Write an account of the different ways in which revelations came to the Prophet. Include examples in your answer.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2018). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] The Qur'an was revealed to the Prophet over a period of 23 years. The first revelation came in the year 610, in Cave Hira. The revelations were stopped for a period, after first revelation, which caused the Prophet to worry. Once they started again they came strongly and frequently.
2. [10] There were different ways in which the verses were revealed to the Prophet. Sometimes the Angel Jibril would come in the form of a man, which the companions witnessed, and a few times the Prophet saw the Angel in his original form, e.g. on the night journey (sura najm). He also received revelation in dreams. The most difficult was when they came as the ringing of a bell.
3. [10] The revelations would weigh down on him, so much so that his camel could not withstand the weight. It is also reported by Ayesha that she witnessed sweat dropping from his forehead on a very cold day. The candidates can also narrate stories, such as the pressure that it put on Zayd's thigh when he was sitting next to the Prophet during one of the revelations. The revelations were not within his control (sura 75:16–19), he had no idea when they were coming, and they were safeguarded by God.
4. [10] As elaboration, candidates can also narrate how some revelations were responses to specific events, e.g. the revelation during the migration when Abu Bakr was worried (sura tawba:40) or Surah Duha and Kauthar to console the Prophet.
5. [4] Some benefits could be that, it is said when you listen to the Qur'an you receive the mercy of God (7.204). The Qur'an will become an intercessor for that person on the Day of Judgment. Each letter that is pronounced brings reward to that person. A person who recites the Qur'an and is well versed in it, will be in the company of the angels who are scribes, and if they are struggling with their recitation they will have double the reward.
6. [4] Some may say there are few benefits when you read something you don't understand, but answers must offer an explanation.