Write an account of the Battle of Yamama fought during the caliphate of Abu Bakr, and the Battle of the Camel fought during the caliphate of 'Ali.

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 part of the question candidates need to write about the causes of these two battles, who they were fought against, the dates, key events and the outcome of the two battles. It must be remembered that the mark is not divided 5+5 between the two battles but the answer needs to be read as a whole and awarded a global mark. Some of the key points that could be written about these two battles are: Battle of Yamama: The battle of Yamama was fought between the forces of Abu Bakr and Musaylimah the false prophet, who belonged to the Banu Hanifa tribe of central Arabia and had declared himself a prophet during the lifetime of the Holy Prophet (pbuh). Abu Bakr sent Shurhbeel bin Hasanah and 'Ikrimah to crush the rebellion but they were not successful. Musaylimah's army was defeated when Khalid bin Waleed led the Muslim forces in 633AD and Musaylimah was killed by Wahashi. In this battle a large number of huffaz were martyred. Battle of the Camel: It was fought in 35 AH. Talha and Zubayr who had initially sided with 'Ali turned against him and raised the cry for vengeance for the blood of Uthman. They were joined by the Prophet's widow Aisha. They raised an army and marched towards Basra. 'Ali went with 10000 soldiers to face them. Negotiations took place between the two sides and were almost successful but mischief makers within the two camps who did not want peace started the fight. Talha and Zubayr were killed as they tried to leave the battlefield. Aisha personally participated in the battle and the camel on which she was seated became the focus of attention and this is how the battle got its name. 'Ali's side won the battle and Aisha was sent back to Madinah escorted by her brother with respect.
2. [4] (b) Here candidates could bring out what in their opinion were the main differences between these two battles. They could well say that the battle of Yamama was fought to save the main principles of Islam and against a false prophet, whereas the battle of Camel was the first civil war between Muslims. They could say how the first was to preserve the integrity of Islam and the latter was for political reasons. These and any other valid differences put forward by the candidates should be credited.