Outline the main events from the Prophet's night journey and ascension (al-isra wal-mi'raj).

Mark scheme

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

1. Use the AO1 Marking Grid
2. Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant information must be credited.
3. In the year before migration, the Prophet (pbuh) was taken on a journey, 'from the sacred mosque to the farthest mosque' [Sura 17.1].
4. The Prophet (pbuh) was asleep in the house of Umm e Hani/Hateem (Hijr).
5. He was woken from his sleep and his heart was washed with Zamzam by the Angel Jibril.
6. He was then taken on Buraq from Makka to Jerusalem (description of Buraq).
7. He was presented with vessels, one containing wine and the other milk. The Prophet (pbuh) chose milk, to which Jibril said, 'You have been guided on the fitra (faith).'
8. There the Prophet (pbuh) led all the previous prophets in prayer.
9. After that, Jibril took him to the seven heavens. He (pbuh) met Adam at the door to heaven, and He (pbuh) met various Prophets, on the second Isa and Yahya, on the third Yusuf, on the fourth Idris, on the fifth Harun, on the sixth Musa, and on the seventh, Ibrahim, who was next to the Lote tree.
10. He was led to the Lote Tree, past which Jibril could not go, and then met with his Lord.
11. He was given prayers and the last 2 verses of Sura Baqara.
12. On his way down he met Musa who suggested the Prophet (pbuh) ask God to reduce the number of prayers given to his people. The Prophet (pbuh) did this numerous times, then at five, stopped, saying that he was too embarrassed to ask for further reduction. He was shown some of the inhabitants of Heaven and Hell.
13. Answers should also mention that this all took place in one night, and when the Prophet (pbuh) told the people, the Quraysh laughed at him. Abu Bakr believed in the event straight away, becoming As-Siddiq.
14. Use the AO2 Marking Grid
15. Candidates may include some of the following points. All other relevant information must be credited.
16. The Prophet (pbuh) was feeling sad after his wife and uncle had passed away. This event reassured him of His status with God, and that God had sent him for a specific purpose. It also reassured him that God had not left him alone, and so he should continue in his work in spreading the faith.
17. He realised his status amongst prophets, as seal of the prophets, he led them in prayer, and realised the blessings God had given his community (by giving the five prayers), which gave him renewed hope in his message, and he began to work towards better prospects for him and his community. Loyalty shown by Companions such as Abu Bakr also strengthened his heart.