Islamiyat · Oct / Nov 2024 · Paper 22 · Question 3

Mark according to the marking grid for AO1 – Knowledge, given on page 5.

Answers may include some of the following ideas, but all valid material must be credited.

Abu Bakr’s accomplishments as caliph are numerous. Abu Bakr stabilised the Islamic community. He became caliph at a critical time in Muslim history, right after the death of the Prophet (pbuh). He, upon assuming caliphate, served it well on all fronts. He continued with the policies of the Prophet (pbuh) and sent the expedition to Syria as planned by him but delayed because of his illness and subsequent death.

He laid the foundations of a truly democratic state, by running the affairs of the caliphate in consultation with the Majlis e Shura. He divided the caliphate into provinces for better governance, set up a state treasury of which he regarded himself as a trustee. He encouraged education and appointed preachers to teach the principles of Islam to the masses.

Islamic law was imposed while at the same time non-Muslims were free to follow their own faith and their life and property were protected by the state. He dealt firmly with the apostate tribes who left Islam or refused to pay zakat and fought the false prophets. He also oversaw the compilation of the Qur’an. Candidates could also say how he met the threat to his caliphate by the Persians and Byzantines and was successful in defeating them and expanding the territory of the caliphate.

In your opinion, why was Abu Bakr chosen to be the first caliph of Islam? Give reasons to support your answer.

Mark according to the marking grid for AO2 – Understanding, given on page 5.

Answers may include some of the following ideas, but all valid material must be credited.

It could be said that he was chosen because he was the first man after ‘Ali to accept Islam at the invitation of the Prophet (pbuh); he had been chosen by the Prophet (pbuh) to accompany him in the migration to Madina. He was also appointed by the Prophet (pbuh) to lead the prayers during the final days of his life and was made chief of the Hajj caravan by the Prophet (pbuh) which showed the Prophet’s trust in his ability to lead. He could, therefore, command the respect of all Muslims and lead them with unity as caliph.

Abu Bakr was present at Saqifa Banu Saida with other prominent companions when the choice of caliph was being debated between the Ansars and the Muhajirun. The unanimous choice of those present was Abu Bakr because of his services to the Prophet (pbuh) and Islam.