Write about events from the Prophet's life that show his qualities of generosity, honesty and simplicity in action.

Mark scheme

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

1. [10] (a) Generosity is giving freely without expecting anything in return: Examples of the Prophet's generosity are, Abdullah ibn Ubayy, one of the hypocrites, was an enemy of Islam, yet on his death the Prophet prayed for him and gave his own shirt to enshroud Abdullah's body. He would never refuse the beggar, would feed the poor and hungry, going hungry himself. He would give away his possessions and money. He never turned down anyone who asked him for something, and once a person asked for the clothes he was wearing, the Prophet took off his garment and handed it to the man. Once, 70 000 dirhams were brought to him and he laid them on the floor and gave them out until they were all finished. He was most generous in Ramadan. When he returned a debt he gave more than what he owed. He was generous with his prayers, praying for those who hurt him rather than asking for their destruction, e.g. at Ta'if and Uhud.
2. [10] (a) Honesty is being truthful in all circumstances even when it is not to your benefit: examples of the Prophet's honesty are, that even before prophethood he was known for being honest and trustworthy. Khadija married him due to his honesty in trade. The Quryash would keep their belongings with him, even after they rejected his message. When Abu Sufyan met the Byzantine Emperor, he spoke highly of the Prophet saying he never lies or betrays other. Also, after the Treaty of Hudaibiyyah, Abu Jandal was sent back to Makka.
3. [10] (a) Simplicity is living with few things and not being extravagant even when you have the chance: the Prophet would do things with his own hands, rather than asking others to do it for him, such as milking his goats, patching his clothes, mending his shoes. He worked on the construction of the mosque and digging the trench at battle. He did not like the companions to stand up for him when he entered. He would eat as others ate, and sit on the floor as others sat. He would take his meals with slaves and people from any class of society. He would eat very little. He would sleep on a simple mattress on the floor without home comforts or decorations.
4. [4] (b) Candidates could say yes, e.g. because people now have too many things and can live without a lot of them. They could simplify their lives and get rid of a lot of the things they have in their homes, as well as eating less food. They could also spend less and give away more to charity.
5. [4] (b) They could say no, e.g. because times have changed and it is difficult to live without certain things, like electronics, cars, etc. and they have become so much part of society that people feel they have a very low quality of life without them. Or, because things are available they should be used.