Observation

The question requested the candidates to write everything about Prophet Muhammad (S.A. W.) from birth to when he became a Prophet at the age of forty. Candidates were not expected to write on anything regarding the prophet after the age of forty and from the beginning of prophethood. 

 

From the answers given by the candidates, it was obvious that they were familiar with the history of Prophet Muhammad (S. A. W.), his date of birth (571 C.E.) and his place of birth (Makkah).  Many candidates wrote extensively on this question, though some found it difficult to mention where his mother (Aminah) died i.e. (’Abwā) on their return from Yathrib when Muhammad (S. A. W.) was six. Also, some did not mention the mistress that returned Muhammad (S. A. W) to Abdul-Muttalib in Makkah. i.e. (’Umm Aymān). Another major point missed out by the candidates was that it was Bahira, a Christian monk who noticed the signs of prophethood in Muhammad (S.A.W.).  Despite that, the candidates’ performance was still good.