Describe the main events of the Battle of Khaybar and the Battle of Tabuk.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2022). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] (a) The Battle of Khaybar (628) was fought against the Jews who had broken their agreements with the Muslims. The tribes in Khaybar had tried to instigate other tribes in the area to attack the Muslims. After the treaty of Hudaybiyya, the Prophet (pbuh) eventually decided to try to put a stop to these attacks and raised an army to march to Khaybar.
2. [10] (a) The Muslim army of 1400 caught the city by surprise. Jews locked themselves in the fortress.
3. [10] (a) There were eight forts in total. The Muslims attacked the first fort of Naim and then took over the other numerous strongholds, one after the other, except al-Qamus which was considered impenetrable.
4. [10] (a) The Prophet (pbuh) said, 'Tomorrow I shall give the banner of Islam to a man who loves God and His Apostle... and he will conquer Khaybar.'
5. [10] (a) The banner was given to 'Ali, and he went to fight the Jewish leader, Marhab, who was killed.
6. [10] (a) The Jews requested they stay in the oasis on the premise that they were better farmers and knew the land. The Prophet (pbuh) agreed and in return the Jews would give half their produce to the Muslims. The battle strengthened the Muslims and the Prophet's leadership as well as bringing economic prosperity.
7. [10] (a) The Battle of Tabuk (630) took place due to the Byzantines becoming wary of the growing Muslim power and them wanting to defeat the Muslims before they became too big or powerful to conquer. Heraclius therefore ordered a large army to be prepared.
8. [10] (a) The Nabateans brought news to Madina of the army that Heraclius was preparing. It was the time for harvesting crops and the weather was very hot while the crops were ready to be harvested but the Prophet (pbuh) made a decision to go to war and meet the Byzantines on their border.
9. [10] (a) Everyone donated generously for the battle: 'Uthman gave a lot of his wealth for the campaign, which was praised by the Prophet (pbuh), Abu Bakr and 'Umar gave all and half of their wealth respectively. Ali was left behind to look after his family.
10. [10] (a) The Muslims marched to Tabuk with 30 000 men, with the hypocrites staying behind using the excuse of hot weather: 'Say, O Prophet (pbuh), “The Fire of Hell is far hotter!''
11. [10] (a) The army faced many hardships in the intense heat and had little water. Once at Tabuk they stayed around 20 days, but the Byzantine army did not arrive. The Prophet (pbuh) made treaties with some of the tribes on the border. On the return to Madina the Muslims' reputation as a powerful force reached far and wide, and many delegations came to visit him after this event.
12. [4] (b) In the Battle of Khaybar Muslims remained steadfast despite the difficulties they encountered. Today Muslims should continue to work for the advancement of Islam and never give up hope no matter what hardships they face.
13. [4] (b) If you believe in what you are doing, then you should continue to work hard to succeed. If you work hard for the truth or for a good cause, then God will be on your side.
14. [4] (b) Candidates can give examples from their everyday lives to show how they can implement the lessons learned.