Islamiyat · Oct / Nov 2025 · Paper 22 · Question 4
0493
As printed in the paper
Show the answer and mark scheme
4(a)[10]
Use the AO1 Levels of Response.
Candidates need to identify and describe the leadership qualities of the fourth caliph ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib.
To develop their answers, candidates should explain what each quality involved and how it was demonstrated during his leadership. Some of the qualities that could be written about are his:
Bravery: He was given the title of Lion of Allah by the Prophet (pbuh) for his bravery in battles, and he displayed that bravery even during his caliphate when he had to go to war. He challenged Mu’awiyah to single combat to resolve the differences between them and to avoid spilling of Muslim blood unnecessarily.Justice: Once ‘Ali saw his stolen armour being sold by a Jewish man; in court ‘Ali brought his son as his witness to prove the armour was his. The judge did not accept ‘Ali’s son’s testimony as it could be biased and ‘Ali accepted his judgment without question. This incident showed that ‘Ali believed in fairness for all, including non-Muslims, and upheld the law even when it went against him — a key quality of just leadership.Simplicity: Such was his simplicity that a Bedouin once found ‘Ali shivering in the cold in a thin sheet because he could not afford to buy better cloth to keep himself warm. His simple lifestyle helped him connect with ordinary people and showed that he did not misuse public resources, a key trait of a trustworthy leader.Peace loving and a compromising nature: He tried to negotiate with ʿAisha, Talha, and Zubayr to avoid the Battle of the Camel. He also negotiated with Muʿawiyah to bring an end to the Battle of Siffin. These actions reflect his desire to preserve unity and prevent Muslim bloodshed, showing his commitment to peace as a leader.He believed in equal opportunities for all and that positions of authority should be based on merit and piety: When he became caliph, he warned Muslims against complacency, disloyalty, and insincerity. The officials he appointed reflected a new approach that included all Muslims, regardless of their status within the Quraysh. This helped promote justice and reduce tribal favouritism, leading to a more fair and inclusive government.Humility: He lived simply and humbly even as caliph. One example is that he did not have bodyguards and was martyred whilst leading Friday prayers.Knowledge of the Qur’an and sharia: His deep knowledge of Islamic teachings and law were evident throughout his caliphate. For example, he was often consulted for religious and legal rulings during the caliphate of Abu Bakr and ʿUmar as well, showing his wisdom and authority in religious matters.Which in your opinion was ‘Ali’s single most outstanding quality? Give
4(b)[4]
reasons for your choice.
Use the AO2 Levels of Response.
The chosen quality may be one that candidates have already written about in Part (a), or it could be a different one. The important thing is that the choice is clearly justified and well-evaluated.
Candidates are expected to:
Give a clear opinion on which quality they consider the most outstanding.Support their choice with relevant examples and reasoned arguments.Show understanding of ‘Ali’s character and how this quality stood out among others.Candidates could, for example, choose his love for the Prophet (pbuh) as his most outstanding quality, and write about how he showed this love from a young age and remained loyal throughout the Prophet’s life, even risking his own life for him.
All valid answers must be credited, if they are supported with logical reasoning and show a clear understanding of why that quality is considered the most outstanding by the candidate.
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