Write about the methods used to compile the Qur'an into a book after the death of the Prophet.

Mark scheme

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

1. (a) Candidates should give some details on the different stages of compilation, and how it was then brought together into a book.
2. (a) As the Qur'an was revealed, the companions would write verses they heard from the Prophet onto pieces of animal skin and parts of bone, but mainly the Qur'an was committed to memory.
3. (a) After the battle of Yamamah, it was suggested by 'Umar to Abu Bakr that all the verses be collected.
4. (a) At first Abu Bakr was hesitant to do something the Prophet had not done, but then asked the companion Zaid ibn Thabit to collect the various parts.
5. (a) Zaid was meticulous in his approach to collecting and compiling the verses.
6. (a) Details of this should be given. The final version consisted of loose sheets called the suhuf.
7. (a) The collected parts stayed in the possession of Abu Bakr.
8. (a) When he died, ‘Umar kept them, and after his death they remained with ‘Umar's daughter, Hafsa.
9. (a) It was this collection that was used by the Caliph 'Uthman to compile them into one book which was sent around the various parts of the expanding Muslim world.
10. (a) Candidates should relate this story with details of what happened during 'Uthman's time for him to order the distribution of the Qur'an.
11. (b) The Qur'an has always been the foundation for telling Muslims how they live their lives, and it was put into practice by the Prophet.
12. (b) Although the Prophet is not here as an example the Qur'an can still be used by Muslims to live their lives.
13. (b) It gives them a framework for how to live their lives instead of having to look to others.
14. (b) By reading the Qur'an and trying to learn the meaning Muslims can understand what God wants from them.
15. (b) Learning Arabic will help Muslims to understand the Qur'an in it's own language.
16. (b) By taking one lesson from the Qur'an and applying in their life to try to take on board the real meaning.
17. (b) Understanding the teachings helps their faith become real to them.
18. (b) It allows them to follow God's guidance for them, which in turn helps them to become closer to God.
19. (b) It is used as a source of Law so people need to understand its teachings to be able to make laws from it.
20. (b) Candidates can use their own examples but must give reasons for them.