Write about the lives of the Companions Khalid ibn Walid and Zayd ibn Haritha during the lifetime of the Prophet (pbuh).

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2023). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] Khalid ibn Walid: He was from a family who opposed the Prophet (pbuh) in Makka, and although he did not take part in the Battle of Badr, he played a vital role in the Battle of Uhud against the Muslims, turning the Muslim victory to defeat. He converted to Islam after the Treaty of Hudaybiyya. In 629, Khalid set out for Madina. On the way he met ‘Amr ibn al-‘As and ‘Uthman ibn Talha, who were also going to Madina to convert to Islam. After conversion he took part in the Battle of Mu’ta. It was the first battle between the Byzantines (Romans) and the Muslims. He reported that the fighting was so intense, that he used nine swords, which broke in the battle. Khalid took over after Zayd ibn Haritha, then Ja’far ibn Abi Talib, then Abdullah ibn Rawaha were killed. It was because of Khalid that the Muslims returned safely. He subsequently took part in the Conquest of Makka, the Battle of Hunayn and the Battle of Tabuk. Candidates can give details of these events. He was at the farewell pilgrimage of the Prophet (pbuh). Zayd ibn Haritha: He was eight years old when he was captured as a slave and was bought by Khadija’s nephew and given to Khadija. She then gave him to the Prophet (pbuh) who freed him. His family never stopped looking for him and when they heard he was in Makka they arrived with a ransom to free him. The Prophet (pbuh) gave him a choice to go with his father and uncle or to remain with him; Zayd chose to remain with the Prophet (pbuh), after which the Prophet (pbuh) declared Zayd his son and heir. He was called Zayd ibn Muhammad until the revelation 33.5 was revealed after which he was called Zayd ibn Haritha He was the third person said to have accepted Islam and he accompanied the Prophet (pbuh) when he tried to preach to the people of Ta’if and was injured along with the Prophet (pbuh). He was among those who went back to Makka to accompany the remaining Muslims to Madina after migration. He married several times, once to the Prophet’s cousin Zaynab, a marriage that ended in divorce (verse 33.37). He was close to the Prophet (pbuh) and fought in many battles, including Badr, Uhud, Khandaq and Khaybar. He commanded seven military expeditions; at the Battle of Mu’ta he was the standard bearer and was killed on the battlefield.
2. [4] Zayd ibn Haritha’s life can tell Muslims that it is not just immediate relations that are important, and that Muslims should look after other family members as well. Blood relations, and adopted family members should be treated with the same love and kindness. Adoption is also important in Islam and candidates could write that adopted children are to be given the same treatment in the family as other children. Although God later changed the inheritance of adopted children, their treatment within the family should be like your own children.