The Pledges of Aqaba were made in the Prophet's last years in Makka. Outline the reasons for these pledges and write about the details in them.

Mark scheme

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

1. [10] (a) The Pledges of Aqaba were made in the Prophet's last years in Makka. Outline the reasons for these pledges and write about the details in them.
2. Good answers will be able to provide a detailed and concise narrative of events that occurred between the Prophet and the people of Yathrib.
3. Answers could talk about the Prophet's attempts to spread Islam outside Makka without success. Soon after the events of Ta'if he met six men in Makka, who had come from Yathrib for the annual pilgrimage. They became Muslim and returned to Makka the following year with more people (12) who took an oath at Aqaba in 621 which is known as the First Pledge of Aqaba. Musab bin Umair was sent with them to teach them about Islam. The following year more people came to take the oath with the prophet (70). They invited the prophet to come to Yathrib as their leader. The Prophet told Muslims to start migrating.
4. Initially the six men said they would go back and tell people about the prophet. The first pledge had details relating to worshipping one God, not stealing, not committing adultery, not killing their children, not slandering or disobeying the prophet. The second pledge was to listen and obey the prophet, to spend in plenty as well as scarcity, to enjoin good and forbid evil, fear no one but Allah, and defend the Prophet if he needs it.
5. Good answers be able to give details of the number of pledges, the number of Yathribites / Madinans involved and the names of some key figures, the main details of what was in the pledges, and an indication of the result of the pledges.
6. [4] (b) In your view, why should Muslims provide a safe haven for others? Give reasons for your answer.
7. Candidates could say e.g. that they should provide a safe haven for people who are fleeing persecution, such as those fleeing the war in Afghanistan / Syria etc. and their governments should provide shelter and basic facilities for them. It is from the teachings of Islam to care for others and to provide the basic needs of fellow human beings.
8. Muslims could also provide a safe haven for those who have lost their families, especially children who are now orphaned, whether it be due to war or famine or natural disasters. Providing homes and shelter for them would allow them to start a new life much like Muslims of Makka started a new life due to the invitation of the Madinans. Also, the Prophet said that the person who looks after an orphan will be with him in paradise.
9. Candidates can offer other answers but should give relevant reasons.