Write a detailed account of the Battle of the Camel.

Mark scheme

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

1. This battle was fought in 656.
2. Talha and Zubayr who were among the first to pledge loyalty to 'Ali turned against him and raised a cry for vengeance for the blood of 'Uthman.
3. They were joined in this opposition by A'isha. Together they raised an army of 900 men and marched towards Basra.
4. 'Ali left Madina with a force of 600 men and headed for the camping ground halfway between the two garrison cities from where he sent his son Hasan to Kufa to gather support.
5. Despite Abu Musa's instruction to his men to remain neutral they joined Hasan and he was able to lead 7000 men to his father's support.
6. Negotiations took place between the two sides and were successful but in the night mischief makers from both sides urged the soldiers to fight and war began.
7. Talha and Zubayr were both martyred. Talha was killed from behind by Marwan bin Hakam with an arrow and Zubayr was killed after he left the battlefield.
8. The battle raged around the camel of A'isha who was directing the fight. 40 men lost their lives guarding the camel of A'isha and finally 'Ali gave the order for the camel to be brought down.
9. As the camel fell Muhammad ibn Abu Bakr who was fighting on 'Ali's side rushed to help his sister and was asked by 'Ali to escort A'isha back to Madina.
10. The Battle of Camel was won by 'Ali.
11. Candidates need to say what the most serious consequence of this battle was and back their choice with reasons.
12. It could be said that this was the first civil war fought amongst Muslims and broke the unity of the `umma`.
13. Another view could be that the strong opposition 'Ali faced from Talha, Zubayr and A'isha emboldened Mu'awiyah to oppose the caliph.
14. The capital of the Islamic caliphate was moved from Madina to Kufa could be given as another consequence of this battle.