(a) Give an account of the steps taken by Abu Bakr to establish his caliphate. (b) In your opinion, which one of Abu Bakr's achievements as caliph was the most significant? Give reasons to support your answer.

Mark scheme

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

1. Upon election Abu Bakr took on the title of ‘Khalifa-tul-Rasul-Allah' and gave a memorable speech which reflected his humility. It could be said that his short caliphate was distinguished with two main concerns: first to continue to send the expedition to Syria which the Prophet (pbuh) had planned and secondly to maintain the unity and solidarity of the umma by putting down the uprisings that began after the death of the Prophet (pbuh). Details of the expedition sent to Syria under Usama ibn Zayd could be given as part of the development of the answer.
2. Candidates also need to write about how he dealt firmly with the apostate tribes who left Islam or refused to pay zakat and fought the false prophets. Brief accounts of these encounters could be given.
3. Candidates when giving an account of his rule could say how he laid the foundations of a truly democratic state, by running the affairs of the caliphate in consultation with the Majlis e Shura, how he administered in accordance with the practise of the Prophet (pbuh) and set the precedent of maintaining strict standards of accounting for public finances.
4. Development of the points given in the MS will determine the final mark a candidate receives.
5. Candidates need to choose any one achievement of Abu Bakr's as caliph and say why in their opinion it was the most significant.
6. If they choose the compilation of the Qur'an as his most significant achievement, they need to say what could have been the danger/consequence of not having the Qur'an in book form.
7. Likewise, for any other choice they include reasoning that demonstrates their understanding and supports the answer.