Write a detailed account about the election and administration of Abu Bakr.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2017). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. 3(a) In answer to this question it could be said that the Prophet (pbuh) did not nominate a successor. After his death the ansars gathered in Saqifah-i-Bani Sa'ad to discuss the appointment of a caliph where they were joined by Abu Bakr and 'Umar and other eminent muhajireen, ‘Ali was not present at this meeting as he was busy with the preparations of the final rites of the Prophet (pbuh). Whether the caliph was to be from the ansar, or the Quraysh was discussed at the meeting. The ansars wanted a caliph from amongst them in view of their sacrifices for Islam, but Abu Bakr argued that the Arabs would not agree on any Amir other than a person from the Quraysh, at which point the ansars suggested the option of electing two Amirs, one from the Quraysh and one from the ansars, to which ‘Umar objected saying it would cause confusion in the umma. 'Ubayda bin Jarra addressed the ansars at this point and said, 'O Ansar! You were the first to uphold Islam do not be the first to sow the seeds of dissension in it.' The ansars immediately withdrew their claim. Abu Bakr suggested the name of ‘Ubayda bin Jarrah and 'Umar held the hand of Abu Bakr and pledged his allegiance. On seeing this people from all sides rushed to pledge their loyalty to Abu Bakr and a general pledge was taken the next day. Candidates could refer to the speech Abu Bakr made upon his election.
2. 3(a) As for the administration of Abu Bakr, candidates could say that he laid the foundation of a truly democratic state. Following the Qur'an and sunna Abu Bakr conducted the affairs of the state by discussing all matters with the Majlis-e-Shura. He divided the state into provinces and appointed governors who were responsible for both administrative and military affairs. Public money was strictly accounted for and all those in government were selected on merit. It should be said that even though there was no police force, all crimes and their perpetrators were dealt with in the light of the teachings from the Qur'an and sunna and if they were silent ijma was practiced. By his efficient administration he preserved the integrity of Islam by suppressing rebellions and making sure that the Pillar of zakat was enforced.
3. 3(a) The mark is not to be divided 5+5 between the two parts but instead the answer has to be read as a whole and a global mark should be given.
4. 3(b) Candidates are free to choose which, in their opinion, was Abu Bakr's greatest service as caliph. They could say that by fighting the false prophets he ensured that the Muslims were not led astray, or they could say that by upholding the Pillar of zakat he ensured that the faith was not corrupted or that the compilation of the Qur'an ensured its survival in its original form for future generations of Muslims. All viewpoints given must be backed up with reasons.