Write an account of the first actions taken by the Prophet (pbuh) to establish a Muslim community in Madina.

Mark scheme

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

1. [10] 4(a) Write an account of the first actions taken by the Prophet (pbuh) to establish a Muslim community in Madina.
2. Use the AO1 Levels of Response.
3. Candidates may include some of the following points. All other relevant points must be credited.
4. When the Prophet (pbuh) first arrived in Madina, the people were happy to see him and wanted him to stay with them.
5. First of all he established the place for the first mosque and was then involved in its construction. Azaan was also introduced.
6. On their arrival in Madina, the Muslims of Makka were without many belongings. The Muslims of Madina (mainly from the Aws and Khazraj tribes), who had invited the Prophet (pbuh) to their city, were happy to welcome the migrating Muslims.
7. To unite the two groups, the Prophet (pbuh) made them brothers, pairing each of the Ansar with the Muhajirun. This was to help each other materially and spiritually.
8. The Ansar had already been eager to help their migrating brothers and sisters with accommodation and food.
9. The Prophet (pbuh) gathered the two groups and started calling out the name of one Ansar and one Muhajir. The Prophet (pbuh) took 'Ali as his brother.
10. Sa'd bin ar-Rabi and Abdur Rahman bin Awf were made brothers and Sa'd was willing to share half his property and divorce one of his wives for Abdur Rahman to marry. He refused, saying 'direct me to the nearest marketplace so that I may make my fortune with my own hands.'
11. The Ansar wanted to share their date palms with the Muhajirun but the Muhajirun refused, so the Ansar offered them to work in their orchards and in return they were given dates. In this way the Madinans gave protection and material assistance to their Makkan brothers and the Makkans came with their faith to share and spread in Madina.
12. The virtue of these two groups has been mentioned in the Qur'an, e.g. 'Those who believed and emigrated and carried out jihad in the way of Allah with their wealth and lives are greater in rank in the sight of Allah, and it is they who are the successful.' [9.20]
13. Candidates may also make a reference to the Charter of Madina.
14. [4] 4(b) How might Muslims today follow the example of the community in Madina to make their own communities stronger?
15. Use the AO2 Levels of Response.
16. Candidates can offer their own opinions, but some suggestions could be: Muslims should try to establish a sense of brother/sisterhood in their communities, e.g. when people move into your area you could welcome them and share food with them.
17. If you know they are in need of a job you can try to help them find work or offer them a job, if possible.
18. You can try to ensure they have what they need and give them the information they need to settle into their new surroundings.
19. Or, if you are moving to a new place you should get to know your neighbours and keep good relations with them. If they do not share the same faith as you it's important to live in harmony with those of other religions.
20. In return, you should not take advantage of the generosity of others, or rely on others so much that you burden them.