Write an account of the life of the Prophet's Companion Abu Bakr, during the Prophet's lifetime.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2020). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] Candidates may include some of the following points. All other relevant points must be credited.
2. Abu Bakr was the Prophet's childhood friend, and the first to accept Islam.
3. He was a staunch supporter of the Prophet (pbuh), and was open about practising Islam.
4. His original name was Abdul Ka'ba, and was later given the name Abu Bakr due to his fondness of camels. He was a cloth merchant and quite wealthy.
5. Before Islam, he did not worship other gods nor did he drink wine as was customary for those of his status. He was honest in trade and used his wealth to help others.
6. When the revelation came, the Prophet (pbuh) went to see Abu Bakr who became Muslim straight away. Later the Prophet (pbuh) would say "Whenever I offered Islam to any one, he always showed some reluctance and hesitation and tried to enter into an argument. Abu Bakr was the only person who accepted Islam without any reluctance or hesitation, and without any argument."
7. After conversion, he would buy slaves and set them free. He guided important Companions to accept Islam.
8. He defended the Prophet (pbuh) from persecutions and was persecuted himself. At one point he set off for Abyssinia but returned when his friend offered him protection.
9. He did not hesitate to believe the Prophet (pbuh) when he told the people about his night journey and ascension, which was when Abu Bakr was given the title 'Siddiq'.
10. He was the Prophet's companion during the migration to Madina, and the Qur'an mentions him as one of two in the cave, in reference to this journey.
11. He gave his daughter in marriage to the Prophet (pbuh). He participated in all the major battles and gave his wealth at the Battle of Tabuk.
12. Abu Bakr led 300 Muslims to the pilgrimage in Mecca and led prayers during the Prophet's illness.
13. When the Prophet passed away many companions refused to believe it, and it was Abu Bakr who came to address them telling them that the Prophet (pbuh) had passed away but God was alive and will never die. He was elected as caliph soon after this.
14. [4] Candidates can use various examples to show how they can help others with their wealth. Some could be, paying for a water well for those who do not have access to water, donating money to someone needing medicine/hospital treatment, giving money to look after orphans.
15. Relevant answers should be credited and better answers will be able to say why it would be beneficial to use their wealth for that reason.