With reference to the conduct of the Muslims, describe the events of the Conquest of Makka.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2016). 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.
2. [10] 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 (pbuh) set out with 10000 soliders. It was 8AH. The Prophet's (pbuh) army stopped outside Makka and it was here that Abu Sufyan became Muslim and his house was made a place of safety. Abu Sufyan returned to Makka and warned the Quraysh not to resist the Muslim army; most put down their arms, but a few (Safwan, Ikrimah, Suhayl) swore to block the Muslim army from entering Makka. There were 4 groups, one led by Khalid bin Walid, that faced resistance, leading to some deaths. The Prophet (pbuh) 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. "You have been my very unreasonable countrymen. You refuted my prophethood and turned me out of my house. And when I took refuge in a far-off place, you rose to fight against me. However, inspite of all these crimes of yours, I forgive all of you and make you free and declare that you may go after the pursuits of your life." Some Qur'anic verses related to the incident are 17.81 and 34.49
3. [4] (b) Candidates could say, e.g.,
4. [4] Yes they can learn from his treatment of his former enemies because the Prophet (pbuh) forgave those who had shown a lot of enmity towards him, such as Abu Sufyan. In following this example, Muslims can forgive those in their life who call them names, abuse them, or try to stop them from doing good, especially if they are sorry for what they have done. A grudge should not be held against them. In Makka the Prophet (pbuh) forgave everyone except a handful of people, including those who had killed his family members such as Wahshi and Hind. Muslims should realise that forgiveness is always a better option than revenge.
5. [4] No they can't learn from his treatment of his former enemies because they live in different times and people/enemies are different now; the way in which people are harmed is different now, e.g. using social media, so the way they have to be dealt with has to be different.
6. [4] These are just examples of answers that could be given, candidates should be credited for relevant answers that have a good explanation