What were the causes of the revolt against 'Uthman and what charges were made against him?

Mark scheme

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

1. [10] (a) In answer to this question the candidates need to give a detailed and descriptive account of all the causes and charges made against 'Uthman which could include the allegation that he had appointed his relatives as governors of the various provinces; he allocated the wealth amassed in the campaigns to the governors rather than dividing it between the fighting men themselves; the granting of a fifth of war booty to an individual, his cousin Marwan ibn Hakam; the circulation of the official copies of the Qur'an and the burning of older copies; some thought that he was surrounded by people who gave bad advice and took advantage of his age. Some or all of these points could be made and it is the detail and development of them that will get the candidates to higher levels.
2. [4] (b) If candidates say yes to the question then they could write about either one or more lessons learnt from the martyrdom of ‘Uthman and evaluate them in some detail. Some examples of what could be expected in the answers are: 'Uthman being a man of firm principles stood by what he deemed to be just; him not wanting to shed unnecessary Muslim blood; him wanting to reach a negotiated settlement. These and other points could be made to show how Muslims today should stand by what they believe is just and fair and not give up efforts to find peaceful solutions to disputes even if it is at their own peril. If some candidates however write that no lessons can be learnt from 'Uthman's martyrdom then they need to back that view with reasons as well. All valid answers must be duly credited.