'Pious Muslims can effectively lead both Muslims and non-Muslims.' To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2023). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] AO1 – Knowledge and understanding
2. [15] AO2 – Analysis and evaluation
3. Mark according to the levels of response marking grids for AO1 and AO2. Answers may refer to any Islamic religious theory or teaching. Candidates may propose, analyse and evaluate some of the following arguments. All relevant arguments must be credited.
4. Candidates could begin by explaining what effective leadership is and how it relates to both Muslims and non-Muslims. They could also explain who the pious Muslims might be e.g. political leaders or religious leaders.
5. Candidates could explain that God and the Prophet (pbuh) have encouraged just treatment by leaders to all.
6. The Qur'an stresses the importance of being just as a believer. 'O ye who believe! stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest ye swerve, and if ye distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do.' (4:135)
7. The Prophet (pbuh), as the leader of the Muslims, was ordered by God to act with justice: ‘And this (He commands): Judge thou between them by what Allah hath revealed, and follow not their vain desires, but beware of them lest they beguile thee from any of that (teaching) which Allah hath sent down to thee.' (5.49)
8. The Prophet (pbuh) promoted just rule. In a Hadith he mentioned the reward that God will give to the just leader: 'Behold! the Dispensers of justice will be seated on the pulpits of light beside God, on the right side of the Merciful, Exalted and Glorious. Either side of the Being is the right side both being equally meritorious. (The Dispensers of justice are) those who do justice in their rules, in matters relating to their families and in all that they undertake to do.' (Muslim)
9. The Charter of Medina shows that non-Muslims (Pagans and Jews) and Muslims were treated as equals under the leadership of the Prophet (pbuh), and they were considered part of the Muslim community (ummah).
10. Candidates could explain that there might be different laws for Muslims and non-Muslims, for example non-Muslims are not allowed in Mecca and Medina.
11. In some circumstances, leaders treat their people differently according to their faith. Non-Muslims that lived in countries conquered by the Caliphs had to pay jizya tax in return for their legal protection by the Islamic state.
12. Depth and breadth of knowledge should be assessed together with evaluation. Candidates in their conclusion can say whether the effective leadership of non-Muslims by Muslim leaders is possible.