Giving at least four examples from his life, write about the ways in which the Prophet Muhammad showed generosity and humility.

Mark scheme

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

1. [10] Generosity is giving freely without expecting anything in return: examples of the Prophet's generosity are: He would never refuse the beggar, would feed the poor and hungry, going hungry himself. He would give away his possessions and money. He never turned down anyone who asked him for something, and once a person asked for the clothes he was wearing, the Prophet took off his garment and handed it to the man. Once, 70 000 dirhams were brought to him and he laid them on the floor and gave them out until they were all finished. He was most generous in Ramadan. When he returned a debt he gave more than what he owed. Even when he asked for water from a woman to drink, he gave the water skins back with more water in them as well as some food. He was generous with his prayers, praying for those who hurt him rather than asking for their destruction, e.g. at Ta'if and Uhud.
2. [10] Humility is having a low/modest view of yourself: the Prophet would not think of himself as above the Companions, like a king, and would take part in all the tasks the rest of the community would, like digging the Trench in battle despite his hunger, or taking part in the building of the mosque in Madina. He would take part in household chores, like cleaning and mending his garments, milking the goats, etc., and would not expect others to do it for him. He would sit on the floor and eat, saying, 'I am only a servant, I eat like a servant or a slave eats, and I sit as any servant sits.' When the Prophet entered Makka after the conquest, he did not enter with a big display of victory, rather he was riding at the back of the army remembering and thanking God. He was so hunched over that his beard was touching the back of his animal.
3. [4] Examples could be that they can look out for the needs of people who live around them, whether it be helping them with their shopping, giving them food from what they have cooked for themselves, giving gifts, especially on days of celebration, or spending time with them, e.g. if they live alone.