By referring to the Treaty of Madina, describe the relationship between the Muslims and the non-Muslims when the Prophet (pbuh) first arrived.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2019). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] A comprehensive answer will provide an account of the people living in Madina, the Prophet's interactions with them and the Constitution they agreed upon.
2. Candidates may include some of the following points. All other relevant points must be credited.
3. As well as the Aws and Khazraj (most of whom became Muslim) there were some Jewish tribes living in Madina, namely the Bani Qaynuqa, Nadir and Qurayza. They had been waiting for the arrival of a prophet, but they had expected him to come from the lineage of Ishaq. There were also some Christians living there.
4. As there had been fighting between the tribes, and there was also the chance that the Quraysh would try to attack the Muslims in Madina, the Prophet tried to unite the residents of Madina. One way to do this was to create a treaty for the citizens of Madina, including non-Muslims, about their rights and responsibilities as part of the community. The non-Muslims had the following rights: equal political and cultural rights, autonomy and freedom of religion; they would fight with the Muslims against the enemy of the community and have the same responsibilities in war as others.
5. The constitution meant that the rights of all citizens were safeguarded, and initially the relations between the different groups remained sound. They engaged in commercial dealings with each other and gave and received help from each other.
6. [4] Muslims can follow the Prophet's example and have cordial relations with minority groups in their communities. Non-Muslims or other ethnic minorities can be offered religious and social freedom based on the principles of 'Charter of Madina'. Rights can also be guaranteed through law. Another important aspect can be discouraging any discrimination against minority groups and providing them equal opportunities to take active part in communal life.
7. Candidates can support their points with examples from their surroundings.