Islamiyat · Oct / Nov 2025 · Paper 21 · Question 3

the caliphate.

Use the AO1 Levels of Response.

For this answer the candidates need to say how ‘Uthman was elected from a panel of six well respected members of the community of Madina that ‘Umar had set up on his deathbed. The names of the six members and the process of election by which ‘Uthman was elected is needed in the candidate’s response.

His administration started in 644 and ended in 656, and it could be said that he administered with mercy and generosity and proved skilful in handling the vast caliphate.

He started his reign with a popular gesture by adding 100 dirhams to the annual stipends and by increasing the control of the central government over garrison cities. Candidates need to write about other administrative policies which ‘Uthman introduced which proved him to be a skilful administrator. Candidates could also say that his administration can be divided into two parts, the first 6 years were seen as very successful and the last six years had issues and were a direct result of ‘Uthman appointing his relatives / tribesmen to important government posts and not overseeing their actions closely. ‘Uthman not addressing the complaints against his governors and administration led to the rebellion in which he was martyred.

To what extent was ‘Uthman a successful military commander? Give

reasons to support your answer.

Use the AO2 Levels of Response.

‘Uthman can be seen as both a successful and unsuccessful military commander.

On the one hand, he was able to suppress revolts that broke out after ‘Umar’s death, maintaining control over newly conquered territories. In Egypt, an early rebellion supported by the Byzantine Empire was crushed by Amr ibn al-‘As, showing effective military response under his leadership.

He also oversaw significant naval expansion. The joint naval expedition against Cyprus in 649, led by Abdullah ibn Sa‘d and Mu‘awiya, was successful. Under his rule, the empire captured Cyprus and Crete and raided as far as Sicily, expanding Muslim influence in the Mediterranean. However, others argue that ‘Uthman was not fully successful, as he struggled to manage growing internal unrest later in his caliphate. These rebellions eventually led to his assassination, suggesting a failure to maintain unity and control.

All valid responses to be credited.

Write about the compilation of the Qur’an, first under Abu Bakr and then