Write about the lives of 'Uthman and 'Ali during the lifetime of the Prophet (pbuh).

Mark scheme

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

1. [10] (a) A comprehensive answer will provide an account of some key events from both companions' lives, with a balance between the information provided for each companion.
2. (a) 'Uthman ibn Affan: he accepted Islam through Abu Bakr. He was wealthy in Makka, but still tortured by his relatives after conversion, and was amongst those who migrated to Abyssinia.
3. (a) 'Uthman ibn Affan: He married the Prophet's daughter Ruqayyah. Ruqayyah fell ill before the Battle of Badr and so he was excused from participating; she died while the Prophet (pbuh) was at battle.
4. (a) 'Uthman ibn Affan: 'Uthman later married the Prophet's other daughter, Umm Kulthum, and was given the name 'possessor of the two lights'.
5. (a) 'Uthman ibn Affan: He went to Makka as the Prophet's emissary to allow the Muslims to perform the pilgrimage, and was detained by the Makkans; this led to the signing of the Treaty of Hudaybiyya.
6. (a) 'Uthman ibn Affan: He took part in the battle of Uhud and at Tabuk 'Uthman supplied the army with nine hundred and forty camels, and sixty horses. He also brought ten thousand dinars to equip the army.
7. (a) 'Uthman ibn Affan: He bought a well and donated it to be used by the rich, poor and travellers.
8. (a) 'Uthman ibn Affan: He was considered to be the most shy/modest among the Muslims.
9. (a) 'Ali ibn Abi Talib: the Prophet's cousin, he went to live with the Prophet (pbuh) at a young age to alleviate the hardship on his father.
10. (a) 'Ali ibn Abi Talib: He was one of the first to accept the message of Islam at the age of ten.
11. (a) 'Ali ibn Abi Talib: When the Prophet (pbuh) started open preaching, he called his clansmen to Islam and it was only Ali who stepped forward to support him. The Quraysh laughed at 'Ali being made an amir that they should obey.
12. (a) 'Ali ibn Abi Talib: He stood by the Prophet (pbuh) during the persecutions and the boycott in Makka.
13. (a) 'Ali ibn Abi Talib: He was entrusted with the Quraysh's belongings to be returned to them when the Prophet (pbuh) migrated to Madina, and he met the Prophet (pbuh) and Abu Bakr at Quba.
14. (a) 'Ali ibn Abi Talib: In Madina 'Ali was made the brother of the Prophet (pbuh). He married the Prophet's daughter Fatima and they had four children.
15. (a) 'Ali ibn Abi Talib: 'Ali was a prominent fighter in all the battles (except Tabuk), commanding the Muslim army at Khaybar.
16. (a) 'Ali ibn Abi Talib: He was one of the scribes of the Prophet (pbuh), writing down the Qur'an as well as the Treaty of Hudaybiyya.
17. (a) 'Ali ibn Abi Talib: 'Ali rode next to the Prophet (pbuh) on the final pilgrimage. 'Ali and Abbas washed the body of the Prophet (pbuh) when he died.
18. [4] (b) Lessons could be that they should not shy away from the truth and that their age does not mean they cannot make right and mature decisions.
19. (b) Lessons: They should follow the guidance of trustworthy people but know that they also can have the strength to play an important role in the community even at a young age. They should look to keep themselves in good company to be able to make the right decisions.
20. (b) Lessons: If a young person is able to lead the community because he is knowledgeable, whether it be in prayer or guiding others, then he should not be prevented from doing so due to his age. Young people can also be role models for others.
21. (b) Candidates can offer other lessons and valid answers should be credited.