Write about the way in which the Prophet interacted with non-Muslims after his move to Madina.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2016). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] (a) Candidates could write about how the Prophet (pbuh) made a constitution for the citizens of Madina (Charter of Madina), including non-Muslims, about their rights and responsibilities as part of the community. Non-Muslims had the following rights: equal political and cultural rights, autonomy and freedom of religion; they would fight with the Muslims against the enemy of the community and have the same responsibilities in war as others. The Prophet (pbuh) engaged in commercial dealings with them and gave and received help from them. He sometimes borrowed money from Jews and also arranged for loans from them for some of his companions: one day a Jew caught hold of the cloth the Prophet(pbuh) was wearing and demanded that he repay the loan he had taken from him. 'Umar, got angry with the Jew and scolded him. The Prophet (pbuh) then ordered that the loan be repaid to the Jew, and because ‘Umar had scolded him the Prophet (pbuh) insisted that he be given more money than what he had actually been owed. Not everyone was happy with the Prophet's (pbuh) leadership of Madina and individuals from among the non-Muslim clans plotted to take the Prophet's (pbuh) life. Two of the tribes – the Banu Nadir and the Banu Qaynuqa - were eventually exiled for breaking the treaty and for the consequent danger they posed to the new Muslim community. The Banu Qurayza also broke their treaty by siding with the Quraysh at the Battle of the Trench. They were dealt with in accordance to their own laws, which meant that many of them were put to death. Candidates could also mention that the Prophet (pbuh) sent letters to various non-Muslim rulers inviting them to Islam. The Christians of Najran visited the Prophet (pbuh) in Madina to talk to him and ask questions. They then signed a peace treaty. The Prophet (pbuh) allowed them to pray their prayers in the mosque. Candidates could also talk about his treatment of non-Muslims at the Conquest of Makka but this should not take up the bulk of the answer.
2. [4] (b) Non-Muslims were respected by the Prophet (pbuh) and invited to Islam. If they did not accept it they were left to live their lives freely under their own faith. Muslims now can learn from this by inviting non-Muslims to Islam by teaching them about the essentials of faith. If they do not want to accept Islam then they should not be harassed or hurt, but rather respected and looked after. Muslims who kill people from other faiths because they do not believe in Islam, are going against the example of the Prophet (pbuh). Muslims should also enter into agreements with non-Muslims to ensure both sides live amicably and do not have their freedoms taken away by the other side. This allows both parties to know where they stand and do not have to live in fear. Candidates can offer their own examples, and valid answers should be credited.