1 Choose any two of the following

Hadiths, and:
• (a) Describe their teachings about what Muslims believe; [4]
• (b) Explain how Muslims can put these teachings into action. [4]

(a) Main Teachings: [2] marks

• The key words in this Hadith Nasihah which means sincere advice.
• Islam is based on sincerity which means to follow the faith of Islam fully and with dedication.
Prophet said, “Indeed sincerity leads to piety and indeed piety leads to paradise.”
• Sincerity to Allah means that Muslims should have firm belief in the Oneness of Allah and to
reject shirk. Sincerity to His Book means believing that the Quran is the scared word of Allah.
Being sincere to Prophet (P.B.U.H) is acknowledging him as the last Prophet (P.B.U.H) of
Allah.
• Sincerity to the leaders of the Muslims means following their leadership and not creating
disorder. Sincerity to common people means to help others in difficulties and not to cause
discomfort to anyone.

(b) Action: [2] marks

• Muslims can put into practice the teachings of this Hadith by showing sincerity towards
Allah by implementing His Sharia (Law) in their lives and by fulfilling the obligations of
Islam such as being punctual in their prayers, fasting in Ramadan and paying Zakat etc.
• Sincerity to the Quran can be shown by acting on and respecting its content by explaining
the Quran to other, helping by obeying the Prophet (P.B.U.H) and following his example of
mercy, justice, honesty, religious tolerance and more of his noble traits.
• A practical example of the implementation of the Hadith is the example of the
companions of the Prophet (P.B.U.H) standing by him through all the hardships inflicted
by the Makkans.
• Sincerity to Common people can be practiced by helping and guiding them, showing them
kindness and respect and living in harmony with each other for example friends at school
or colleagues at work.
 (a) Main Teachings: [2] marks
• This hadith teaches to have concern for others around us. Concern for others’ welfare
is a cardinal part of Muslim’s faith. It can be regarded as a sign of sincerity to the
teachings of Islam.
• The Prophet stressed upon brotherhood and instructed Muslims to show care and
concern for others, especially the less fortunate ones. It keeps the jealousy away and
promotes goodwill, brotherhood and peace.
• It also teaches all Muslims to be a source of good for one another. Both God and His
Prophet (pbuh) have commanded Muslims to work for the welfare of others.
• The bond of brotherhood between Muslims is established by God Himself. Quran says,
“Believers are a single brotherhood.” (49:10)

(b) Action: [2] marks

• The teaching of this hadith can be applied practically by wanting the best for others,
wishing well for everyone and being happy for others in their joyous times and genuinely
sorry for them when something bad befalls them.
• The application of this hadith is not confined to choosing the same material things that
one chooses for oneself but rather genuinely responding to the needs of others. for
instance, if one wishes good health for one’s own family the same should be wished for
others.
• A Muslim should never take pleasure in another’s misfortune rather he/she should be always
willing to come to the aid of all fellow Muslims and humanity at large.
• When Prophet (pbuh) established brotherhood, the Ansaar preferred their Muhajirin brothers
over themselves. An example of the implementation of this Hadith in present time could be
of countries giving refuge to people who have left their country on account of political strife,
discrimination or war etc. On a personal level Muslim could contribute towards the fund being
raised for the refugees or give their zakat to Muslim charities to help them and others in need.
(a) Main teachings: [2] Marks
• The teaching of this Hadith focuses on the manners of social conduct being a part of
Muslim community. Actions of controlling one’s speech, being kindly to neighbours and
showing hospitality to guests.
• The emphasis is on the words ‘let him who believes in Allah and the Last day’ before
every action signifying that noble and good actions are an outcome of one’s belief.
• Islam is religion of peace and it teaches believers that one should try and maintain peace
harmony and goodwill in the community and the wider world and be a source of benefit to
others by showing kindness generosity and mercy to others at all times.
• One’s speech can do much good as well as much harm. The Quran says, ‘Not a word
does he utter but there is a watcher by him who records it’. (50:18) Prophet links faith
directly with speech by saying “Muslim is he, from whose tongue and hands other
Muslims are safe”

(b) Action: [2] marks

• The hadith above emphasizes the importance of rights of others on a believer and a Muslim’s
duties towards other people by making sure that they use their speech responsibly.
• They must not use it to backbite or slander anyone or to curse any individual. Muslims
today can follow his examples and remain calm when in a difficult situation and use their
speech to resolve issues and conflicts for example mediating between class fellows or
people at work place to resolve a dispute. Similarly, rights of neighbours may be looked
after by sharing food and not causing discomfort for them.
• It is a sunnah of the Prophet to accompany the guest to the door when he leaves. The
Prophet’s companion Abu Talha and his wife welcomed a hungry immigrant into their home
and even though they had barely enough food for their children. They offered him whatever
they had. In recognition of the act of theirs, the following verse was revealed, “They give
preference to other first. Whoever is saved from the greed of his own soul will be
successful.” (59:9)
(a) Main Teachings: [2] marks
• This hadith teaches that Islam is a very simple religion and to gain Allah’s pleasure and reach
paradise
one has to simply follow the basic principles of Islam.
• Allah has laid down clear rules about what is lawful and unlawful and He expects man to be
obedient to Him. By following these rules Muslims can gain Allah’s pleasure and thus paradise
and this is what the Prophet confirmed. He said, “Avoid What I have forbidden you to do,
and do your utmost what I have ordered you to do.”
• Fulfilling the rights of Allah by performing prayer and observing fast and to have the knowledge
of religion to differentiate between Halal (lawful) and Haram(unlawful) is obligatory on every
Muslim.
• Zakat and Hajj are two pillars that are compulsory only on those Muslims who have the means
of fulfilling them, hence have not been mentioned in the hadith.

(b) Action: [2] marks

• Muslims can act upon the teachings of this hadith by obeying Allah wholeheartedly and by
practicing the pillars of Islam e.g., by performing 5 daily prayers in congregation within the
prescribed time which will develop piety and bring them closer to Allah.
• Being regular and punctual in one’s prayers and performing them sincerely and on time
regulates our lives. Fasting in the month of Ramzan makes us conscious of the hardships of
the poor and develops sympathy.
• Muslims must be conscious of what is allowed and not allowed in Islam at all times e.g., they
should be fair in trading, not take riba etc. Similarly, Cheating, smuggling, adulteration,
drinking wine, lying and oppression are obstacles to a peaceful society and success in the
hereafter.
• Other acts of worship like waking up to say tahajud prayers following the Prophet (P.B.U.H)
Sunna and fasting in addition to Ramzan on Mondays and Thursdays etc., bring Muslims
closer to Allah and earn them greater rewards. During Prophet’s life time when azaan was
announced all worldly activities were suspended.
(a) Main Teachings: [2] marks
• In this Hadith the Prophet has given Muslims a few examples of act of charity that they should
perform on a daily basis.
• Charity here does not refer only to the act of giving money in the Allah’s way but in fact it is
used comprehensively to include any act or gesture that would help the community and would
increase awareness of Allah and His bounties.
• Islam teaches Muslims to reflect upon even the smallest of Allah’s favors which are often
taken for granted such as the smooth and proper functioning of our joints and organs in the
body. In return it asks believers to be humble and thankful to Allah by being kind helpful and
charitable towards others in the society regardless of their faith and culture. Prophet (pbuh)
said, “The best amongst people is the one who is a source of benefit for the people.”
• worship of Allah is not restricted to acts like salat or sawm but it includes every day acts of
kindness to help and support the community such as those listed in the Hadith.

(b) Action: [2] marks

• Muslims today must perform all their actions with the intention of benefiting others as it one
of the fundamental principles of Islam. Social responsibility is the essence of this Hadith and
Muslims can practise it by greeting others with a smile, giving correct advice when asked,
feeding the hungry etc.
• In social life, a positive role can be played in different ways e.g., by Settling disputes with
justice, helping people mount on their conveyance or carrying their belonging, removing any
hindrance from the road.
• Even the smallest deeds of righteousness must be given importance as they may carry the
greatest reward; e.g., helping the blind to cross the road.
• Prophet (pbuh) was kind and helpful even to his enemies as he helped and served the old
woman who regularly pelted him with rubbish on his way to prayer. He used to share his meals
with guests, supported orphans and helped poor.
(a)Main Teachings: [2] marks
• The teaching of this Hadith clearly states that removing or wanting to remove evil
wherever one may find it is a fundamental characteristic of a true believer. The Hadith
refers to the obligation on Muslims, at the various levels of authority, to tackle evil in order
to remove it.
• It teaches not only to abstain from evil but also to prevent others from unrighteous
deeds. It is unworthy of a believer to ignore any evil practice in his presence. Quran
says, “You are the best of the people evolved for mankind, enjoining what is right,
forbidding what is wrong and believing in Allah.” (3:110)
• It emphasizes that virtue and righteousness should be encouraged whereas evil should be
discouraged at every level. Moral health of the community should not deteriorate and
whenever there is any sign of decadence in any quarter, it should be checked.
• This is obligatory for all but especially for those who have authority and for organisations
that have the power to bring about the necessary change such as the ruler or governor of a
place the police or the local judiciary the media. Distancing oneself from evil and being
quiet “is the weakest response.”

(b)Action: [2] marks

• Every Muslim can implement the teachings of this Hadith in their lives. The scale of their
influence may very but everyone is required to play their part in bringing about a positive
change.
• Correcting social evils like preventing or reporting electricity theft or tackling corruption in
an institution by taking strong action against any member of the workforce found to be
taking bribes etc.
• If wrongdoings are ignored and allowed to continue, no matter how minor they may appear
to be, they can become grave problems for the community.
• Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) said, “The best type of jihad is speaking a true word in front of a
tyrant ruler.” Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) prevented Meccans from idol worship and other social
evils and even faced persecutions for that. He advised his followers to not only help to one
who is a victim of injustice but also to stop the one who is unjust.
 (a) Main Teachings: [2] marks
• In this Hadith it has been made clear that a person who is ready to sacrifice his person and
property and even his life for the sake of Islam is the best of believers and has an exalted
position.
• It also refers to two main kinds of Jihad or struggle in the way of Allah i.e., spiritual (Nafs) and
financial (Maal). It instructs Muslims to safeguard their faith and to spend their wealth to improve
social conditions and to remove injustice and transgression.
• The teaching of this Hadith instructs Muslims to establish a society based on justice and
righteousness. The words ‘striving hard’ with one person may also mean to spread the word of
Allah by preaching, one’s personal fight against evil etc.
• In some cases, it may also include armed struggle to safeguard Islam. Allah more than
compensates a believer for what he spends in His way as the Quran says, “There is no
(amount of money) that you spend in His cause without Him replacing it for He’s the best
of all providers” (34:39)

(b) Action: [2] marks

• A person may strive in Allah’s way by spending time in the worship of Allah or by doing social
work in the community. A true believer after completing his fard obligations Should strive in the
way of Allah by going on to read his tahajud prayer or tarawih prayers or finance those less
fortunate than himself to perform hajj etc.
• An individual can strive in different ways to support Islam and the community such as through
one’s wealth and resources by supporting schools and educations to remove ignorance, by
donating for health facilities for the poor by providing them livelihood and by repair and
maintenance as well as construction of mosques.
• One may raise awareness about the peaceful teachings of Islam by carrying out welfare projects
locally and internationally or by helping the poor communities affected by conflicts.
• The Prophet exerted himself in Allah’s way both spiritually and physically and encouraged his
companions to do so. The best example is the Tabuk expedition when his companions made
financial contributions in the cause of Allah.
(a) Main Teachings: [2] marks
• The popular understanding of the term martyr is one who lays down his life for the sake of
Allah on the battlefield. This Hadith broadens the concept of martyrdom and lays stress on the
importance of living righteous lives so that whenever death comes to a believer, he/she will
attain the status of a martyr.
• God rewards His believers for every act of piety and has given the status of a martyr to not
only those who fight in Allah’s way in the battlefield but to all those Muslims who die practicing
their faith and believing in the oneness and supremacy of God the Quran says, “And say not
of those who are slain in the way of Allah: “they are dead”. Rather, they are living, but
you perceive it not.” (2:154).
• Jihad is of many kinds; physical, mental and spiritual and all forms of jihad which entail striving
in the way of God are rewarded by Him. It encourages those Muslims who are unable to take
part in Physical Jihad due to some disease or some valid reason.
• The core teachings of the Hadith however, is that Allah loves His creation and that He is willing
to reward each and everyone as long as they are obedient to Him and remain true to their faith.

(b) Action: [2] marks

• A Muslim who wants to attain the status of a martyr must always be engaged in performing
righteous deeds that would earn him Allah’s pleasure. After belief in Allah’s oneness and
fulfillments of the religious obligations a Muslim should engage in Jihad fi sabil Allah (Struggle
in the way of Allah) be it of the self of the tongue by the hand or by other means of support as
striving in Allah’s way will enable a Muslims to achieve the status of a martyr.
• Muslims should never hesitate to participate in any struggle waged to eradicate aggression and
injustice for example raising voice against a tyrant ruler.
• It must be understood that martyr in the battlefield is thought to attain the highest level of
Paradise. A companion was martyred on the day (of the battle) of Badr. His mother came to the
Prophet and asked if her son was in Paradise. Prophet replied that her son was in the (most
superior) Paradise of Al-Firdaus.
• Some examples of how to achieve this status are:
• By working honestly and helping those in need, by supporting the vulnerable and showing
kindness to all creatures of Allah, by looking after the environment, by defending the teachings
of Islam and spreading the world of Allah and if need be, laying down one’s life in the way of
Allah. The focus of every word and action of a Muslim should be to earn Allah’s pleasure and to
remember Him at all times.
(a) Main Teachings: [2] marks
• Great emphasis is placed not only on lawful earnings in Islam but also on the dignity of labour.
All kinds of lawful works and hard labour are respected in Islamic community. it is not only a
duty but also a rewarding act.
• Through this Hadith the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) encourages Muslims to earn lawfully and
through their own hard work.
• This Hadith not only strongly discourages reliance on others such as begging and also
condemns all other unlawful means of earning.
• Respect is not earned by how much one earns but how he earns it. Earnings that come through
honest hard work and blessed by Allah and no job is considered too lowly in Islam. Holy Prophet
(P.B.U.H) said, “One who earns his livelihood by hard work is a friend of Allah.”

(b)Action: [2] marks

• The teachings of this Hadith can be implemented by Muslims today by earning an honest
living and staying away from all sorts of corruption such as bribery, gambling, usury etc.
• Self-sufficiency is good for individual and society. Living within one’s means and being grateful
to God for His provision is the way to act upon the Hadith.
• All the Prophets earned their living by hard work and many of them worked as shepherds.
• Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) never looked down on any job. When he arrived in Madina as its leader he
worked on the construction of the mosque. During the battle of Khandaq he participated in the
digging the trench. Seeing him do same number of shifts as every other man encouraged the
Muslims to redouble their efforts. This action of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) is a lesson to Muslims
today, not to look down on any honest effort and by showing respect to honest and hardworking
people especially the poor, for example the domestic staff at school, guards, drivers etc.
(a) Main teachings: [2] marks
• Caring for and fulfilling the needs of the less fortunate in society is compared to worship in this
hadith and the reward for doing this are comparable to performing jihad in the way of God.
• This Hadith clearly explains the importance of human rights are as importance as rights of
Allah. Islam is a religion promotes social justice and lays great stress on the welfare of the
community at large.
• This Hadith encourages the believers to fulfill the needs of all those individuals who are
vulnerable in society and would struggle without help. The two categories mention specifically
in the Hadith is the widows and the poor but the teachings can be applied to all vulnerable
people in the community.
• It also made clear that worship is not restricted to just prayers and fasting but cover every
good deed. Helping these in need or distress is comparable to worshiping Allah. Believer who
are mindful of the needs of other are said to be as if they were engaged in constant worship of
Allah. The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) once said to his wife, “O Aisha love the poor and let them
come to you for help. Allah will then surely take you near Him on the day of Judgment”

(b) Action: [2] marks

• The way to fulfill the instructions given in the Hadith is to live one’s life in the world with
consciousness of the needs and plight of fellow beings.
• Allah wants believers to worship Him by not just fulfilling the obligations of prayers and fasting
but also by being generous helpful and considerate towards His creations.
• Muslims should also constantly endeavour to better the society they live in. They can do this
by providing resources for the poor by helping in the establishment of social housing for the
homeless providing healthcare to those who do not have access to it and supporting the
widows and orphans etc. so that no one is left behind and all get a fair chance in life.
• Even small tasks to assist another are considered as Ibadah in Islam and are rewarded. It has
been said that Hazrat Abu Bakr used to milk the goats of an old widow who lived at a distance
from Madina to help her with her chores.