Describe the events of the migration (hijra) from Makka to Madina.

Mark scheme

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

1. [10] (a) For this answer an account should be given about the events of the actual journey; only brief mention should be made about events before the Prophet left Makka and his arrival in Madina. In 622 in Makka there was a plot to assassinate the Prophet (pbuh). Jibril came giving the Prophet (pbuh) God's permission to migrate after other Muslims had already left. Abu Bakr, 'Ali and the Prophet (pbuh) were left. The Quraysh came to the Prophet's house to kill him at night, (8.30). The Prophet (pbuh) had told 'Ali to sleep in his bed. The Prophet (pbuh) came out of his house and threw dust at the assassins, (36.9). Abu Bakr went with him. They took refuge in Cave Thawr. Abu Bakr went in to make sure it was clean and safe. Abu Bakr's foot was stung by an insect. They stayed in the cave three nights. Abu Bakr's son and daughter visited them. The Quraysh set a price of 100 camels for their capture. Some men reached the mouth of the cave. The Prophet (pbuh) reassured Abu Bakr that he should not worry as Allah was the third in the cave. A spider wove its web at the entrance of the cave, in this way God ensured they were not discovered. Suraqa almost caught up with them but his horse kept stumbling. They stopped in Quba and stayed there for four days, establishing a mosque. 'Ali caught up with them here. They arrived in Madina and the people welcomed the Prophet (pbuh). He stayed with Abu Ayyub al-Ansari. Some responses may also mention events that happened at Quarters of Bani Saleem or tents of Umm-e- Mu’bd or the Prophet (pbuh) leading a congregation at the valley of Ranuna.
2. [4] (b) The migration has allowed Islam to spread and flourish, allowing it to reach Muslims in all parts of the world until the present day. It also laid the foundation of a Muslim state which has resulted in many Muslim nations around the world. Some candidates will talk about how there are lessons in the migrations for Muslim communities facing political, social and religious problems. Such communities can also find alternative ways to come out of these problems, similarly, the communities that host immigrants can also learn valuable lessons about how to accommodate and help migrants.