The Prophet entered Makka and took control of it in 8AH. Describe the main details of this event.

Mark scheme

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

1. [10] (a) Good answers should be able to narrate the story of the events of the Conquest of Makka, leading up to it and immediately after, and give detailed information as well as name the key figures involved. Details and accuracy will take candidates up the levels. The Quraysh had broken the terms of the Treaty of Hudaybiyya, by attacking Banu Khuza'ah who had allied with the Muslims. Realising the seriousness of the situation the Quraysh sent Abu Sufyan to ensure the treaty was intact, but he left Madina without doing so. After making preparations for war, the Prophet set out with 10000 soliders. It was 8AH. The Prophet's army stopped outside Makka and it was here that Abu Sufyan became Muslim and his house was made a safe place. The Prophet entered Makka, with only Khalid bin Walid's group facing resistance, killing 12 Makkans and sustaining two martyrs. The Prophet knocked down the 360 idols in the Ka'ba. The keys to the Ka'ba were given to 'Uthman bin Talha, and at the time of prayer, Bilal ascended the Ka'ba and gave the adhan. Apart from nine people, the Quraysh were pardoned, including Wahshi and Hind. Some Qur'anic verses related to the incident are 17.81 and 34.49.
2. [4] (b) Candidates could say yes or no, but have to give reasons for their answer. They could agree and say it is realistic, because they should follow Islam no matter what time or place they are living in and the Prophet's example is for all time. Better answers will write about how they can do this in their own lives/in a current context. They could say it is not possible for Muslims to follow his example, e.g. because he was the perfect model and other humans are not. Better answers could say how it is difficult to apply this kind of mercy into their everyday lives.