Write an account of the Prophet's conquest of Makka in 630.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2023). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] The Quraysh had broken the terms of the Treaty of Hudaybiyya, by attacking Banu Khuza'ah who had allied with the Muslims. The Prophet (pbuh) began preparations for battle.
2. [10] Realising the seriousness of the situation, the Quraysh sent Abu Sufyan to ensure the treaty was intact, but he was unsuccessful.
3. [10] After completing his preparations for war, the Prophet (pbuh) set out with 10 000 soldiers in the year 8AH for the conquest of Makka.
4. [10] The Prophet's army stopped outside Makka and it was here that Abu Sufyan became Muslim and his house was made a place of safety.
5. [10] Abu Sufyan returned to Makka and warned the Quraysh not to resist the Muslim army; most put down their arms, but a few (Safwan, Ikrimah, Suhayl) swore to block the Muslim army from entering Makka.
6. [10] The Prophet (pbuh) marched into Makka, there were four groups, one led by Khalid ibn Walid, that faced resistance leading to some deaths.
7. [10] Upon the conquest of Makka, the Prophet (pbuh) granted amnesty to anyone seeking refuge in Abu Sufyan's house, in the Ka'ba or who remain in their houses.
8. [10] The Prophet (pbuh) knocked down the 360 idols in the Ka'ba while reciting the verse from the Quran: "And say: 'The truth has come, and falsehood has vanished away; surely falsehood is ever certain to vanish."
9. [10] Some candidates may refer to declaration of abolition of pre-Islamic traditions.
10. [10] The Prophet (pbuh) asked the Makkans gathered outside Kaba how he should treat them, and they responded by saying that he was a noble brother and nephew. He said: 'No reproach on you this day, go your way, for you are freed ones.'
11. [10] The keys to the Ka'ba were given to 'Uthman ibn Talha, and at the time of prayer, Bilal ascended the Ka'ba and gave the adhan.
12. [10] The Prophet (pbuh) forgave the Makkans apart from nine people. Wahshi and Hind were amongst those forgiven.
13. [4] It was significant because Makka was the birthplace of the Prophet (pbuh) and many of the early Muslims, and so to see that place become Muslim and under Muslim control was a great achievement for the development of Islam.
14. [4] Muslims could now freely visit Makka and be able to perform hajj and umra, which had been denied to them previously, therefore they were able to fulfil their pillars of Islam.
15. [4] This event also established Muslim dominance over Makka and eliminated the threat of the Quraysh. This allowed the Prophet (pbuh) to concentrate on spreading Islam in other areas and dealing with other threats.
16. [4] This event also led to Makka becoming Muslim which further strengthened Islam.