Islamiyat · Oct / Nov 2024 · Paper 12 · Question 3

Madina.

Use the AO1 Levels of Response.

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

In the year 622 there was a plot by the Quraysh to assassinate the Prophet (pbuh). The Quraysh met at Dar al-Nadwa to plot their murder and decided to send a member from each tribe to the Prophet’s house to kill him, mentioned in Sura 8.30. They went to the Prophet’s house at night, but Jibril had already given the Prophet (pbuh) God’s permission to migrate.

The Prophet (pbuh) told ‘Ali to sleep in his bed; he came out of his house and threw dust at the assassins, (36.9); Abu Bakr went with him.

They took refuge in Cave Thawr and Abu Bakr went in to make sure it was clean and safe. Abu Bakr’s foot was stung by an insect while the Prophet (pbuh) was sleeping, and he did not cry out for fear of waking the Prophet (pbuh).

They stayed in the cave for three nights. Abu Bakr’s son and daughter visited them with food and news. The Quraysh set a price of 100 camels for their capture. Some reached the mouth of the cave, which had been covered by a spider’s web and nest.

Abu Bakr became worried that they may be seen and captured, but the Prophet (pbuh) reassured him saying, ‘O Abu Bakr, what do you think about two with whom is a third, when Allah is their Third’. This incident is also referenced in the Qur’an, Sura 9.40.

After they left the cave, Suraqa almost caught up with them but his horse kept stumbling. They stopped in Quba and stayed there for some days; they established a mosque and ‘Ali caught up with them there. They arrived in Madina and the people welcomed the Prophet (pbuh).

What are two important lessons for Muslims from the Prophet’s

experiences on this journey from Makka to Madina? Give reasons for your answer.

Use the AO2 Levels of Response.

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

There are spiritual and physical experiences from the journey that could provide important lessons for Muslims.

The fact that the Prophet (pbuh) waited until given permission by God to leave, can provide lessons of having faith and obedience to God. Knowing that God is in charge of events that are out of your control can also lead to Muslims having increased faith and obedience.

Another lesson could be related to the importance of keeping good company or choosing good friends. The Prophet (pbuh) had a number of trustworthy companions, not just Abu Bakr who travelled with him, but Abu Bakr’s children who took risks in giving food and news to the companions, and Abdullah ibn Urayqat who was hired to guide them to Yathrib. They all helped the Prophet (pbuh) and he could trust them with his secrets, so it is something for Muslims to look for in the companions they have.

These companions also showed bravery in helping the Prophet (pbuh), even though they may have put their own lives at risk if they had been caught helping the Prophet (pbuh).

Lessons could be learned about generosity from the camels that were provided to the Prophet (pbuh) to make the journey, to the people who provided milk and food for the Prophet (pbuh).

There are also lessons to be learned about having faith in the miracles of God that were seen on the journey.

Describe the events of the final year of the Prophet’s life.