Write about the events of the Battle of Uhud fought in 625.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2021). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. The Battle of Uhud took place in 3AH (625) in revenge for the Makkan defeat at Badr. The Prophet (pbuh) consulted his companions whether to fight outside or inside the city; the Muslims decided to meet the Makkan army at Uhud.
2. Arriving at Uhud, the Makkan army numbered 3000 led by Abu Sufyan, whilst the Muslims numbered around 1000. Shortly before the battle started Abdullah ibn Ubayy deserted the Muslim army with 300 of his people.
3. The Prophet posted 50 archers on a hill to protect them from being attacked from behind. The Muslim archers fired arrows into the Makkan cavalry, led by Khalid bin Walid, causing havoc. Khalid bin Walid tried to break the Muslims from behind three times, but the archers held him off.
4. The Muslims were successful in driving back the Makkans, and some started to collect the spoils of war. On seeing this, some of the archers left their post on the hill to join those collecting the spoils.
5. Khalid bin Walid noticed this and used the opportunity to attack the Muslims from the rear. The rest of the Quraysh army on seeing this turned back and renewed the battle. Many Muslims fled. The Prophet (pbuh) was surrounded by a small band of Muslims, and only Talha bin Ubaidullah and Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas survived, whilst the Prophet (pbuh) was badly injured.
6. The remaining Muslims were disheartened on hearing a rumour that the Prophet (pbuh) had been killed; the Prophet (pbuh) and Muslims retreated to the Uhud mountain.
7. In the battle Hamza was killed by Wahshi, who earned his freedom through this act. The Makkans mutilated the dead bodies of the Muslims, including Hind who chewed on the liver of Hamza. The Muslims buried their martyrs and returned to Madina. Around 70 Muslims were killed and 22 to 37 of the Makkans.
8. Candidates may give different lessons that might be learned. The lessons may include that Muslims should listen to and obey the orders of the Prophet (pbuh) to gain success.
9. Candidates could say that decisions do not have to be made by leaders on their own, and consultation with others can be beneficial.
10. Loyalty is important for Muslims and communities and they should stick together in difficult times.
11. Responses can further elaborate these ideas and where possible support them with examples.