Write an account of the campaign led by Abu Bakr against the tribes refusing to pay zakat.

Mark scheme

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

1. 4(a) Some tribes went back on their pledged allegiance to the Prophet and refused to pay zakat. In answering this question candidates could say why these tribes reneged on their pledge and how the caliph dealt with the tribes on the issue of non-payment of zakat. It could be said that he called the Shura to discuss this matter who advised him to not take action against the rebelling tribes at the time. His response to the Shura and the delegates who had come to ask for exemption could be written about in some detail in order to develop the answer. Also, an account of the attack launched by the tribes and Abu Bakr's counter attack repulsing the tribes could be given in the answer. The eventual defeat of these tribes at Abraq by Abu Bakr could also be written about. Candidates could say that once the main army returned from Syria, Abu Bakr led the force personally and defeated the tribes which resulted in them sending delegates to Madina not only offering their allegiance to the caliph but also expressing their willingness to pay zakat.
2. 4(b) Answers could say that it was crucial as zakat is one of the Pillars of Islam and its exemption would have altered the faith. Also, it could be said that if Abu Bakr had not taken action other tribes could have made different demands e.g. exemption from fasting, asking to make alcohol lawful. Islam would not have remained in its original form.
3. 4(b) All valid responses to be credited.