Describe the main events in the life of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) from his childhood until he received revelation.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2019). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] (a) Use the AO1 Mark Grid. A comprehensive answer will provide an account of some key events from the Prophet's childhood until the age of 40, as well as the main figures in his life and the role they played.
2. [Content] The Prophet (pbuh) was born in the year of the elephant. His parents were Amina and Abdullah. As with the custom of the time, he was sent to the desert with a wet nurse.
3. [Content] Halima Sa'adia narrates that they had good fortune with the arrival of the Prophet (pbuh) in their household, and asked he stay with them another two years. During this time the incident of the angels coming to clean his heart happened. Halima returned him to his mother.
4. [Content] His mother died when he was six on the way back from Yathrib. His grandfather looked after him and then after he passed away Abu Talib looked after the Prophet (pbuh) when he was eight.
5. [Content] He went on trade journeys with Abu Talib and this is where Bahira the monk saw him.
6. [Content] He picked up arrows in the sacrilegious wars and was present at the subsequent Fudul confederacy.
7. [Content] He was employed by Khadija to go on a trade journey to Syria and on account of his honesty she sent a marriage proposal to him. They had six children together.
8. [Content] He helped resolve the issue of the fixing of the black stone. After this the Prophet (pbuh) spent longer periods in the cave of Hira and at age of 40 the angel Jibril came with the first revelation.
9. [4] (b) Despite living in an age of immorality, the Prophet (pbuh) did not lose his morals or his good character. Muslims can learn from this to maintain their good character even in difficult times. For example, Muslims today can be under pressure to be dishonest in business, but they should not succumb to greed. Or, they may find people around them not committed to their prayers and encouraging them to miss their prayers too, but they can follow the example of the Prophet (pbuh) and look up to his steadfastness in all challenging circumstances.
10. [Content] Candidates can give other lessons and all relevant responses must be credited.