Write a detailed account of the four false prophets, and how the caliph Abu Bakr defeated them.

Mark scheme

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

1. [10] (a) The candidates need to write in detail about the four false prophets who threatened Islam and how caliph Abu Bakr defeated them during his caliphate. There is no need for candidates to write about other aspects of Abu Bakr's caliphate as it would not be relevant to the question. The false prophets were: (i) Al-Aswad al ‘Ansi: He was the leader of the 'Ans tribe in Yemen. His dark complexion earned him the title al Aswad i.e. the black man, he was also known as the veiled prophet as he covered his face to create an aura of mystery about himself. In the later years of the Prophet's life al-Aswad claimed to receive divine guidance and used tricks to convince people of his miracles. With a large army he invaded Narjan and most of Yemen. He was defeated and killed by a Persian Muslim Firuz al Dhalaymi. After the Prophet's demise his followers regrouped and revolted under Qais ibn 'Abd Yaghus but were again defeated by Firuz. (ii) Tulayha ibn Khuwaylid ibn Nawfal al-Asadi: He was a wealthy leader of the Bani Asad and Ghatafan tribes in North Arabia. He was a renowned warrior who after initially opposing Islam embraced the faith in 630 only to rebel and proclaim himself as a prophet. He was accepted as a prophet by many tribes and he raised a strong force against the Muslims. Khalid ibn al-Walid was sent by Abu Bakr to quell his revolt and in the Battle of Buzakha in September 632 Tulayha was defeated. He escaped to Syria and after the Muslim conquest of that country converted to Islam again and participated in the battles of Jalula, Qadissiyah and Nihawand. (iii) Sajah bint-al-Harith: She was an Arab Christian from the tribe of Taghlib. She had a following as a soothsayer and after the Prophet's death when many of her tribesman rejected Islam she declared herself as a prophet. With a force of 4000 she marched towards Madina, but learning of Tulayhas defeat Sajah dropped her plans. She then joined forces with another false prophet Musailimah. She went on to marry him and accept his prophethood. Khalid ibn Walid crushed Sajah's forces and then moved to tackle Musailimah who was killed in the battle of Yamama after which Sajah embraced Islam. (iv) Musailimah al-Kadhdhab (The Liar): He belonged to the large and influential tribe of Banu Hanifa in the Yamama region. He was wealthy and powerful and used his influence to misguide people and declared himself a prophet during the Prophet's lifetime. He parodied the verses of the Qur'an and invented some verses and even wrote to the Prophet saying he had been given a share in his prophethood. The Prophet called him an 'arch- liar'. He abolished the injunctions of the Qur'an and made permissible what was forbidden and succeeded in gaining a large following. After the Prophet's death he challenged the caliphate of Abu Bakr which led to the Battle of Yamama in 632 and decided his fate. He was in command of 40000 men. Ikrimah and Shurabil were sent by Abu Bakr to fight him but both were defeated. A force was then sent under Khalid ibn Walid which defeated him and he was killed by Wahshi al Harb. Details of this battle, etc. will help candidates get higher levels.
2. [4] (b) An evaluative response giving the dangers of what could have happened if the false prophets were not defeated by Abu Bakr should be cited. Levels attained will depend on the evaluation given in the answers which could include points like the teachings of Islam could have been corrupted; the purity of the religion would have been lost and many who called themselves Muslims in reality would be following a man made faith. The first pillar of Islam would have been challenged as the second part of the shahada which deals with the risala and finality of the Prophet Muhammad would be contradicted if one believed in the so called prophets after Muhammad.