Give a detailed account of the following events: • the opposition faced by ‘Ali when he became Caliph and • the Battle of Camel

Mark scheme

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

1. [10] Candidates need to write about the fierce opposition faced by 'Ali on becoming caliph by Hazrat Aisha who was joined by Talha and Zubayr. How he was accused of manipulating the political strife that led to the martyrdom of 'Uthman. The fact that he was a reluctant arbitrator and other details related to his contribution in resolving the crisis between 'Uthman and the rebels were ignored.
2. [10] Following the above a detailed account of the Battle of Camel should be written about e.g. the number of men on either side, how a tentative peace treaty was brokered but broken by the mischief makers etc.
3. [10] The mark is not divided between the two parts and the answer should be read as a whole.
4. [4] A whole range of answers could be given. Some could say that the disunity and opposition faced by 'Ali on becoming caliph sowed the seeds of turmoil and was the greatest threat to him as it led to the first civil war in Islam.
5. [4] Others can say that Mu'awiyah's continued opposition to 'Ali led to the Battle of Siffin and that the inconclusive outcome of this battle was the most significant event that weakened 'Ali's caliphate.
6. [4] Blame could also be put at the doorstep of the Kharijites. Whatever the response it has to be backed with reasons as in all evaluative responses.