Islamiyat · May / June 2026 · Paper 21 · Question 3
0493
As printed in the paper
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3(a)[10]
Write an account of the issues faced by ʿUthman during the last six years of his caliphate which led to the rebellion against him.
Use AO1 Levels of Response.
The years from 651 to 656 were difficult years during ʿUthman’s caliphate. In response to this question candidates need to say what the issues faced by ʿUthman were, and how his response to some of the concerns raised caused further difficulties for him, making his last six years as caliph very challenging. Some of the issues could include:
Concerns were raised about the appointment of the caliph’s relatives and clan members in important government posts. This point needs to be expanded upon and the reason for their appointment by ʿUthman could be given. It could be said that, in ʿUthman’s view, he had appointed an efficient team of provincial governors who were personally responsive to his instructions. His reluctance to change his appointed governors was a serious issue and caused concern amongst many.Another difficulty that ʿUthman faced was on account of his generous nature. Again, how his generosity became a serious issue must be explained by the candidate.The burning of the Qurʾan during the time of his caliphate to ensure that only the most authentic and uniform copy of the Qurʾan was being read by all Muslims throughout the Muslim world was seen by some as him disrespecting the word of God. Candidates need to develop this point.Another demand being made on ʿUthman was to change the governor of Egypt, which he was not willing to do.ʿUthman not taking firm action in responding to the allegations and addressing the above concerns effectively made the situation more tense and led to the rebellion that resulted in his martyrdom.An account of the rebellion or the martyrdom is not being asked about here and if given can only be read as development.
What does ʿUthman’s refusal to call the
3(b)[4]
military to end the rebellion tell you about his character?
Use AO2 Levels of Response.
ʿUthman not calling the military to end the rebellion in Madina shows that he was a gentle and peace-loving man. As a devout Muslim he did not want to shed the blood of his fellow Muslims. He was humble and did not want to use state resources for his personal protection. ʿUthman believed in the qadr of God and was ready to accept God’s will. On the day of his martyrdom, ʿUthman is reported to have had a dream in which he had seen the Prophet (pbuh) saying that he would be breaking his fast with him, and he understood it to mean that his end was imminent and accepted the will of God. All valid responses to be credited.
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