Write about the persecution faced by the Prophet (pbuh) after he started preaching Islam openly.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2022). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] 3(a) Write about the persecution faced by the Prophet (pbuh) after he started preaching Islam openly.
2. Use the AO1 Levels of Response.
3. Candidates should write a detailed account of the difficulties faced by the Prophet (pbuh) himself.
4. Candidates could give a brief description of the Prophet (pbuh) beginning to preach openly after years of secret worship. When he announced his faith to the Quraysh on Mount Safa, he immediately faced opposition. Some might also mention the initial invitation to his closer kinsmen and their reaction.
5. They rejected his call to Islam, and subsequently went on to mock and torture the Prophet (pbuh).
6. He was called a mad man, or possessed by jinn [15.6, 68.51].
7. They hired poets to write abusive poems.
8. Abu Lahab forced his two sons to divorce the Prophet's daughters Ruqayya and Umm Kulthum.
9. They laughed and mocked him after his son's death, calling him “abtar”.
10. Abu Jahl had the foetus of a she-camel placed on the Prophet's back while he was praying at the Ka'ba, which was removed by Fatima.
11. He had rubbish thrown on him when he walked in the street.
12. His followers were also persecuted which hurt the Prophet (pbuh) too.
13. The Prophet (pbuh) and Banu Hashim were boycotted and were not allowed business dealings or social contact with the Makkans; they stayed in Shib i Abi Talib for three years, where they had little food or water.
14. When the Prophet (pbuh) visited Ta'if to try and spread the message of Islam there, he was ridiculed and the leaders sent children to throw stones on him. He was bleeding and took refuge in a nearby orchard.
15. There was a plot to murder the Prophet (pbuh) which eventually led to his migration.
16. Candidates may also refer to bribery and coercion attempts by the Quraysh.
17. [4] 3(b) Choose one example of the Prophet's conduct when persecuted and explain how it can be followed by Muslims today.
18. Use the AO2 Levels of Response.
19. Candidates can offer other answers, but they could give examples such as: He was patient even when faced with persecution so Muslims should be patient when they are faced with hardships, whether it is difficulties at school with exams, being unwell and having to face sufferings with health or with the health of family members.
20. He was steadfast when faced with adversity, so Muslims can think of this and turn to God, rather than turn away from God, in times of difficulty.
21. He did not take revenge when he was in a position to do so which can be a lesson that forgiveness is superior to revenge, especially when one finds themselves in positions of power over others.