Describe the events of the Battle of Uhud.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2015). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] (a) Candidates should give a clear and detailed narrative of the events of the battle, including names of the key figures involved. The battle took place in 3AH (625) in revenge for the Makkan defeat at Badr; the Makkan army numbered 3000 led by Abu Sufyan, whilst the Muslims were around 1000; shortly before the battle started Abdullah ibn Ubayy deserted the army with 300 of his people; the Muslims decided to meet the Makkan army at Uhud; the Prophet posted 50 archers on a hill to protect them from being attacked from behind; in the battle Hamza was killed by Wahshi, who earned his freedom through this act; Khalid bin Walid tried to break the Muslims from behind three times but the archers held him off; the Muslims were successful in driving back the Makkans, and started to collect the spoils of war; on seeing this some of the archers left their post on the hill to join those collecting the spoils; Khalid bin Walid noticed this and used the opportunity to attack the Muslims from the rear; the Quraysh army on seeing this turned back and renewed the battle; many Muslims fled; the Prophet was surrounded by nine Madinans, and only Talha bin Ubaidullah and Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas survived; the Prophet was badly injured; remaining Muslims were disheartened on hearing the Prophet had been killed; the Prophet and Muslims retreated to the Uhud mountain; the Makkans mutilated the dead bodies of the Muslims, including Hind who chewed on the liver of Hamza; the Muslims buried their martyrs and returned to Madina; around 70 Muslims were killed and 22/37 of the Makkans.
2. [4] (b) Candidates could say that the defeat at Uhud occurred due to the fact that the archers did not obey the Prophet's command. They can mention this but should not focus on this point alone, rather should go on to discuss how Muslims should obey the Prophet now. Candidates could say that the rules and guidance of Islam is based on the Qur'an and also the sunna and so to truly practise Islam the way of the Prophet has to be followed. In battle, Muslims should stick to the rules that the Prophet gave, like not harming the environment or women and children, and this can give Muslims success as they are following the commands of God, which they will be rewarded for. In their everyday lives Muslims can obey the Prophet's commands as to how to live their lives, in terms of prayer, being good to people, etc., and this will make them successful in their lives as the guidance given is all for their betterment. Candidates could also say that following the Prophet does not make one successful nowadays because e.g. success comes from individual's work or their own thoughts and actions. Whatever the candidates decide they should give reasons for their answer.