Write an account of the events that resulted from the opposition of Talha and Zubayr to 'Ali.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2016). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. (a) Here, candidates could write about how Talha and Zubayr were amongst the first people to do bay'a on 'Ali's hand and how, because of his delay in punishing the assassins of ‘Uthman, they turned against him. Answers could go on to give details of how, on account of their opposition, they asked Ayesha to join forces with them and raised a force of their own. 'Ali also raised an army of 10000 and marched to Basra to face them. Negotiations were held between the two sides and were almost successful, but the mischief mongers attacked both sides at night, as peace would not have been in their interests, and this finally led to the war. Talha and Zubayr left the battlefield as per the terms of the treaty but were killed and Ayesha fought the battle seated on her camel. This is how the battle got its name, i.e. battle of camel. 'Ali won this battle and Ayesha was sent back to Madina with due respect. This was the first civil war of Islam in which 10000 Muslims lost their lives and after which 'Ali moved his capital to Kufa from Madina. Some answers could well say that on account of this battle 'Ali was prevented from dealing effectively with Mu'awiya earlier and that the battle caused a deep divide amongst the umma. The above were some of the immediate challenges that 'Ali faced due to the opposition of Talha and Zubayr. The long term effects of this opposition, however, were felt till his martyrdom.
2. (b) A range of opinions could be given in response to this question. Candidates could say that he wanted 'Ali to take immediate action against the killers of 'Uthman; another reason could be the rivalry between the Ummayads and the Hashimites. Some could even say that a desire for justice or personal ambition was the reason why he refused to step down as governor of Syria at 'Ali's request. Whatever the opinion, it needs to be backed up with sound reasoning. All valid responses are to be credited.