Outline the reasons for the unrest against ‘Uthman and write an account of the rebellion in Madina that led to his martyrdom.

Mark scheme

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

1. [10] (a) The years 651 to 656 were the years of trouble for the third caliph of Islam. In their answer, candidates have to give the reasons for the unrest against 'Uthman. The main charges against him that could be given are:
2. Appointment of relatives and clan members in important posts of government;
3. Leniency shown to them in both their personal and professional conduct;
4. Burning of the copies of the Qur'an; and
5. Spending from the public treasury on his relatives.
6. Candidates need to develop these charges. Some may well give reasons to say whether they were justified or not in their discussion, which should be seen as development of the response. They also need to write an account of the rebellion in Madina against him that led to his martyrdom.
7. For the second part of the answer it could be said that three columns of men left their garrison cities apparently for pilgrimage. Upon reaching Madina they set up camp, they were armed. The rebels sent their deputations to the three most respected members of the inner council of Companions still alive. Their reaction followed by what ensued should be included in the answer. The response should also include the rebels' return after having their demand met by 'Uthman and their return to Madina after intercepting a letter supposedly from the caliph to the governor of Egypt to put the rebels to death upon their return etc. The siege of the caliph's house and the events that led to his martyrdom should all be given in the answer as well.
8. [4] (b) For this evaluative response the candidate's own views are being asked for and should be credited on its own merit.