Islamiyat · May / June 2024 · Paper 12 · Question 3

Give an account of the main events of the Pledges of Aqaba and the details of the pledges made.

Use the AO1 Levels of Response.

Candidates should include some of the following points. All other relevant points must be credited.

The Prophet (pbuh) had tried to spread Islam outside Makka without success. Soon after the events of Ta’if, in the 11 year of prophethood, he met six men in Makka, who had come from Yathrib for the annual pilgrimage. They became Muslim and promised to go back and tell people in Yathrib about the Prophet (pbuh) and Islam.

Five of the men returned to Makka the following year with seven more people (12 in total) who took an oath at Aqaba in 621 which is known as the First Pledge of Aqaba later came to be known as pledge of women since there was no mentioning of war.

The first pledge had details relating to worshipping one God, not stealing nor committing adultery/fornication, to not kill their children, to not slander or disobey the Prophet (pbuh).

Musab ibn Umair was sent with them to teach them about Islam.

The following year more people came to take the oath with the Prophet (pbuh), around 73 men and 2 women. They invited the Prophet (pbuh) to come to Yathrib as their leader.

The Second Pledge called pledge of war was to listen and obey the Prophet (pbuh), to spend in plenty as well as scarcity, to enjoin good and forbid evil, fear only God, and defend the Prophet (pbuh) if he needs it.

They promised to protect him, and he promised to never leave them. Abbas warned the Yathribites about the consequences of inviting the Prophet (pbuh) to Yathrib and what would happen if they were to betray him. The new Muslims wanted to take the Prophet (pbuh) back with them, but he sent them to Yathrib and then the Prophet (pbuh) told Muslims in Makka to start migrating which brought an end to the everyday persecutions the Muslims were facing.

In your opinion, what is the best way for Muslims to welcome those who move into their communities? Give reasons for your answer.

Use the AO2 Levels of Response.

Candidates can give other examples and all relevant answers should be credited.

Muslims should have acceptance and understanding of people from other faiths and their own and recognise that people are different. This can be shown by welcoming newcomers into the area with an introduction, by letting them know relevant information about the area, whether it’s about schools or shops, or events that are going on.

They can be invited to have a meal or food can be sent to them.

If they have children, they can be introduced so they can play together. If they are from a different country, ask them about their culture and tell them about yours.