Observation

Most of the candidates who attempted this question failed to focus on those aspects of the Prophet’s life in Madinah and his relationship with Jews in particularly. The candidates’ performances were below average. The question required the candidates to give adequate historical facts surrounding the relationship between the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) and the Jews in Madinah. thus:

When Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) arrived in Yathrib, he met three Jewish clans (Banū Qaynuqā’, Banū Nadīr and Banū  Qurayza).

1.     Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) issued a document to the Muslims with which he entered into an agreement with the Jews in 622 C.E.
2.     The document spelt out the rights of the Muslims and the Jews.
3.     He (S.A.W.) ensured that the Jews enjoyed equal status with the Muslims.
4.     He (S.A.W.) gave them freedom to worship as they deem fit.
5.     In matters of dispute between the Muslims and the Jews, the Prophet (S.A.W.) showed fairness to each party.
6.     The Prophet (S.A.W.) guaranteed the Jews immunity from raids by nomads within Yathrib.
7.      There was no express stipulation that the Jews should formally recognize Muhammad (S.A.W.) as a Prophet of Allah.
8. Upon arrival, the Prophet (S.A.W.) adopted the Jewish Qiblah.
9. Jews suffering injustice received assistance from the ’Ummah document.
10. The security of Yathrib was a joint responsibility of both the Muslims and the Jews.
11. The relationship between the Prophet (S.A.W.) and the Jews was one of the mutual advice, consultation and charity rather than aggression.
12. But when the Jews began act of hostilities towards the Prophet (S.A.W.) and the Muslims, they were expelled from the city.
13. After the expulsion of the three Jewish clans, Yathrib was renamed Madīnatun - Nabawi (Madinah).
14. After the campaign at Khaybar, the Prophet (S.A.W.) married Ṣafiyyah bint Ḥuyayy, a Jewish lady.