Write about the compilation of the Qur'an in the caliphates of both Abu Bakr and 'Uthman.

Mark scheme

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

1. [10] (a) Write about the compilation of the Qur'an in the caliphates of both Abu Bakr and 'Uthman. Some candidates could begin their answer by giving a brief account of how the Qur'an was orally transmitted to the Prophet (pbuh), who recited it to others, who memorised or wrote the verses down. When writing about the compilation of the Qur'an during the caliphates of Abu Bakr and 'Uthman, candidates could say that in the year 632 in the Battle of Yamama approximately 660 huffaz were martyred, which made the compilation of the Qur'an a matter of urgency. An account of how 'Umar persuaded Abu Bakr to get the Qur'an compiled and how Zayd ibn Thabit was commissioned to do this task needs to be written about in some detail. By the time 'Uthman became caliph the empire had expanded greatly and it was reported by Hudayfa bin al-Yaman that he had heard Muslim soldiers meeting together and differing in their reading of the Qur'an and how it was imperative to address this issue. Details about how ‘Uthman appointed the editorial committee and how the committee went about doing this task, are to be given in the answer.
2. [4] (b) In your opinion was the compilation of the Qur'an the greatest achievement of the two caliphs? Give reasons for your answer. An evaluative answer is needed here. Candidates could agree with the question and say yes it was because compilation ensured that the message of God was preserved for all times to come and that the guidance given in the verses of God was not lost or corrupted. It could also be said that it preserved the unity of the Muslims. If candidates feel there was a greater achievement of the caliphs other than the compilation of the Qur'an, they need to say what it was and back it with sound evaluation. All valid answers to be credited.