Islamiyat · May / June 2022 · Paper 21 · Question 4

rule and the events of the rebellion in Madina?

Use the AO1 Levels of Response

Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant information must be credited.

The main criticisms against ʿUthman can be summarised as, the appointment of relatives and clan members to important government posts, the leniency shown towards them in both personal and professional conduct, his spending from the public treasury on his relatives and burning copies of the Qur’an. ʿUthman did not address the criticisms levelled against him, this led to the rebellion in Madina in 656 when three columns of men, supposedly on their way to Makka for the pilgrimage left their garrison cities.

They set up separate camps when they reached Madina and sent deputations to the three most respected members of the old inner council of Companions. At first the Companions rebuked the rebels for coming to the holy city bearing arms but as the deadlock intensified ʿAli agreed to act as an intermediary. ʿUthman reluctantly agreed to appoint Abdullah ibn Abu Bakr as the new governor. However, three days into the march back to Fustat, the rebel column was overtaken by an African slave who, when caught, was found to have a letter with the caliph’s seal instructing the governor of Egypt to arrest the ringleaders and put them to their deaths upon their return.

Now furious by this turn of events, the three columns headed back for Madina, where ʿUthman denied all knowledge of the letter. He promised to hear the grievances of the rebels and address them but said he could not step down from his position as caliph as they demanded, and refused to call the army in to fight fellow Muslims.

This rebellion in Madina eventually led to his martyrdom and the end of his caliphate. Details of his martyrdom, if given, can be read as development of the answer.

In your opinion, what was the most serious consequence of ʿUthman’s

assassination? Give reasons to support your answer.

Use the AO2 Levels of Response

Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant information must be credited.

Candidates could give a range of answers. It could be said that ʿUthman’s assassination and the subsequent election of ʿAli caused divisions amongst the Muslims as his election, supported by the rebels, was not accepted by some.

This led to a cry for ʿUthman’s murder to be avenged and the first battles amongst Muslims were fought as his assassination caused disunity amongst the Muslims. Candidates can give one point and develop their answer or give more than one point and briefly evaluate them.