Islamiyat · Oct / Nov 2016 · Paper 12 · Question 5

Give an account of the lives of ‘Uthman and ‘Ali during the lifetime of the Prophet. [10]

‘Uthman ibn Affan: accepted Islam through Abu Bakr. He married the Prophet’s (pbuh) daughter Ruqayyah. He was wealthy in Makka, but still tortured by his relatives after conversion, and was amongst those who migrated to Abyssinia. Ruqayyah fell ill before the Battle of Badr and so he was excused from participating;

she died while the Prophet (pbuh) was at battle. ‘Uthman later married the Prophet’s (pbuh) other daughter, Umm Kulthum, and was given the name “possessor of the two lights”. He went to Makka as the Prophet’s (pbuh) emissary to allow the Muslims to perform the pilgrimage, and was detained by the Makkans;

this led to the signing of the Treaty of Hudaybiyya;

he took part in the battle of Uhud and at Tabuk ‘Uthman supplied the army with nine hundred and forty camels, and sixty horses;

he also brought ten thousand dinars to equip the army;

he bought a well and donated it to be used by the rich, poor and travellers;

he was considered to be the most shy/modest among the Muslims. ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib: the Prophet’s (pbuh) cousin, he went to live with the Prophet (pbuh) at a young age to alleviate the hardship on his father;

he was one of the first to accept the message of Islam at the age of ten;

when the Prophet (pbuh) started open preaching, he called his clansmen to Islam and it was only Ali who stepped forward to take accept it;

the Quraysh laughed at ‘Ali being made an emir that they should obey;

he stood by the Prophet (pbuh) during the persecutions and the boycott in Makka;

he was entrusted with the Quraysh’s belonging to be returned to them when the Prophet(pbuh) migrated to Madina, and he met the Prophet (pbuh) and Abu Bakr at Quba;

in Madina ‘Ali was made the brother of the Prophet(pbuh);

he married the Prophet’s (pbuh) daughter Fatima and they had four children;

‘Ali was a prominent fighter in all the battles (except Tabuk), commanding the Muslim army at Khaybar;

he was one of the scribes of the Prophet (pbuh), writing down the Qur’an as well as the Treaty of Hudaybiyya;

‘Ali rode next to the Prophet (pbuh) on the final pilgrimage;

‘Ali and Abbas washed the body of the Prophet (pbuh) when he died.

‘‘Uthman was known to be generous with his wealth.’ How can Muslims now apply the trait of generosity? [4]

Candidates can give a number of answers but they should try to give examples of how Muslims can use their wealth for good. They could for example say that Muslims who have money should ensure they spend their wealth for good/betterment of their community: they can give to mosques to expand them, or hospitals or provide healthcare for those who can’t afford it. They could provide the basic necessities for people, like ‘Uthman provided the water well for free. Even if they do not have much money, Muslims can be generous with what they have by giving a meal to someone else, or giving some of their clothes to those in more need. Generosity does not have to be about money, but can be giving advice, time or support.