
the events it refers to. Some were able to identify the supporters who abandoned
`Ali as Kharijites/Khawarij, but almost no-one knew much about their refusal to
accept his agreement to arbitrate and their condemnation of him. In most
candidates’ minds they were simply rebel