Give an account of the lives of Abu Sufyan and Khalid bin Walid during the time 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) Abu Sufyan: he was a prominent and powerful figure among the Quraysh, and a staunch opponent of the Prophet and the Muslims.
2. (a) It was his caravan returning from Syria that was the basis for the Battle of Badr, and candidates should give details of his involvement in this event.
3. (a) After the loss at Badr, revenge was sought and Abu Sufyan led the Quraysh army to Uhud.
4. (a) His wife Hind also went seeking revenge for the death of her father.
5. (a) After Uhud Abu Sufyan vowed to fight again and the next time they met was at the Battle of the Trench.
6. (a) Candidates could also talk about the breaking of the treaty of Hudaybiya, Abu Sufyan's attempts to restore the treaty, his subsequent conversion when the Prophet marched towards Makka, and the honour the Prophet gave him despite him being a fierce opponent for many years.
7. (a) At Ta'if Abu Sufyan lost an eye, and Yarmouk he lost the other; he died aged 90 in Madina.
8. (a) Khalid bin Walid: He was from a family who opposed the Prophet in Makka, and although he did not take part in the Battle of Badr, he played a vital role in the Battle of Uhud against the Muslims, turning the Muslim victory to defeat.
9. (a) Candidates should give details of his role.
10. (a) He converted to Islam after the Treaty of Hudaybiya.
11. (a) In 629, Khalid set out for Madina.
12. (a) On the way he met 'Amr ibn al-'As and 'Uthman ibn Talha, who were also going to Madina to convert to Islam.
13. (a) After conversion he took part in the Battle of Mu'ta.
14. (a) It was the first battle between the Romans and the Muslims.
15. (a) He reported that the fighting was so intense, that he used nine swords, which broke in the battle.
16. (a) Khalid took over after Zayd ibn Haritha, then Ja'far ibn Abi Talib, then Abdullah ibn Rawaha were killed.
17. (a) It was because of him that the Muslims returned safely.
18. (a) He subsequently took part in the Conquest of Makka, Battle of Hunain and the Battle of Tabuk.
19. (a) Candidates can give details of these events.
20. (a) He was at the farewell pilgrimage of the Prophet, and is said to have collected three hairs from the Prophet there, which gave him victory in his battles.
21. (a) He died in 642 in Syria.
22. (b) Muslims can learn that no matter how fierce a person is against Islam, they can change and become friends to Islam.
23. (b) Therefore, Muslims should not treat non-Muslims in a bad way, as they can be part of their community in the future.
24. (b) The example of the Prophet is to treat people well no matter how they treat you.
25. (b) Muslims can also learn that a new Muslims' sins are wiped clean so their past should not be held against them.
26. (b) So Muslims now should not look down on new Muslims no matter what their background.
27. (b) These are just some examples, candidates can offer other answers but should give details of what the lessons mean.