These are real past-paper questions. Think of your answer first, then open the explanation.
May/June 2021 · Paper 1 · Revelation of the Qur'an
(a) Give an account of the different ways in which the Prophet (pbuh) received revelation. [10] (b) The Qur'an was not revealed all at one time. Why do you think this was important? [4]
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(a)
• True dreams (ru'ya sadiqa) at the start of prophethood, which came true like the breaking of dawn.
• Direct revelation through the angel Gabriel (Jibril) in his true angelic form, as at the first revelation in the cave of Hira with the command Read!
• Gabriel appearing in human form, most often as the Companion Dihya al-Kalbi, and teaching the Prophet (pbuh) as in the Hadith of Gabriel.
• The sound of a ringing bell (salsalat al-jaras), the hardest form, after which the Prophet (pbuh) had memorised what was said.
• Words being cast directly into the Prophet's heart by inspiration.
• Speech from behind a veil without a visible form, as God spoke to Moses. …
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May/June 2021 · Paper 1 · The migration (hijra) to Madina
(a) Describe the main events of the Prophet's migration (hijra) from Makka to his welcome in Madina. [10] (b) The Companions showed friendship and support for the Prophet (pbuh). How can Muslims show friendship and support for each other? [4]
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(a)
• After the pledges of al-Aqaba the Muslims of Makka were told to emigrate to Yathrib (Madina), and most left in small groups.
• The Quraysh met at Dar al-Nadwa and plotted to kill the Prophet (pbuh) by taking one young man from each clan so no single clan could be blamed.
• God informed the Prophet (pbuh) of the plot and gave him permission to leave.
• Ali ibn Abi Talib slept in the Prophet's bed wearing his cloak, and later returned the goods people had left in the Prophet's trust.
• The Prophet (pbuh) left the house reciting Sura Ya Sin and passed the watchers unseen; he set out with Abu Bakr. …
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May/June 2021 · Paper 1 · Battles of Khaybar and Hunain
(a) Write about the events of the Battle of Khaybar and the Battle of Hunain. [10] (b) In your opinion, which of these two battles was the most significant for Muslims? [4]
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(a) Khaybar (7 AH):
• Khaybar was a fertile oasis north of Madina held by Jewish tribes who had plotted with the Quraysh and the Ghatafan against the Muslims, including after their expulsion from Madina.
• The Prophet (pbuh) marched with about 1600 men soon after the treaty of Hudaybiya; only those present at Hudaybiya were allowed to join.
• The Muslims camped between Khaybar and the Ghatafan to stop reinforcements reaching the defenders.
• The forts were taken one by one; the Prophet (pbuh) gave the banner to Ali, who captured the strongest fort, al-Qamus, and killed the champion Marhab. …
The full model answer is in the app.
May/June 2021 · Paper 1 · Khadija, wife of the Prophet (pbuh)
(a) The first wife of the Prophet (pbuh) was Khadija. Write about the main events of her life. [10] (b) What does Khadija's marriage to the Prophet (pbuh) teach Muslims about family relationships? [4]
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(a)
• Khadija bint Khuwaylid belonged to the respected Quraysh clan of Asad and was known as al-Tahira, the pure one.
• She was a wealthy and successful merchant who employed agents to trade her caravans to Syria.
• She had been married twice before and was widowed, and she refused many offers of marriage from Quraysh nobles.
• Hearing of the honesty of Muhammad (pbuh), known as al-Amin, she hired him to take her goods to Syria; her servant Maysara reported his excellent conduct and the profit he made.
• She proposed marriage through her relative; she was about forty and he about twenty-five, and they were married for about twenty-five years, during which he took no other wife. …
The full model answer is in the app.
