Islamiyat · May / June 2025 · Paper 11 · Question 4

Outline the tasks the Prophet (pbuh) undertook to overcome divisions and create unity in the first year in Madina.

Use the AO1 Levels of Response.

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

When the Prophet (pbuh) first arrived in Madina, the people were happy to see him and they all wanted him to stay with them.

He established the place for the first mosque, which was where his camel had stopped, and was involved in the mosque’s construction. He stayed at the home of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari while the mosque was being built.

Establishing the mosque as his first task showed the importance of community where Muslims would be coming to pray, standing shoulder to shoulder in the mosque regardless of tribe and background. The mosque would also be a place of peace as everyone left their weapons behind to join the prayers. The adhan was also established, calling all to prayer together as a universal standard for the community.

The arrival of the Prophet (pbuh) provided a single leadership bringing both Aws and Khazraj tribes together, uniting them and eliminating animosity, as the tribes had fought prior to this over the question of leadership. On their arrival in Madina, the Muslims of Makka had few belongings. To unite the groups from Makka and Madina, the Prophet (pbuh) made them brothers, pairing each of the Ansar with the Muhajirun. This was so they could help each other materially and spiritually. The Ansar had already been eager to help their migrating brothers and sisters with accommodation and food. The Prophet (pbuh) gathered the two groups and started calling out the name of one Ansar and one Muhajir. The Prophet (pbuh) took ‘Ali as his brother. The unity established by the Prophet (pbuh) was such that the Ansar wanted to share their date palms with the Muhajirun. The Muhajirun refused, so the Ansar gave the offer of work in their orchards to the Muhajirun. In this way the Madinans gave protection and material assistance to their Makkan brothers and the Makkans came with their faith to share and spread in Madina. The Prophet (pbuh) established the Charter of Madina to unify the different Muslim and non-Muslim groups living in Madina. The treaty laid down rules and responsibilities for every citizen of Madina, unifying them by making them a single community regardless of tribe or religion. This was done to try and prevent divisions being created in society and to ensure that non-Muslim groups knew that they were part of the new community that was being created. Specific details of the treaty are not required.

In what ways can Muslims today promote good community relations in their own neighbourhoods?

Use the AO2 Levels of Response.

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

Community relations can be made by knowing the people that live near you, whether you welcome those who have just moved next door to you, or you move to an area and you introduce yourself.

Another way is to offer help to neighbours, whether it is buying groceries for them, offering them a lift when they need it, sending food to them, or standing by them through times of hardship.

Good relations can also be made by having community gatherings, whether for Eid or other celebrations, or just to get to know one another.