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Past Papers
Day 11 (PAPER 02)
O/N 2018 (21)
2(a) What measures were taken in early Islamic times to check the reliability of Hadiths? [10]
2(b) Why was it important for the Muslim community to have authentic Hadiths? [4]

3(a) How did the arbitration following the Battle of Siffin lead to the emergence of the
Kharijites? [10]
3(b) ‘The Kharijites were the main reason for ‘Ali not winning the Battle of Siffin.’ Do you
agree or disagree? Give reasons to support your answer. [4]
Agree with the statement
the main reason for ‘Ali’ not winning the Battle of Siffin was on account of the Kharijites.
They laid down arms when victory for Ali’s forces was near and despite Ali’s insisting them to carry on fighting
they threatened that if the fighting was not suspended , they would fight against Ali.
This lead to arbitration and Ali could not win the battle of Siffin.
the group who had propagated the cessation of fighting at Siffin later joined forces and came to be known as
the Kharijites and dealing with them further weakened ‘Ali’s authority and resources.

4(a) According to Muslim belief what part do angels play in the everyday lives of human
beings? [10]
Marking Scheme:
Candidates could begin their answer by saying that belief in angels is an Article of Faith and that Muslims
believe in them as both God and the Prophet have provided Muslims with information about them.
Angels play a significant role in the everyday lives of human beings e.g. according to Muslim belief they
breathe life into the foetus a few months after conception with the permission of God; an angel then writes
the answer to four questions in this human being’s book of deeds: Will it be male or female? Will this person
be happy or sad? How long will his/her life be and will the person perform good or bad deeds.
Angels are also responsible for guarding people throughout their lives.Candidates could quote the Qur’an
here, Sura 13 verse 11. Each person has been assigned two recording angels; apart from the four angels
constantly guarding and recording, other angels visit human beings to witness the prayer and listen to recited
verses of the Qur’an. It could also be said that angels helped the Prophet and his small band of followers in the
Battle of Badr and helped them gain victory.
Angel Azrael has the task of taking life with the permission of Allah. Candidates could write about other angels
e.g. Mikail who provide daily sustenance to humankind by bringing forth rain.

Answer (Learn and write):

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Belief in angels is the second articles of faith. Angels are special creation of Allah and are made of light(Nur).
They are solely created to worship Allah and praise Him. They are not Allah’s daughters or objects of worship.
The angels are a link between man and God, Allah says, “Whoever is an enemy to Allah and His angels and
apostles to Gabriel and Michael, remember! Allah is an enemy to those who reject faith.” (Baqarah 2:98)
They are entrusted with specific function. They have been bestowed with the necessary qualities and power to
carry out their duties, but they do not have a free will. they worship and glorify Allah, sing His praises and
prostrate before Him, Allah says, “Those who are near to your Lord hesitate not to worship Him: They celebrate
His praises and bow down before Him.” (Al-A’raf 7:206)
Angels play a significant role in the everyday lives of human beings e.g. according to Muslim belief they
breathe life into the foetus a few months after conception with the permission of God; an angel then writes
the answer to four questions in this human being’s book of deeds: Will it be male or female? Will this person
be happy or sad? How long will his/her life be and will the person perform good or bad deeds?
Angels are also responsible for guarding people throughout their lives; The Quran says, “ For each one are
successive [angels] before and behind him who protect him by the decree of Allah.” (Sura 13 verse 11)

They strengthen the hearts of righteous believers. In the battle of Badr the angels strengthened the heart of the
believers and helped them. They cast terror into the hearts of the non believers. They ask Allah’s forgiveness
for the believers and send blessings on them.
They act as messengers of Allah, but they do not descend without His permission, “Therein come down the
angels and the Spirit by Allah’s permission on every errand.” (Al-Qadr:97:4)

“ He does send down His angels with the inspiration of His command to such of His servants as He pleases.”[al
Nahl16:2]
Angels are heavenly beings not visible to ordinary mortals and belong to the category of unseen.They donot
need sleep or other human requirements and never get tired. The do not have freewill and only obey and
implement command of Allah, therefore, they are sinless.
Angels prostrated before Adam when Allah commanded them to do so.Angels also appeared to the prophet
Ibrahim in human from to give him glad tiding of a son An angel was sent to the prophet Zakariyah and to
Maryam to give them tiding of a son..
The most prominent angels are:
1. Angel Gabriel is the one who brought the message of Allah to Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) ad all the other
prophets.
2. Angel Izrael is the angel of death who takes away the life.
3. Angel Mikael provides the provisions to the people; he is also responsible to cause the rainfall.
4. Angel Israfeel is the angel who will blow the trumpet, ‘Soor’ on the Day of Judgment when directed.
The first trumpet will be blown to announce the end of the world and the second trumpet will be
sounded to bring all the dead to life again to face Allah’s judgment.
These four angels are regarded amongst the highest ranking for the importance of their duities.
5. Kiramann Katibin record every deed of a person, Allah says, “ But verily over you (are appointed
angels) to protect you, kind and honorable writing down(your deeds).”(Al-Infitar82:10)
6. Munkar and Nakir question the dead grave, the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) said, “ When a faithful believer
is made to sit in his grave, then (the angels) come to him and he testifies that none has the right to
be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is Allah’s Apostle .....” (Sahih Bukhari)
7. Rizwan the gatekeeper of Paradise; Malik the gatekeeper of Hell.

4(b) What in your opinion is the primary link between angels and prophets in Islam? [4]
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• the primary link between angels and prophets is that angels are a means of communication between
God and the prophets.
• God sent angels to prophet Ibrahim to inform him of the birth of his son,
• angels were sent throughout history to other prophets like Lot etc.
• Gabriel was the angel who visited Mary and brought the revelation to Prophet Muhammad.

5(a) In what circumstances are Muslims obliged to engage in: [10]

• armed fighting (jihad bi-l-saif) and;
• what rules and limitations apply to this jihad?
Marking Scheme:
• Sometimes armed jihad or jihad by the sword (Jihad bi-l- sayf) becomes necessary. Jihad by the sword
is use of arms to engage in combat, it is not misuse of arms to create violence. Permission for armed
jihad is given in the following circumstances in Islam; for self defence of the Muslim community,
fighting against evil and injustice and when treaties are broken. Candidates could develop these points

• The rules and limitations of engaging in combat under the name of jihad are as follows:
Civilians namely women and children and the old as well those not participating in the war should not be
harmed in any way; fruit bearing trees should not be cut down; animals whose meat can be eaten should not
be killed; places of worship should not be demolished; asylum should be granted to surrendering troops;
prisoners of war should be treated well; corpses of the fallen should not be mutilated; treaties should be
respected; ambassadors should not be killed or mistreated no unjustifiable aggression on weaker nations
should be made.
A detailed response is needed here.
Answer (Learn and write)
• Circumstances/Conditions under which Jihad becomes Obligatory
• Jihad becomes obligatory when not only the ideology and beliefs of Muslims are threatened, but also
when their homes, lives, property and everything else is in danger. Muslims are commanded to fight
those who fight against them in these words, Allah says, “Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight
you but do not transgress limits, for Allah loves not transgressors.” (Al-Baqarah 2:190)
Whenever a Muslim state is attacked by any other state it becomes a religious duty of every Muslim of
the state to fight against the invaders. If the Muslim state under attack is not strong enough to defend
itself then it becomes the religious duty of other neighboring states to help. If they are unsuccessful,
then it becomes the duty of all Muslim states of the world to help her. The best example of this in modern
time is that of Afghanistan when it was attacked in 1980 by the Soviet Union, all Muslim countries rushed
to help it.
• Fighting is to be continued till peace is restored and oppression comes to an end, Allah says, “And
fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression and there prevails justice and faith in
Allah, but if they cease let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression.” (Al-
Baqarah 2:191)
• Muslims should never be the first to attack any innocent or peaceful people. Peaceful co-existence
between non-Muslims and Muslims is urged, “(However, the treaties are) not dissolved with those
pagans with whom you have entered into alliance and who have not subsequently failed you nor
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aided anyone against you. So fulfill your engagements with them to end of their terms: for Allah
loves the righteous.” (At-Taubah 9:4)
• Muslim states must maintain their treaties and friendly relations with non-Muslims states as long as
they continue to respect the rights and agreements, Allah says, “But if they violate their oaths after
their covenant and taunt you for your faith fight you the chiefs of unfaith: for their oaths are
nothing to them, that thus they may be restrained.” (At-Taubah 9:12) When these conditions cease
to exist and peaceful life returns to the state, they are required to cease their war operation.
• Rules of Jihad (Prophet’s (pbuh) Teachings)
As the head of the Islamic state and the commander of Muslim army The Prophet laid down a set of rules about
conduct during armed warfare (jihad). Some of these rules are:
• Muslims should not be the ones to initiate fighting unless in self-defense.
• Civilians are not to be harmed.
• Fruit-bearing trees are not to be cut down.
• Animals whose meat can be eaten should not be killed.
• Places of worship of any faith should not be demolished.
• Asylum should be granted to surrendering soldiers… “And if anyone of the pagans seeks your protection
then grant him protection, so that he may hear the Word of Allah, and then escort him to where he
can be secure, because they are men without knowledge.”(9:6)
• The treatment of prisoners of war is also clearly stated in the Quran, Prisoners of war under Muslims are
to eat, drink and dress the same way as Muslim soldiers eat drink and dress. Even under the unfortunate
event of shortage of food, it is the prisoners who are to be fed first, before the Muslim soldiers guarding
them.
• The fallen and the dead should not be mutilated or disfigured.
• The treaties should be respected and fulfilled.
• Ambassadors should not be killed or mistreated.
• No unjustifiable aggression should be inflicted on weaker mations.
• The Prophet (p.b.u.h) gave the following instructions to the troops he sent to Byzantine, “In avenging
the injuries inflicted upon us, molest not the harmless inmates of domestic seclusion, spare the weak
of the female sex, injure not the infants at the breast or those who are ill in bed, abstain from
demolishing the dwelling of the unresisting inhabitants, destroy not the means of their subsistence,
nor their fruit trees and touch not the trees.” (At-Tabarani)

5(b) What do you understand by the term jihad? [4]

O/N 2018 (22)

2(a) Hadiths are broadly classified as sound (sahih), good (hasan) and weak (da’if). Write a
detailed account of these three categories of Hadiths. [10]
Marking Scheme:
Candidates in this answer need to write about how Hadiths are classified into the three broad categories of
sahih, hasan and da’if according to the reliability of the isnad and matn. They could define the terms given and
go on to say what features categorise them under the different headings.
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Candidates should give the grounds for classifying Hadiths as sahih, hasan, da’if. For example for
the sahih Hadith it could be said that their accuracy is beyond question, each narrator in the chain was a pious
Muslim and that the chain was a continuous one and also that the narrator had a good memory making the
matn reliable etc.

For hasan Hadith it could be said that they are Hadiths whose text is absolutely true but the isnad may not
pass the strict test established by the Hadith compilers e.g. a name in the chain may be missing but there is no
reason to believe that the Hadith is not a good one.

Whereas the da’if Hadith is a term used for Hadiths whose truthfulness in both isnad and matn is not fully
established, i.e. its authenticity is not fully established and they are deemed weak. A Hadith could be weak for
many reasons and these reasons could be elaborated upon in the answer by the candidates.

Answer (Learn and write):

Q2:
Different types to traditions/ hadiths came into existence according to rank and degree of reliability. Thus
ahadith have been divided into three main types by Muslim scholars :

1. The Saheeh Hadith (Authentic). If all the narrators in the Isnad fulfil the conditions
Stipulated, the tradition is classified as an accurate saying or action of the Prophet and named Saheeh. This
means we can certain that the Prophet ( S.A.W) actually said or did what was reported in tradition.

Sanad must be full and unbroken. The first transmitter in the chain must be a companion of the Holy
Prophet (PBUH). Each transmitter in the chain who is known as rawi must be a strong Muslim i.e honest and
upright. He must be of an age in which he can understand the Hadith he is delivering. He must have a good
memory which is to ensure that he delivers the exact words of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). The dates of birth and
death of each transmitter in the chain should be overlapped.
The Matn is accepted as authentic if it is not contrary to the previous hadiths which were accepted as
correct by the authorities, nor contradict the Quran or the main principles of Islam.It should not be against
the common sense, laws of nature and against historical facts. It should not level accusations to the Prophet’s
family and companions. It should not promise high rewards for insignificant deeds or order punishments for
small errors. It should be in the Arabic dialect of the Prophet.

2. Hassan ( Approved). It is like Sahih tradition except that some of its narrators have been found
defective in memory in comparison with narrators of Sahih tradition. Ibn al-Salah classifies Hasan into two
categories:
1. one with an isnad containing a reporter who is "screened", i.e. no prominent person reported from
him but is not totally careless in his reporting, provided that a similar text is reported through another
isnad as well;
2. one with an isnad containing a reporter who is known to be truthful and reliable, but is a degree less in
his preservation/memory of hadith in comparison to the reporters of Sahih ahadith.
In both categories, Ibn al-Salah requires that the hadith be free of any irregularities.
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3. Daif (Weak). If any of the narrators in the Isand was known to have had any of the following faults, the
Hadith is then classified as being inaccurate and referred to as daif.
• The narrators was known to have been a liar.
• He was known to have had a bad memory.
• He was known to have not met the one; he was supposed to be narrating from.

2(b) What in your opinion is the importance of classifying Hadiths? [4]

• The Qur’an gives instructions to Muslims about how to live and practice their faith, it does not give
details showing how to implement the teachings given. This implementation of Qur’anic instructions is
found in the Hadiths of the Prophet .
• If the Hadiths were not classified there would be a danger of Muslims not knowing the correct way of
putting into practice their faith.
• in legal matters it is vital to only use only the most accurate Hadiths but when e.g. one is looking for
moral teachings, a Hadith whose isnad is not strong by having a gap or say the narrator having a weak
memory, a weak Hadith could be used and therefore the classification of Hadiths is important.
• Muslims by following the guidance given in the classified Hadiths can follow the perfect example of
the Prophet Muhammad.

3(a) Choose any two caliphs from the three given below and say how and why they were
martyred: [10]
• ‘Umar;
• ‘Uthman; and
• ‘Ali.

Marking scheme:
In this answer candidates need to select two of the three caliphs listed in the question and write about why
and how they were martyred.

Answer:
Hazrat ‘Umar:
After the battle of Nahawand, many persians were taken as captives by Muslims. One of them was Abu Lulu,
also known as Firoz. He was purchased by the governor of Basra , Mughira bin Shuba. Firoz made a pact with
his master to buy back his freedom by making windmills. since he was a non-muslim, according to Islamic law ,
he was required to pay Jizya. In 644, Umar was assassinated by Abu Lulu . One possible explanation was that it
was done in response to the Muslim conquest of Persia. The assassination was planned several months earlier.
In October 644, Umar undertook a Hajj to Mecca, during which the assassins pronounced Umar's imminent
death that year, and the massive crowd of the congregation was used by the conspirators as a veil to hide
themselves]
During one of rituals of Hajj, the Ramy al-Jamarat (stoning of the Devil), someone threw a stone at Umar that
wounded his head; a voice was heard that Umar will not attend the Hajj ever again.
The Persian slave Firuz Nahavandi (also known as Abu Lulu) brought a complaint to Umar about the high tax
charged by his master Mughirah. Umar wrote to Mughirah and inquired about the tax; Mughirah's reply was
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satisfactory, but Umar held that the tax charged to Abu Lulu was reasonable, owing to his daily income. Umar
then is reported to have asked Abu Lulu: "I heard that you make windmills; make one for me as well." In a
sullen mood, Piruz said, "Verily I will make such a mill for you, that the whole world would remember it".
It was Firuz who was assigned the mission of assassinating Umar. According to the plan, before
the Fajr prayers (the morning prayers before the dawn) Firuz would enter Al-Masjid al-Nabawi, the main
mosque of Medina where Umar led the prayers and would attack Umar during the prayers, and then flee or
mix with the congregation at the mosque.
On 31 October 644, Firuz attacked Umar while he was leading the morning prayers, stabbing him six times in
the belly and finally in the navel, that proved fatal. Umar was left profusely bleeding while Firuz tried to flee,
but people from all sides rushed to capture him; in his efforts to escape he is reported to have wounded
twelve other people, six or nine of whom later died, before slashing himself with his own blade to commit
suicide.
Umar died of the wounds three days later on Wednesday 3 November 644.
As per Umar's will, he was buried next to Al-Masjid al-Nabawi alongside Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and
caliph Abu Bakr by the permission of Aisha.
Hazrat Uthman:
Various charges were laid against ‘Uthman during the second half of his caliphate. He was accused of appointing
his relatives in high positions in the caliphate, spending money from the bait ul maal on them, burning copies
of the Qur’an etc.
In 656 the protesters fulfilled their plans with admirable speed and efficiency. Three columns of men apparently
on their way to Makkah for the pilgrimage left the garrison cities of Kufa, Basra and Egypt. Once they reached
Madina they made separate bases in their accustomed camping grounds outside Madina.
As the deadlock intensified, Hazrat Ali agreed to act as the intermediary and advised Hazrat Usman that the
unpopular Abdullah bin Saad should be removed from the governorship of Egypt. The caliph reluctantly agreed,
and the rebels prepared to march home.
Three days into their march back, the rebels force from Egypt was overtaken by an African slave. He was pursued
and brought back and a single letter was found in his leather pouch with the caliph’s new seal on it. The letter
was opened: it requested Abdullah to arrest the ringleader and put them to death on their return.
The rebels were furious they turned around and rode hard to Madina. The rebels from Kufa and Basra also
joined them. Hazrat Ali once again agreed to arbitrate. Hazrat Usman denied all knowledge of the letter but
freely admitted that slave was from his household. The mystery surrounding the letter has never been solved
but its effect hardened the battle lines, for the rebels now feared for their lives if they left Madina with the
caliph still in place.
Hazrat Usman promised to listen to the grievance of the rebels and addressed them but he did not agree to step
down from the office of caliph. He however refused to call the army to flight his fellow Muslims.
The rebels besieged the Khalifa in his house. They did not allow food and water to reach him. Hazrat Ali deputed
his sons, Hassan and Hussain and Zubair sent his son Abdullah to protect Hazrat Usman. Some companions who
were successful in reaching Hazrat Usman during the siege, wanted to help him and fight the rebels or send for
troops to fight them. But Hazrat usman refused and said that he did not want to shed Muslim blood.
The siege lasted for fifty days . the rebels received the news that an elite force dispatched from Syria was 120
km away from Madina they decided to act. They attacked ‘Uthman’s house that was bravely defended by Hasan
and Muhammad (Ali and Talha’s sons) who were wounded. ‘Uthman had instructed his household not to resist
the rebels as he was their only target and they meekly laid down their arms. Marwan and his troops did put up
a resistance and managed to push back a band of rebels. However, Marwan was seriously wounded and the
rebels led by Muhammad ibn Abu Bakr reached the caliph as the Friday prayer was being called out. ‘Uthman
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was alone in his room with his wife Naila reading the Qur’an when the rebel’s sword blade pierced him. As his
body lay on the ground one of the assassins pierced his shirt nine times and his wife Naila threw herself on him
to protect his body from any further indignity.
Hazrat Ali (R.A)
In year 660, a year of two oaths: first, A Muslim army from the Syrian garrison toured the Arabian Peninsula,
forcing the inhabitants of Makkah and Madina and the people of Yemen to swear loyalty to Muawiya at the
point of the sword. This was speedily followed by a counter march by the men from the garrison of Kufawho
though unable to intercept Muawiya’s army supervised another oath of allegiance to the legitimate Caliph,
Hazrat Ali. Eventually, the Islamic state was split as Muawiya established his rule over Syria, Egypt, and Palestine
whereas Hazrat Ali R.A as Caliph ruled Iraq, Arabia, Persia and Central Asia.
The incident of the two oaths of loyalty being imposed upon the Muslims disgusted many believers and also
aroused an angry reaction from three Kharijis, who at the conclusion of Hajj that year, met and vowed that they
would act against this. in 661. on the fortieth anniversary of the Prophet’s (P.B.U.H) migration to Madina, they
would strike simultaneously and free Islam by removing Hazrat Ali R.A Muawiya and Amr ibn al-Aas. The attacks
were planned for Ramadan in the three great mosques of Fustat, Damascus and Kufawhere they were assured
that Amr did not lead the prayers, but the mosque’s Imam was martyred by one powerful blow of the assassin’s
sword. In Damascus Muawiya’s alert bodyguard observed unusual movement among the crowd and saved
Muawiya as he was in prayer.
Ali was assassinated by Abd al-Rahman ibn 'Amr ibn Muljam, a Kharijite from Egypt. He had entered Kufa with
the aim of killing Ali to avenge the Kharijite leaders at Al-Nahrawan.
In Kufa, he encountered a group of people from Taym al-Ribab tribe. Among them was a woman named
Quttaam and he proposed to her. Quttaam said that she would marry him if he kill Ali. She wanted revenge
too as her father and brother had been killed by Ali's forces at Al-Nahrawan. Ibn Muljam persuaded a man
called Shubayb to assist him in killing Ali. Besides Shablb ibn Bujra, Wardan ibn al-Mujalid also were Ibn
Muljam's accomplice. The conspirators stationed themselves opposite the door from which Ali would enter
the Mosque.
On Friday, 19 Ramadan, 656AD Ali entered Kufa’s mosque to perform the morning prayer. Ibn Muljam
wounded Ali on the "crown of his head" by a poisoned sword . He fled and was caught near the gates of
Kinda by 'Uwaymir', but could finally escape through the crowd. Later, Ibn Muljam was caught by Mughlra ibn
Nawfal .
Ali ordered that if he died from the wound, Ibn Muljam had to be executed in retaliation.Ali died two days later
on 21 Ramadan 661 AD at the age of 62 or 63, and Ibn Muljam was killed in retaliation (Qisas) by Hasan ibn Ali,
in accordance with Ali's instruction. Hazrat Ali was buried in Najaf, in Iraq.

3(b) In your opinion what lesson(s) can be learnt from the martyrdom of ‘Umar? [4]
• ‘Umar was a man of strong faith and principles and always remained firm in what he believed to be
right and did not waver from what he thought to be the correct and just course of action.
• that he was killed by Abu Lulu who was disgruntled by his decision to not relieve him from the payment
of a tax.
• The lessons that Muslims learn from this tragic event could be given that leaders sometimes have to take
unpopular decisions which could cause them difficulty but they must never opt to take the easy option
rather they should do what is right; they must not shy away from their responsibilities for the sake of
personal safety etc.
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4(a) Write an account of the campaign led by Abu Bakr against the tribes refusing to pay zakat.
[10]
Marking Scheme:
Some tribes went back on their pledged allegiance to the Prophet and refused to pay zakat. In answering this
question candidates could say why these tribes reneged on their pledge and how the caliph dealt with the tribes
on the issue of nonpayment of zakat. It could be said that he called the Shura to discuss this matter who advised
him to not take action against the rebelling tribes at the time. His response to the Shura and the delegates who
had come to ask for exemption could be written about in some detail in order to develop the answer. Also, an
account of the attack launched by the tribes and Abu Bakr’s counter attack repulsing the tribes could be given
in the answer. The eventual defeat of these tribes at Abraq by Abu Bakr could also be written about. Candidates
could say that once the main army returned from Syria, Abu Bakr led the force personally and defeated the
tribes which resulted in them sending delegates to Madina not only offering their allegiance to the caliph but
also expressing their willingness to pay zakat.
Answer (Learn and write):
At that time, many tribes such as Banu Asad, Banu Ghatafan, Banu Abbas, Banu Murrah and other
surrounded in Madina. After the conquest of Makkah when other tribes in Arabia accepted Islam, These tribes
also offered allegiance to Islam. This allegiance was based on diplomacy rather than on faith and conviction of
heart. They regarded Islam as a matter of personal allegiance to the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) which ended with
his death.
These tribes sent a deputation to Hazrat Abu Bakr with the proposal that with the passing away of the
Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H), their agreement with Islam had ended and it was necessary that the authorities at
Madina should make a fresh agreement with them. They said that they would remain on friendly terms with the
authorities at Madinah provided they were relieved of the obligation to pay Zakat. Abu Bakr called the Shura to
discuss this matter who advised him to not take action against the rebelling tribes at the time.
Abu Bakr was very strict on this point. He argued that Zakat being a fundamental injunction of Islam had to be
paid. Addressing the delegates, he said, “If with reference to Zakat, you withhold even as much as a string to
tie a camel, as the Khalifa of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H), it will be may duty to fight for it, whatever the
consequences”.
When Hazrat Abu Bakr rejected the demand of the tribes to exempt them from the payment of Zakat they
decided to forego Islam rather than yield to the authority at Madinah. They decided to launch an attack on
Madinah when the main Muslim army was away in Syria.
These tribes one night launched an attack on Madina and met with some initial success but the Muslims under
the command of Hazrat Abu Bakr rallied and in a counter attack repulsed the tribes. Driven away from Madina
the tribes gathered at Dhu Qissa which was at little distance from Madina.
Hazrat Abu Bakr marched there as the head of a Muslim force and launched an attack against them. After some
resistance the tribes broke rank and retreated to Abraq. When the main Muslim army under Usama returned
from the Syrian front successfully, Hazrat Abu bakr marched at its head and proceeded to Abraq. The tribes
were routed, and their lands were confiscated by the Muslims. This was a significant moment in the caliphate
of Hazrat Abu Bakr as after this victory the tribes sent their delegates to Madina and not only offered allegiance
to the caliph but expressed their willingness to pay Zakat as well.

4(b) How important in your view was this campaign against the tribes refusing to pay zakat? [4]
it was crucial as zakat is one of the Pillars of Islam and its exemption would have altered the faith.
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if Abu Bakr had not taken action other tribes could have made different demands e.g. exemption from fasting,
asking to make alcohol lawful.
Islam would not have remained in its original form.

5(a) Write a detailed account of the following: [10]

● ihram;
● tawaf ; and
● sa’i

Marking Scheme:
Before reaching miqat pilgrims must be in ihram which is to be in a state of ritual purity. It is for men dressing
in two pieces of white seamless garments and for women it is their ordinary daily clothes which cover them
completely, besides their faces and hands that constitutes their ihram. Before donning the ihram pilgrims
need to bathe, remove unwanted hair, trim their nails, and perform wudu. Men’s heads should be uncovered
and their footwear should not cover the ankle bone. Development of ihram would constitute candidates
writing about some or many of its restrictions.

Tawaf means going around the Ka’ba anti clockwise seven times. It starts from the Hajr al Aswad, a pilgrim
walks keeping the Ka’ba to his/her left. During tawaf one should be engaged in the dhikr of God, to recite the
third kalima is recommended. Candidates could also say that from the Yamani Gate the pilgrim should recite
Rabbana atina fid duniya􀂫. Each time the pilgrim passes the Hajr al Aswad he/she should raise the right hand
towards it and say Allah u Akbar. As development it could be said that male pilgrims walk at a faster pace for
the first three circuits and place the top piece, rida, of their ihram under the right arm and the ends of it over
the left shoulder from the start till the end of tawaf. Some candidates may also go on to give names of the
various types of tawaf.

Sa’i starts from Safa and ends at Marwa. Safa to Marwa is one round and Marwa to Safa the second. During
each round men run the distance between the two green pillars following the practise of the Prophet. Dhikr of
God should be continued during the seven rounds. Before the start of Sa’i intention to perform it is made.
Some candidates could write about why Sa’i is performed and write about its history mentioning Hajar and
Ismail.
Answer (Learn and write):
Ihram:
Before reaching miqat pilgrims must be in ihram which is to be in a state of ritual purity. It is for men dressing
in two pieces of white seamless garments and for women it is their ordinary daily clothes which cover them
completely, besides their faces and hands that constitutes their ihram. Before donning the ihram pilgrims need
to bathe, remove unwanted hair, trim their nails, and perform wudu. Men’s heads should be uncovered and
their footwear should not cover the ankle bone• 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.

Ihram is of three kinds. Qiran (Combining both Umrah and Hajj). Tamatt’u (combining both Hajj and Umrah with
a break in between). Ifrad (Hajj only). All these three kinds are legitimate.
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Tawaf (Repeated)
Sayi is walking briskly seven times between Safa and Marwa hills. Sayi is commenced from Safa and ends at
Marwa. The commandment about Sayi is contained in the Quran: “Behold! Safa and Marwa are among the
symbols of Allah. So if those who visit the house in the season or at other times, should compass them
round…..” (2:158)
The pilgrim should first climb on the Safa hill. It is not necessary to climb to the top of the hill. He should climb
to such a height only as would afford a view of the Kaaba. After descending from Safa, the pilgrim should move
towards Marwa and, thereafter, walk briskly between the two hills. Only men are required to walk briskly.
Women may walk at their normal pace. HazratHajra, wife of Hazrat Ibrahim, ran several times between these
two hills in search of water for her infant son, Ismail. Sayi is performed in memory of this act. This ritual shows
respect for maternal love and gratitude to Allah.

5(b) What is the significance of the Black Stone (Hajr al Aswad) to Muslims? [4]
• Muslims believe that an angel brought the stone to Hazrat Ibrahim when he was building the Ka’ba.
• Throughout history because of natural disasters the Ka’ba has been destroyed and rebuilt many times
but the Hajr al Aswad has always remained as a reminder of the origin of the Ka’ba.
• it is significant also because it is the only part remaining from the original structure that was built by
Ibrahim.
• one is identifying with Ibrahim, when one touches it or raises one’s hand towards it, who is the
spiritual father of monotheism and that by touching it and kissing it a Muslim is following the Sunna of
the Prophet.

(a) Main Teachings [2] Marks

➢ This saying of the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) instructs Muslims that in this world have to live their lives
according to Allah’s law and thereby, follow the limitations imposed by Islam as to what is permissible and
what is not.
➢ The teachings of this Hadith is that disbelievers may be granted by Allah all that they desire in this world,
but may get nothing in the Hereafter. They may be compensated for their good deeds and be given the
opportunity to enjoy this world fully but may get nothing beyond that.
➢ A believer on the other hand may or may not be blessed with much in this world but even on the lowest
level of Paradise will be granted all that his/her heart desires.
➢ It is to gain this reward that, just as a prisoner does not make the prison his home, the believer never sees
this world as his home, but as a temporary dwelling full of trials until he reaches his final destination in
Jannah. Prophet Muhammad said, “This world is cultivating ground for hereafter.”
(b) Action [2] Marks
➢ By following the path, prescribed by Allah and being mindful of the attractions of this world, Muslims
can live a life that will lead them to paradise.
➢ The Quraish in order to dissuade Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) from his mission had offered him great
wealth, marriage to the most beautiful woman in the land, and were even ready to practice his faith if he
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would follow theirs, but he refused it all. He continued to follow the path prescribed Allah and to preach the
message of Tauheed, the Oneness of Allah.
➢ Muslim must follow Prophet’s example by practicing honesty and by rejecting all types of temptations
and bribes. Acquisition of wealth and worldly possessions should not be the main aim of their lives rather
they should strive for the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.
➢ The Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said, “Live in this world as if you were a stranger or a wayfarer.” A
passerby of wayfarer does not make strange place his/her home as the real destination is a better place
Paradise.

Main Teachings: [2] Marks

➢ In this Hadith the Muslims are told that Allah does not look at the worldly status of His servants, if they
are powerful or weak, nor at their looks or lineage and neither does He consider their wealth and position.
➢ The Only connection between Allah and His servant is through righteousness; A true believer will
therefore, never be proud of his wealth, beauty, children etc.
➢ An important understanding to be taken from the second part of the Hadith ‘but he looks at your hearts
and deeds’ is that firstly, if one happens to be righteous and has taqwa then this too is blessing from Allah
for which one need to be thankful to Him.
➢ Secondly, all acts without sincerity are meaningless. Hence, it must be remembered that Allah will
reward deeds based on what is in the heart, and, on Day of Judgment, the hidden intentions will be judged
along with the outwards deeds. The Prophet said, “Every action is based on the intention (behind it) and
everyone shall have what he intended.”
(b) Action [2] Marks
➢ Purity of heart and good intentions should be the basis of every action that Muslim undertakes. A
Muslim’s actions must be based on seeking Allah’s pleasure, therefore, when charity is given it is not the
amount that is all important but the gesture and intention behind it.
➢ Yet another example that can be given here could be the appointment of Hazrat Bilal as the first muezzin
of Islam. He was given this high status because of his strong faith and love of religion, and not on any
other account.
➢ In today’s world too, a Muslim’s actions must be based on sincerity and the believer must not engage in
false praise or flattery of those in government or other influential people for the sake of gaining privileges
or concessions.