Write about the life of the Prophet Muhammad's first wife Khadija.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2014). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. (a) Candidates should write a detailed narrative elaborating on the points mentioned below. Khadija was a successful businesswoman in her own right; she was twice widowed and had children from her previous marriages; she employed the Prophet (before prophethood) as a merchant for her; she sent her servant, Maysara, with him; after hearing of trading skills and honesty as a merchant, she proposed marriage to him; he accepted; she was 40 and he was 25; they had six children together, her two sons dying in infancy; when the Prophet received revelation he came to Khadija trembling; she reassured him that God would not humiliate him; she took him to see her cousin who told the Prophet about the angel and that he is a messenger of God; she was the first to publicly accept Islam; she supported the Prophet financially; she died after the boycott to Shib-i-Abi Talib; the Prophet's love for her caused jealousy among his other wives (A'isha); Jibr'il is said to have sent greetings of peace to her, through the Prophet, from God and himself; Khadija was Muhammad's first wife and he chose not to marry any other woman during his lifetime. Candidates may write about Khadija's life before meeting the Prophet, e.g. her previous husbands, and relevant points should all be credited.
2. (b) Candidates can take what they want from Khadija's relationship with the Prophet, but they should be able to say why that aspect of their relationship sets an example for others. They could for example say that 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. Candidates should choose two aspects and develop those points; whilst developing answers candidates need to show application of it today.