Leading Companions and the future caliphs in his lifetime

Last time

Before we start: last time, in The night journey, the hijra and building Madina, you learned these points. Here they are again on one card. Keep them in mind, because today builds on them.

People around the Prophet

Islamiyat Paper 1 often asks for the lives of two Companions, and gives you a pair to compare. Some came from slavery, like Bilal and Zayd. Some came from enemy families, like Khalid and Umar. And four became the Rightly Guided Caliphs. For each person, you need a few exact facts and one lesson.

How to answer a pair question

A typical question reads: write about the lives of two Companions during the lifetime of the Prophet. Part b asks for a lesson from one life. The mark scheme asks for a balance between the two. Aim for about five marks of detail for each Companion. For each Companion, follow a pattern: background, conversion, hardship, role, and ending.

Khalid ibn Walid

Khalid was from a family who opposed the Prophet in Makka. He did not take part in Badr, but played a vital role at Uhud against the Muslims, turning a Muslim victory to defeat. He converted after the Treaty of Hudaybiyya. In 629 he set out for Madina and met Amr ibn al-As and Uthman ibn Talha, also going to convert. At Mu'ta he used nine swords that broke. After Zayd, Ja'far and Abdullah ibn Rawaha were killed, Khalid took over, and because of him the Muslims returned safely. He then took part in the conquest of Makka, Hunayn and Tabuk.

Zayd ibn Haritha

Zayd was eight years old when he was captured and sold as a slave. He was bought by Khadija's nephew and given to Khadija, who gave him to the Prophet, who freed him. His family never stopped looking for him and came with a ransom when they heard he was in Makka. The Prophet gave him a choice to go with his father and uncle, or stay. Zayd chose to stay with the Prophet. The Prophet declared Zayd his son and heir, and he was called Zayd ibn Muhammad until the revelation of 33.5. Part b: he teaches that family is built on love and choice, not only on blood.