Write about the events of the migration to Abyssinia by some of the early Muslims.

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 points. All other relevant points must be credited.
3. The Muslims in Makka, mainly those without tribal protection and slaves, were being persecuted by the Quraysh.
4. An ayat was revealed about the earth being spacious for believers [Sura 39.10].
5. The Prophet (pbuh) allowed some followers to go to Abyssinia to seek protection from its king, the Negus, in the 5th year of prophethood (614/615).
6. 'Uthman and Ruqayya went in the first migration of 12 men and 4 women, whereupon the Quraysh chased them, but the migrants managed to board a boat before the Quraysh got to them.
7. Some came back from Abyssinia when they falsely heard that the Quraysh had accepted Islam (Sura Najm incident).
8. The persecutions increased and later the second delegation of 83 men and 19 women, led by the Prophet's cousin, Ja'far Ibn Abi Talib, migrated.
9. 'Amr ibn al-'As and 'Abdullah bin Abi Rabi'a followed them and asked the king to return the Muslims.
10. The Negus called the Muslims to give their account; Ja'far told him of the way they lived before Islam.
11. They returned the next day and the Makkans accused the Muslims of having strange beliefs about Jesus. Ja'far then recited verses from Sura Maryam. The Negus drew a line in the sand saying that the difference between Islam and Christianity was as thin as that line.
12. Negus was moved to tears and he allowed the Muslims to stay in Abyssinia in peace and freedom.
13. The Quraysh envoys were given their gifts back and sent away.
14. The Muslims lived here in peace until they moved to Madina.
15. Use the AO2 Marking Grid
16. Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant information must be credited.
17. The response should focus on treatment and lessons learned from it, not the migration itself.
18. The Muslims of Makka were given a fair hearing by the Negus, so now people should also be ready to listen and judge fairly in a dispute.
19. The Muslims were allowed to stay in Abyssinia and were allowed to practise their faith freely, so people now can take the example to allow others to come and live among them and have religious tolerance for other beliefs.
20. The emigrants acted in a way that led to them being welcomed and given the right to stay, so a lesson could be to be always respectful and honest.
21. Other examples can be given but candidates should elaborate on them for higher marks.