Write a detailed account of Abu Bakr's achievements as Caliph.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2018). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] 3(a) In this answer, candidates need to reflect upon the services rendered by Abu Bakr during his caliphate which, though brief, was packed with significant achievements. It could be said that he laid the foundations of a truly democratic state, by running the affairs of the caliphate in consultation with the Majlis e Shura. He administered in accordance with the practice of the Prophet (pbuh) and set the precedent of maintaining strict standards of accounting for public finances. Apart from his administration, he united the umma at a critical time after the death of the Prophet (pbuh). He dealt firmly with the apostate tribes who left Islam or refused to pay zakat, and fought the false prophets. The compilation of the Qur'an in a single volume can be counted as one of his greatest services to Islam as Caliph. Development of these points will determine the final mark a candidate receives.
2. [4] 3(b) It could be said that by taking action against the apostate tribes and defeating them he maintained unity and made clear that deviations from the faith like non-payment of zakat, challenging the finality of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), etc., would not be tolerated. The apostasy wars confirmed that the Muslim state was one under the leadership of one Caliph. Candidates could back up their answers by saying what could have happened if Abu Bakr had not taken firm action. All valid responses need to be credited on their own merit.