Write about the lives of the Prophet's uncles: Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib and Abu Talib.

Mark scheme

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

1. [10] 5(a) Write about the lives of the Prophet's uncles: Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib and Abu Talib.
2. Use AO1 Levels of Response.
3. Candidates may include some of the following points. All other relevant points must be credited.
4. Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib: he was an uncle and foster-brother of the Prophet (pbuh), and only two years older than him.
5. He was a warrior and sportsman and had little interest in the issues of Makka.
6. He hit Abu Jahl on the head when he heard Abu Jahl had assaulted the Prophet (pbuh), and asked him to hit him back if he was brave enough.
7. Hamza then declared that he had become Muslim. It gave the Muslims a lot of strength and they were able to pray in public.
8. In the battle of Badr he killed leading men of the Quraysh including Hind's father Utbah; she vowed revenge and hired Washi to kill Hamza which he did at the battle of Uhud.
9. He was given the title “chief of Martyrs”, and the Prophet (pbuh) led his funeral prayer. He was also known as the “Lion of Allah”.
10. Abu Talib: he became the guardian of the Prophet (pbuh) after the death of the Prophet's grandfather and he loved the Prophet (pbuh) like his own son, often preferring Muhammad (pbuh) over his own children.
11. When in financial difficulty, Abu Talib's son ‘Ali went to live with the Prophet (pbuh).
12. Abu Talib took the Prophet (pbuh) on trade journeys with him, and on one particular journey the monk, Bahira, told Abu Talib that his nephew would be the final prophet.
13. Abu Talib quickly sold his goods and returned to Makka.
14. When the Prophet (pbuh) openly announced Islam, Abu Talib did not become Muslim, but he did promise to protect the Prophet (pbuh).
15. It was his protection that prevented the Prophet (pbuh) from being persecuted more severely.
16. When there was a boycott on the Prophet (pbuh) and his family, Abu Talib faced the difficulties of the boycott with the Prophet (pbuh) in the valley of Abi Talib (Shib i Abi Talib).
17. Abu Talib's support for the Prophet (pbuh) was invaluable and the Prophet (pbuh) was very grieved at Abu Talib's death.
18. [4] 5(b) What can be learned from Abu Talib's example of support for the Prophet (pbuh)?
19. Use the AO2 Levels of Response.
20. Candidates can offer their own opinions but some answers could say, e.g., Abu Talib kept his promise to the Prophet (pbuh) even though it meant he faced many difficulties himself. This shows the importance of keeping your promises and being loyal even when you know it may be difficult for you.
21. When the Quraysh offered the Prophet (pbuh), through Abu Talib, lots of riches and the Prophet (pbuh) refused, Abu Talib told the Prophet (pbuh) he would continue to support him. This illustrates that loyalty and honour are important characteristics, and if you love and care about someone and you offer them help, you should not go back on your word.
22. Abu Talib took the Prophet (pbuh) under his care when the Prophet (pbuh) became an orphan. This provides an example of giving support to orphans and giving care to those who are in need.