Islamiyat · Oct / Nov 2016 · Paper 21 · Question 3

the compilation of the Qur’an that took place during his caliphate. [10]

Candidates could begin their answers by saying that before the death of ‘Umar he had appointed a panel of six men to choose a caliph from amongst them and then their choice was to be confirmed through bay’a by the Muslim population. The panel, which was instructed to make the choice in three days included ‘Uthman, ‘Ali, Sa’d bin Abi Waqas, Talha, Zubayr and Abdul Rahman bin ‘Auf. Despite long meetings the panel could not arrive at a decision, Abdur Rahman than withdrew his name and it was decided that he would make the final decision regarding the selection. He consulted each member separately with the exception of Talha who was not in Madina at the time. ‘Uthman and ‘Ali proposed each other’s name whereas Zubayr and Sa’d put forward ‘Uthmans name. After more consultation Abdur Rahman gave his decision in favour of ‘Uthman and was the first to take bay’a on his hand and was followed by all the other Muslims in the mosque. As for the compilation of the Qur’an during ‘Uthman’s caliphate, it was found that with the expansion of the empire there was a difference in the pronunciation in the recitation of the Qur’an amongst the non-Arabs. Hudaifa bin Yaman brought this matter to the caliph’s attention and after consultation with the other companions of the Prophet (pbuh) and with their consent he sent for the Qur’an that was compiled during the period of Abu Bakr and was now in the custody of Hafsa, the wife of the Prophet (pbuh) and the daughter of ‘Umar. He then asked Zayd ibn Thabit, Abdullah ibn Zubayr, Sa’ad ibn Al-Aas and Abdul Rahman ibn Harith to make several copies of the Qur’an with the inclusion of the accents to aid in the correct pronunciation of the Qur’an and sent these copies to all the provinces. He also sent to the various provinces strong reciters of the Qur’an in order for them to teach the non-arab speakers and new converts of Islam the correct way to read the holy book. He ordered all the other copies to be burnt and destroyed throughout the caliphate and for this service he is known as the Jame-al-Qur’an. The mark is not divided between the two parts but the answer is to be read as a whole.

Three of the four Rightly Guided Caliphs were martyred for the decisions they made. Can Muslim leaders today learn anything from this? Give reasons for your answer. [4]

Candidates could in response to this question say that Muslim leaders today can learn from the example of the caliphs in how they fulfilled their responsibilities. They remained steadfast and true to their convictions and what they believed to be just and right at the cost of their lives. It shows that they were strong leaders who believed in their principles and were not ready to compromise them. ‘Umar refused to give in to the unjust demand of Abu Lulu and was fatally wounded by him. ‘Uthman and ‘Ali both stood by their decisions which they thought were just. Also, lessons can be learnt by present day Muslim leaders from the strength of faith that the caliphs displayed, they were powerful men yet they remained humble and kept their faith in God rather than increasing their personal security or using the state resources to protect themselves. All valid responses to be credited.