The Prophet (pbuh) was mistreated by the Makkans after preaching the message of Islam. Write an account of the difficulties he faced.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2020). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] (a) Candidates should write a detailed account of the difficulties faced by the Prophet (pbuh) himself. Candidates could give a brief description of the Prophet (pbuh) beginning to preach openly after years of secret worship, inviting his kinsmen to Islam but getting a cold reply from them. He announced his faith to the Quraysh on Mount Safa, they rejected his call to Islam, abu Lahab, in particular, spoke harshly and subsequently went on to mock and torture the Prophet (pbuh). He was called a mad man, or possessed by jinn [15.6, 68.51] Abu Lahab forced his two sons to divorce the Prophet's daughters Ruqayya and Umm Kulthum. They laughed and mocked him after his son's death, calling him 'abtar' and when there was a break in revelations. Abu Jahal was the most prominent Makkan who committed many atrocities against the Prophet (pbuh) on several occasions including physically attacking and inciting others to do the same. He also had the foetus of a she-camel placed on the Prophet's back while he was praying at the Ka'ba, this was removed by Fatima. The Prophet (pbuh) and his clan was boycotted and were not allowed business dealings or social contact with the Makkans; they stayed in Shib i Abi Talib for three years, where they had little food or water. There was a plot to murder the Prophet (pbuh) which eventually led to his migration. Some candidates might also refer to the pressure put on Abu Talib to withdraw support of the Prophet(pbuh) and the bribery offer made by the Quraysh.
2. [4] (b) Candidates could say that they can take from the Prophet's response that they should be patient and kind, and not retaliate to other people's behaviour. That in their everyday lives they may be mocked or bullied for different reasons, but they should try to remain patient. Showing perseverance and steadfastness with a strong belief in God's help, in the face of any hardship, is another way Muslims can respond. Better answers will give specific examples of lessons Muslims can take in certain circumstances.