Describe the main events of the Pledges of Aqaba and the details in the Pledges.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2021). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant information must be credited.
2. The Prophet (pbuh) had tried to spread Islam outside Makka without success. Soon after the events of Ta'if he met six men in Makka, who had come from Yathrib for the annual pilgrimage. They became Muslim and promised to go back and tell people in Yathrib about the Prophet (pbuh) and Islam. Five of the men returned to Makka the following year with seven more people (12 in total) who took an oath at Aqaba in 621 which is known as the First Pledge of Aqaba.
3. The first pledge had details relating to worshipping one God, not stealing nor committing adultery/fornication, to not kill their children, to not slander or disobey the Prophet (pbuh).
4. Musab bin Umair was sent with them to teach them about Islam.
5. The following year more people came to take the oath with the Prophet (pbuh), around 73 men and 2 women. They invited the Prophet (pbuh) to come to Yathrib as their leader.
6. The second pledge was to listen and obey the Prophet (pbuh), to spend in plenty as well as scarcity, to enjoin good and forbid evil, fear no one but God, and defend the Prophet (pbuh) if he needs it. They promised to protect him and he promised to never leave them.
7. Abbas warned the Yathribites about the consequences of inviting the Prophet (pbuh) to Yathrib and what would happen if they were to betray him. The new Muslims wanted to take the Prophet (pbuh) back with them, but he sent them back to Yathrib and then the Prophet (pbuh) told Muslims in Makka to start migrating which brought an end to the everyday persecutions the Muslims were facing.
8. Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant information must be credited.
9. Muslims should know that moving to new places can be difficult and depending on the reason for their move can be distressing.
10. Newcomers can be welcomed by inviting them to have a meal, provide logistical support on how to find things in the area, or even offer emotional support.