The Battle of Uhud was fought in the year 625. Describe the main events of this battle.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2017). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] (a) Good candidates should be able to provide a clear and detailed narrative of the events of the battle, including names of the key figures involved.
2. [10] (a) The battle took place in 3AH (625) in revenge for the Makkan defeat at Badr; the Prophet consulted his companions whether to fight outside or inside the city; the Makkan army numbered 3 000 led by Abu Sufyan, whilst the Muslims were around 1 000; shortly before the battle started Abdullah ibn Ubayy deserted the army with 300 of his people; the Muslims decided to meet the Makkan army at Uhud; the Prophet posted 50 archers on a hill to protect them from being attacked from behind; in the battle Hamza was killed by Wahshi, who earned his freedom through this act; Khalid bin Walid tried to break the Muslims from behind three times but the archers held him off; the Muslims were successful in driving back the Makkans, and started to collect the spoils of war; on seeing this some of the archers left their post on the hill to join those collecting the spoils; Khalid bin Walid noticed this and used the opportunity to attack the Muslims from the rear; the Quraysh army on seeing this turned back and renewed the battle; many Muslims fled; the Prophet was surrounded by nine Madinans, and only Talha bin Ubaidullah and Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas survived; the Prophet was badly injured; remaining Muslims were disheartened on hearing a rumour that the Prophet had been killed; the Prophet and Muslims retreated to the Uhud mountain; the Makkans mutilated the dead bodies of the Muslims, including Hind who chewed on the liver of Hamza; the Muslims buried their martyrs and returned to Madina; around 70 Muslims were killed and 22/37 of the Makkans.
3. [10] (a) Excellent candidates will provide the above information with considerable detail and accuracy, giving particulars about the role played by the key figures in the battle, as well as offering some quotations.
4. [4] (b) They could say that in difficult times, such as times of war, they should not give up hope of victory or of ease in their situation, and that they should continue to pray and worship God and carry on doing good deeds, because God is there for those who ask for help. Or, in times of difficulty such as illness, God is testing how a person reacts, whether they lose hope and despair, or whether they continue being steadfast in their faith. God says call on Me and I'll answer you.
5. [4] (b) These are just some examples; candidates can give others but should give reasoning for their choices.