Question

(a) Write a descriptive account of the important events that took place
in the caliphates of any two of the four Rightly Guided Caliphs.​

Answer 1

Answer:

The important events that took place in  the period of any two of the Rightly Guided Caliphs. The mark is not divided 5×5 between the  two caliphs instead examiners must read the answer as a whole and marks should be  awarded accordingly. For the reign of Abu Bakr candidates could write about the apostasy  movement, the false prophets, the compilation of the Qur’an etc. From ‘Umar’s period they  could write about some of the famous battles when the Muslim empire expanded greatly as  well as mention his administrative reforms etc. From the caliphate of ‘Uthman candidates  could talk of his contribution in preserving the Qur’an and also the expansion that took place  during his reign. The disquiet that started and led to his assassination is also an important  event that could be covered. During the reign of ‘Ali the battles of Camel and Siffin; the  differences and arbitration between Mu’awiya and ‘Ali; the Kharijites movement are all worthy  of mention. It is detail and development in the answer that will help candidates gain top  marks.