History Of Hadiths

History Of Hadiths
2 (a) Outline the roles of the following in formulating Islamic law:
(i) The Prophet’s Hadiths
(ii) Consensus (ijma’). [10]
(b) Some Muslim scholars have questioned the use of analogy (qiyas) in Islamic law.
Why do you think they have done so? [4]

The Hadiths of the Prophet are the most important source of Islamic law after the Qur’an
and give a fuller teaching of what is said briefly in the Qur’an. In some instances the
Qur’an is silent and the Hadiths are solely responsible for formulating legislation.
Examples can be given by the candidates to develop the points e.g. the laws of
inheritance being determined in the light of the Prophet’s Hadiths or the punishment for
adultery or robbery could be given in the light of the Prophetic Hadiths. Candidates could
also develop the answer by giving examples of how immediate successors used their
knowledge of Hadiths to help them when deciding legal matters. In this answer
candidates need to also say how ijma’ plays a role in the formulating of laws. How the
Prophet used ijma’ during his time, how the successors applied ijma’ after the death of
the Prophet could be cited here with a few examples of law being derived from this
source could be given in the answer.
Page 6 Mark Scheme Syllabus Paper
Cambridge IGCSE – October/November 2015 0493 22
© Cambridge International Examinations 2015
(b) Some Muslim scholars have questioned the use of analogy (qiyas) in Islamic law.
Why do you think they have done so? [4]
b)Candidates should not just describe what qiyas is but focus their answer on why some
Muslim scholars have questioned the use of qiyas. They could possibly say that identifying
the ‘illa (cause) as the link between asl (root/fundamental teaching) and far’ (branch/new
matter in question) can depend on the insight and ingenuity of the individual expert, as he
identifies the link, other experts may disagree with him and there may be major divergences
of opinion, especially if some see one link ‘illa, between the asl and the far’, and some see
another and say that this is a major reason why Muslim scholars question the use of qiyas.
Candidates could give an example to explain this point though it is not necessary to get to
the top level. Shi’i Muslims have expressed more unease with the use of qiyas than many
Sunnis, because qiyas can be subjective and in its place accept the use of aql/reason which
is the judgment of the legal expert on the basis of the Qur’an, sunna, and consensus. Shi’is
have always agreed that the duty of the expert is to keep to the way set by the Imams in
making decisions. It is possible to reach the top mark by giving either the Sunni or the Shi’i
view. It is the clarity in the answer which will gain the higher levels.

2 (a) Describe how the Prophet’s Hadiths can be used together with the Qur’an to help
Muslims understand and practise their faith. [10]
(b) How could your community be improved by applying the Prophet’s Hadiths more
fully? [4]

Answers could begin by saying how Hadiths are the words of the Prophet (pbuh) which teach
Muslims the righteous path and teach them to lead lives that will earn them the pleasure of
God. Answers could also say that as Hadiths explain and expand upon the teachings of the
Qur’an they are therefore a vital source of information and guidance on how to deal with the

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History Of Hadiths

various situations that may arise in a Muslim’s life. Here they could give examples of Hadiths
being a source of guidance to Muslims, e.g. they could cite the Hadith related to inheritance
i.e. ‘A Muslim may not inherit from a non-Muslim, nor a non-Muslim inherit from a Muslim’.
Even when fulfilling the pillars of Islam, Muslims need the Hadiths of the Prophet (pbuh) to
guide them e.g. the Qur’an says to establish prayer but nowhere in the Qur’an does it say
what the method of offering prayers is. Muslims learn it from the Prophet’s Hadiths, ‘Pray as
you see me praying’. Well-developed answers could also refer to the fact that whenever the
Qur’an is silent on a matter the Prophet’s Hadiths are referred to for guidance as the Qur’an
and the Hadiths always agree with one another, and that authoritative collections of Hadiths
contain tafsir which are invaluable guides to key verses in the Qur’an and help Muslims
understand the words of their creator better, and thus enables them to live their lives in
accordance with the tenets of Islam.
b)The Prophet’s Hadiths carry the teachings of how to live righteously, how to engage with
fellow human beings and his Hadiths also teach care and concern for all life and the world at
large. By putting these teachings into action the community prospers. The vulnerable are
looked after, the environment is protected, crime disappears; the list is endless. An
evaluative response is being looked for in which candidates could identify the problems in
their own community and of how their community could improve if the Prophet’s teachings
were put into practice, or they could say how their communities have improved with the
application of the Prophet’s teachings.

2 (a) Write a detailed account of the parts of a Hadith and say how these parts help in
determining the different categories of Hadiths, namely: sahih; hasan; da’if and
mawdu’. [10]
(b) Why do you think the Prophet practised and encouraged the use of ijma’? [4]

Candidates could launch into the answer by stating that a hadith consists of two parts: the
Sanad (isnad/chain of narrators) and Matn (text). They can then go on to explain what they
are. Isnad, it could be said, means support as it is the authority for establishing the
genuineness of a hadith. The transmitters of hadiths had to have met each other with the line
ending with the Prophet (pbuh).They had to have a flawless character and sharp memory,
etc., whereas for validating the matn, the compilers had to make sure that the text was not
against the Qur’an or other authentic hadith and did not give high rewards for small deeds or
vice versa, etc. The principles used for establishing the genuineness of isnad and matn,
which helped to categorically determine the category of a hadith, e.g. sahih, hasan, da’if or
mawdu’, have to be clearly given in the answer. Detail and development of points made in
the answer will help achieve the higher levels.

b)Here, candidates need to give a personal view of why they think the Prophet (pbuh) practised
and encouraged the use of ijma’. They could well say that the use of ijma’ in legal thinking is
based on a number of verses in the Qur’an which indicate that the community has been
given authority because it is upright and follows the guidance of God and the example of the
Prophet (pbuh). They could also say that ijma’ was encouraged as it was safeguarded by the
agreement of leading Muslims/experts who could say whether or not a principle was in
harmony with the Qur’an and sunna. All valid answers should be credited.

2 (a) What is the role of Hadiths as a source of guidance in the lives of Muslims? [10]
(b) How are Muslims obeying God when they obey the Prophet? [4]

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History Of Hadiths

In answer to this question, candidates could state a whole range of reasons as to why
hadiths play a very important role in the lives of Muslims and are a source of guidance to
them in all aspects of life. What the Prophet (pbuh) said, did and what he approved of is
second in importance to the Qur’an; God has Himself told Muslims in the Qur’an ‘Obey Allah
and obey the Prophet’ [64:12]; Prophet (pbuh) said, ‘I leave with you two things. If you hold
fast to them both you will never be misguided: the Book of Allah and my sunna.’ Hadiths are
important to explain the teachings of the Qur’an; details of hajj, zakat, fasting are all given to
Muslims from the hadith and sunna of the Prophet (pbuh); the Prophet (pbuh) laid down
principles (shariah) regarding every aspect of life: buying, selling, contracts, inheritance
which are all part of his sunna; in the Farewell Address he clearly stated: ‘He who is present
here shall carry this message to the one who is absent.’ Muslims turn to his actions to
emulate him in the hope that their actions will please the Almighty and be acceptable to him.

b)In this part of the answer, an evaluative response needs to be given and candidates can
write a response to it in many different ways. One way of answering this question could be
that by following the Prophet’s (pbuh) example, for instance in how to perform salat, Muslims
are not only following his instruction but also fulfilling their obligation to God by completing
the second Pillar of Islam. So in this way they are obeying both the Prophet (pbuh) and God.
All valid answers need to be credited.

(a) Give an account of how the Prophet’s Hadiths have been a source of guidance to
Muslims in putting their faith into practice. [10]
In answer to this question the candidates can say that the Hadiths are the teachings of the
Prophet which teach Muslims the path prescribed by God. They can go on to say that they
give Muslims a better understanding of the Qur’an by elaborating on it and explaining its
teachings. Here the more developed answers could well give examples to show how Hadiths
expand upon Qur’anic teachings. Answers could include points like that when the Qur’an is
silent the Hadith is considered as the authority on the subject as the Qur’an and Hadith
always agree with one another; that the authoritative Hadiths contain a tafsir of the Qur’an
which are guides to key verses in the Qur’an. Examples of law derived from Hadiths can also
be given to expand on the answer showing the various ways in which the Prophet’s Hadiths
are a source of guidance to all Muslims. These could include laws on inheritance, on
payment of zakat, punishment for a thief etc.
(b) Why do the Prophet’s Hadiths link belief and action so closely? [4]
An evaluative response is needed for this part of the answer in which candidates need to
give their view on how the Prophet’s Hadiths link belief and action. They could say that belief
is sincere only when put into action, all valid responses should be credited.

(a) Describe how the Hadiths are used in establishing law in Islam. [10]
Here candidates may well state that the Hadiths of the Prophet are the second most
important source of Islamic law. They are second only to the Qur’an and give fuller teachings
to what the Qur’an states in brief. Examples could be given here and quotes from the Qur’an
recommending that Muslims follow the teachings of the Hadiths. Examples of zakat being
calculated in the light of the Prophet’s Hadiths or the laws of inheritance etc. being
determined by Hadiths could be given. Candidates could also state that in some cases when
the Qur’an is completely silent the Hadiths are used to make laws, examples could be given
in more developed answers. Also, good answers will tend to give examples of the early
successors using knowledge of Hadiths to help formulate laws and this kind of elaboration is

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History Of Hadiths

what is being looked for to get to the top end of L3/L4. The candidates could also write about
how ijma and qiyas rely upon Hadiths to formulate laws. However it is not essential for them
to do so. Development in the answers can be achieved with the help of examples.

(b) ‘My community will never agree upon an error’. In your opinion why is this Hadith
important for the practice of consensus (ijma)? [4]
The focus of the answer needs to be on stating the candidate’s views on the importance of
the Hadith given in the question for the practice of ijma. It could be said that the Hadith gives
legitimacy to the practice of ijma whereas another viewpoint could be that when a group of
scholars well versed in the teachings of the Qur’an and Hadith reach a decision in the light of
the primary sources of Islamic law their chances of reaching a wrong decision are rare.
Some strong candidates could develop the answer even further by saying that ijma of one
generation can be revised by another which helps to keep Sharia laws in tune with the times.
All valid answers are to be credited.

2 (a) What are the different types of Hadiths? How is each Hadith classified into the
different types? [10]

Candidates can classify Hadiths as:

Sahih – genuine/authentic Hadith that pass all the tests and can be regarded without
question as coming from the Prophet. Here candidates can write about how the sanad must
be unbroken and how each narrator must be pious, trustworthy and of sound memory, etc.
Matn is also important to mention when discussing the sahih Hadiths.

Hasan – strong/approved Hadith are those raising some doubt about their authenticity. They
are similar to the sahih Hadiths except that its narrators or some of its narrators are found
defective in memory in comparison with those of the sahih Hadiths.

Da’if – weak Hadith raise many questions about their authenticity. If any of the narrators in
the isnad was known to have been a liar or have a weak memory or was known to have not
met the one he was supposed to be narrating from than the Hadith is regarded as weak.
All three types of Hadith could come down from the Prophet himself, it is just that the
evidence for Hasan and Da’if is not beyond question, so that a careful compiler will be
cautious about placing too much reliance on it. Some could add that many more categories
of Hadith have been established, candidates could mention Al-Mau’do – fabricated Hadiths
as well. The very able candidates can also mention the subdivision of Hadiths with regard to
their acceptance into two important classes Mutawatir and Ahad. The former is a Hadith
reported by a large number of people in different times whose agreement on a lie becomes
inconceivable. Ahad are those whose isnad is broken or whose traditions are less widely
accepted and therefore are regarded as less authentic but if their narrators were regarded as
honest they were accepted otherwise rejected.

(b) Giving one example, explain how the Sunna is important in a Muslim’s life today. [4]
The sunna means a practise, a mode of life or a custom. In its technical sense, it implies the
doings and practises of the Prophet. Simply put, the sunna is what the Prophet practised.
Keeping the above in mind the candidates can give any one example of how Muslims
practice the sunna of the Prophet and highlight its relevance in the life of a Muslim

2 (a) Describe how the Hadiths are used in establishing law in Islam. [10]
Here candidates may well state that the Hadiths of the Prophet are the second most

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History Of Hadiths

important source of Islamic law. They are second only to the Qur’an and give fuller teachings
to what the Qur’an states in brief. Examples could be given here and quotes from the Qur’an
recommending that Muslims follow the teachings of the Hadiths. Examples of zakat being
calculated in the light of the Prophet’s Hadiths or the laws of inheritance etc. being
determined by Hadiths could be given. Candidates could also state that in some cases when
the Qur’an is completely silent the Hadiths are used to make laws, examples could be given
in more developed answers. Also, good answers will tend to give examples of the early
successors using knowledge of Hadiths to help formulate laws and this kind of elaboration is
what is being looked for to get to the top end of L3/L4. The candidates could also write about
how ijma and qiyas rely upon Hadiths to formulate laws. However it is not essential for them
to do so. Development in the answers can be achieved with the help of examples.

(b) ‘My community will never agree upon an error’. In your opinion why is this Hadith
important for the practice of consensus (ijma)? [4]

The focus of the answer needs to be on stating the candidate’s views on the importance of
the Hadith given in the question for the practice of ijma. It could be said that the Hadith gives
legitimacy to the practice of ijma whereas another viewpoint could be that when a group of
scholars well versed in the teachings of the Qur’an and Hadith reach a decision in the light of
the primary sources of Islamic law their chances of reaching a wrong decision are rare.
Some strong candidates could develop the answer even further by saying that ijma of one
generation can be revised by another which helps to keep Sharia laws in tune with the times.
All valid answers are to be credited.

2 (a) Write about the structure of a Hadith and describe the main methods used by the
compilers of Hadiths to establish their genuineness. [10]

When answering this question candidates might begin by explaining that the Hadiths consists
of two main parts, the chain of narrators (sanad) and the text (matn). They could then go on
to describe sanad and matn. Examples for both sanad and matn could be given in good
answers. For the second part of the question candidates could say that the chain of
transmitters had to be verified, that they had actually met each other; the chain also had to
be unbroken; it had to go back to a companion, the character of the narrator was also under
scrutiny; the narrator had to have a good memory and be of an be age where they had a
good understanding of what they were reporting. Other rules that they had to conform to
were that the language of the Hadiths had to be in pure Arabic and that the Hadiths should
not conflict with the Qur’an or other established Hadiths; nor be contrary to common sense;
favour any group or tribe or be against historical facts. Candidates could refer to some or
many of the points given or even other relevant points that have not been included here.
However to get to higher levels the answer needs to be detailed and comprehensive.

(b) What was the significance of the Prophet not allowing the writing down of Hadiths in
the early days of his prophethood? [4]

Candidates could say that the Prophet prevented the companions from writing down the
Hadiths during the early days of prophethood as he wanted to establish Islam and make sure
his sayings were not mixed up with the words of the Qur’an which was still being revealed.
Good candidates may well mention that when the Prophet was certain that his companions
would be able to distinguish between the Hadiths and the words of the Qur’an he

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encouraged them to write down the Hadiths to pass them down to others.

(a) What rules did the writers of the six authentic books (Sihah Sitta) apply to ensure the
authenticity of Hadiths? [10]

The writers of the six authentic books applied a very strict criteria in selecting the Hadiths for
their books could be a simple start to this answer. Candidates need to give accurate
information about the methods they employed of scrutinising isnad and matn. To get to the
higher levels candidates will also need to write in some detail about how the compilers
compared the body (matn) of the Hadith with reason, the Qur’an and other Hadiths to ensure
that it agreed with the main Islamic principles. The importance of the chain of narrators
(isnad) being unbroken could well be mentioned as well as the need to ensure that the
narrator was of a sound mind, with a good memory and exemplary moral character.
Examples of narrators going about collecting Hadiths could also be cited in well developed
responses.
(b) Why in your opinion was it important for them to apply these rules? [4]

This is an evaluative answer and candidate’s responses should reflect their understanding of
why it was deemed important to catalogue authentic Hadiths by the writers and perhaps
reflect upon what could have been the possible dangers of not doing so.

2 (a) Describe how the compilers of the Prophet’s Hadiths checked the biographies of the
transmitters, and say why they thought it was important to do so. [10]

From the earliest times Muslims recognized that the example of Prophet Muhammad could
not only help them understand the word of God better but help put the principles taught by
Islam into practice as well. The compilers were very strict about the biographies of the
transmitters to ensure that the Hadiths they collected were genuine. Candidates could give a
list of the qualities that the great Islamic teacher al-Shafi’i said a transmitter of Hadiths must
have: a firm faith; must be known for truthfulness in all that he reports; he should repeat
exactly what he heard from his teacher and not use his own words; have a good memory; he
should report what agrees with the reports of others who are known to have a good memory.
Bearing in mind how important the biography of a transmitter was in order to collect only the
authentic Hadiths, the compilers painstakingly went about their work so that future
generations of Muslims were following what the Prophet had actually said and not some
diluted version of his teaching. Answers could also include that Hadiths are also a useful tool
in explaining the Qur’an and formulating laws and therefore it was imperative that only the
sahih Hadiths were followed. A detailed response will earn the candidates higher levels.

(b) In your opinion what are the main advantages of having authentic Hadiths? [4]

Basic answers will say that authentic Hadiths enable Muslims to practice the Prophet’s
sunna. Better answers may state that as Muslims rely on Hadiths in the observance of many
pillars of Islam it is important that they have authentic Hadiths to follow otherwise they could
conduct the practice of the pillars incorrectly. As Hadiths elaborate the Qur’an the teaching of
Islam would not be correct if weak or false Hadiths were to be used to understand the
Qur’an. These and other reasons could be given in response to this part of the answer but it
must be noted that marks are not to be given for description of what constitutes an authentic

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History Of Hadiths

Hadith but for evaluating their importance for Muslims.

2 (a) Outline how the following sources are used in establishing Islamic law:
(i) Hadith and Sunnah; and
(ii) Qiyas. [10]
Answers should focus on Hadith and Sunnah and qiyas as is required by the question.
Detail and development such as how Hadith and Sunnah with the Qur’an could give
answers to questions of how to live a good life in all the different conditions in which
Muslims find themselves and the method used in qiyas which help formulate Islamic
laws should be included.

(b) How easy is it to use ijma in Islamic legal thinking today? [4]

Candidates could simply say that as ijma is the consensus of the majority opinion of Muslim
jurists it is thus binding on Muslims and leaves no room for controversy. They could
substantiate their answer with an example. However others could state that scholars differ in
their definition of ijma or whose ijma should be accepted and hence it is not as straight
forward to follow. Examples of these different opinions could be given. All valid answers must
be credited.

2 (a) Outline the main teachings of the Hadiths you have studied, from the passages set for
special study, about the responsibilities of individual Muslims. [10]

This is a very broad question as there are many responsibilities about which candidates can
write including being kind to others, striving to do good and being sincere. The answer
should not be just a list of responsibilities but there needs to be a range of teachings, with
Hadiths, to support them, to reach the higher levels.

(b) Explain by giving an example how a Hadith has been used together with the Qur’an in
working out an Islamic law. [4]

In answer to this question the candidate needs to give a clear example. Answers could write
about a relevant teaching of the Qur’an in relation to a Hadith which explains how the Hadith
has helped in formulating Sharia law. To get to the higher levels the candidates need to
choose an example for which a comprehensive response can be given e.g. zakat.
Candidates may well quote from the Qur’an and Hadith/s when giving their example.

2 (a) How have the Hadiths of the Prophet been used as a source of guidance by
Muslims?[10]

A basic response to this question would be to say that Hadiths are the words of the Prophet
which teach us the way of Allah. Better answers would give an elaboration and state that
Hadiths explain the teachings of the Qur’an, e.g. the Qur’an says to pay zakat, it is however
the Hadith of the Prophet which fills out the details about how much and whom to pay etc.
Other examples could be given to explain the answer. Good answers could also say that
whenever the Qur’an is silent on a subject, the Hadith of the Prophet is taken as an authority.
This is because the Qur’an and the Hadith always agree with one another and that
authoritative collections of Hadiths contain tafsir which are invaluable guides to key verses in

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History Of Hadiths

the Qur’an.

(b) ‘Truly, My mercy overcomes My wrath’. This is a Hadith Qudsi. What is special about
Hadiths of this kind? [4]

Hadith Qudsi, is a divine Hadith. They are sayings from Allah himself. The better answers will
go on to add that Hadith Qudsi do not form part of the Qur’an but are recognised as the
sayings of the Prophet which were related to him by Allah. Examples of other such Hadiths
the candidates may have studied could be given by the stronger candidates to gain top
marks in this part of the question.

2 (a) Describe the methods employed by the compilers of the major books of Hadith to
ensure the Hadiths they collected were authentic. [10]

A basic answer to this part of the question will give a bare amount of descriptive detail about
the Hadith collections. However slightly better answers will give some accurate information
about the method of scrutinising the isnad and matn. The able candidates will describe in
some detail how the compilers compared the body (matn) of the Hadith with reason, the
Qur'an and other Hadiths to ensure that it agreed with the main Islamic teachings. They will
also perhaps mention that the chain of transmitters (isnad) was unbroken. The importance of
the narrator to be of sound mind, good memory and upright character may also be
mentioned. Candidates could also give examples of collectors going about their work.

(b) Why is it important for Muslims to have collections of authentic Hadiths? [4]

A basic answer to this part of the question will be that Muslims need to know what the
Prophet taught. As Muslims try to base their lives on the Prophets example it is important for
them to know what he did and said. Candidates may elaborate on the above points to explain
that what the Qur'an stated in general terms was further explained by the Prophets Hadiths.
Good answers will also refer to the need to have authentic Hadiths for legal purposes and
could explain the function of authentic Hadiths in legal thinking.

2 (a) From the set Hadiths outline the Prophet’s teachings about the conduct of the
individual in the community. [10]

A basic answer to this part of the question will refer to a few Hadiths but will not show a
confident understanding of the meanings or what teachings they hold for Muslims about their
conduct. There is scope in this answer for candidates to refer to Hadiths from both the
themes; individual conduct and life in the community. Marks should be given where there
are clear references to relevant Hadiths and where some attempt has been made to
understand and express the teachings of Hadiths about the conduct of the individual in the
community. Good answers will quote and describe Hadiths and say how the Prophet’s
teachings give Muslims the knowledge of how to deal with others with care and humanity,
how they tell a Muslim about the right way of dealing with widows, orphans and the
vulnerable in life, the importance of earning an honest living through the work of one’s own
hands etc. Answers that show clear knowledge of the teachings of the Prophet are the ones
that will get to the top levels.

(b) How does following the example of the Prophet in one’s behaviour towards others
affect the community? [4]

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History Of Hadiths

A variety of answers could be given in answer to this part, from there being brotherhood in
the community; to the protection of the rights of the vulnerable; to no one being left in poverty
and need etc. All valid answers should be credited. Some candidates may well give an
example of how by following the Prophet’s example a positive change was brought in society
in the present times.

2 (a) According to the teachings of the set Hadiths you have studied, outline the ways in
which Muslims should treat one another. [10]

A basic answer to this part of the question will refer to a few Hadiths without showing a
confident understanding of their meaning and how they combine to give a general reflection
on the rights of others in the community of Muslims. Better answers will give clear references
to relevant Hadiths and attempt to understand and express their teachings. The Hadiths cited
must be the ones from the syllabus as the question states this requirement clearly. Good
answers will quote and discuss Hadiths and deduce from them the rights of others in the
community of Muslims and go on to express them confidently.

(b) What are the advantages of having different categories of Hadiths. [4]

An evaluative response is required here, candidates could name the different categories of
Hadiths and give reasons for why they think they are important or not important e.g. they can
say that Hadith A-Daeef (weak) is a Hadith in which the narrator may have a bad memory or
may have been known to be a liar or may not have met the one he was supposed to be
narrating from. Some could even go on to discuss the harm that could result from following
say a weak or an unauthentic Hadith. All valid answers should be credited.

2 (a) What part do Hadiths play in Islamic legal thinking? [10]

Candidates may state some basic points like Hadiths of the Prophet are the second most
important source of Islamic law next to the Qur’an and that they also give fuller teachings of
what the Qur’an states in brief. Candidates could give examples here to support their
answers. In past years candidates have given examples of how zakat was calculated in the
light of the Prophet’s Hadiths and how in some cases where the Qur’an is completely silent
his Hadiths are the sole basis of legislation. Examples of the immediate successors using
knowledge of Hadiths can also be cited by the candidates. Examples showing how Hadiths
influenced Islamic legal thinking will take the candidates to the higher levels. Stronger
candidates could even reflect upon how ijma and qiyas depend on Hadiths.

(b) What is the importance of consensus (ijma) in Islam? [4]

Candidates should not describe what ijma is but focus their answer on the need for
importance of consensus of scholars having to judge on issues which are not clear in the
Qur’an and Hadiths of the Prophet. Examples of ijma can be given by candidates. Excellent
answers may well discuss ijma as a democratic principle in Islam.

2 (a) How did the compilers of Hadiths (muhaddithun) judge between acceptable and
unacceptable Hadiths? [10]

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History Of Hadiths

Compilers ensured that there was no conflict between the Hadith and the teachings of the
Qur’an, i.e. both the Qur’an and Hadith were in conformity and taught the same lessons. It
could be added that they compared the body (matn) of the Hadith with reason, the Qur’an
and other Hadiths to ensure that they agreed with the primary Islamic teaching. Answers
could be further elaborated to state that they ensured the chain of transmitters (isnad) was
unbroken and that the transmitter was a person of sound mind, good memory and upright
character. Examples of collectors going about their work could be given to answer this part of
the question.
(b) How are the Qur’an and Hadith employed in working out Islamic law? [4]

The Qur’an is the first source of Islamic law. It could be added that its teachings are followed
without question and where they contain no detail the Hadiths are employed. Good answers
are likely to put forward a relevant teaching of the Qur’an in relation to a Hadith and explain
how the Hadith/s have helped legal experts to formulate rules in the shari’a.

2 (a) Outline the main teachings of the Hadiths you have studied about the importance of
Muslim communal life. [10]

A basic answer to this part of the question will refer to a few Hadiths but will not show a
confident understanding of their meaning and will lack any attempt to combine them into a
general reflection on communal living. However, marks should be credited to answers where
there are clear references to relevant Hadiths, and where some attempt has been made to
understand and express their teachings. Good answers will quote and discuss Hadiths and
reflect on the general principles about communal living that are deduced from them giving a
clear picture of their teaching about relationships with others and communal life.

(b) Explain the main differences of the musnad and the musannaf Hadiths. [4]

The candidates could simply give no more than a basic description of the differences
between the two, that the musnad are collected under the name of the first transmitter and
the musannaf under the main teaching. Some candidates might develop these points and
give a full description of the two kinds of Hadiths, and make an attempt to explain their
different uses. Better answers will discuss the advantages of the two types and give fuller
explanations of the different uses with particular reference to the suitability of musannaf
collections for legal thinking.

2(a) Write about the importance of knowing the Prophet’s Hadiths and
following his Sunna for Muslims.
Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant
information must be credited.
It could be said that the Prophet’s Hadiths are an important source of
explaining the Qur’an and expanding on the brief teachings given in it. For
example, the Qur’an stresses the need to offer prayers but it is the
Hadith/Sunna of the Prophet (pbuh) that tells Muslims how to perform salat
and what to read in it. How to pay zakat, perform hajj are all found in the
Hadith and the Sunna of the Prophet (pbuh).
Hadiths are also a primary source of Sharia law after the Qur’an. The
Prophet’s Hadiths provide principles regarding many aspects of law i.e.

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History Of Hadiths

trading, marriage, inheritance etc. Some examples of the Prophet’s

instruction in making Sharia law are: ‘No zakat is payable on a property until
a year passes on it’ and ‘A Muslim may not inherit from a non-Muslim, nor a
non-Muslim from a Muslim’.
The Prophet’s Hadiths have been a source of guidance to Muslims
throughout the ages and even today are most useful in putting one’s faith in
practice and in the use of ijma and qiyas.
The importance of following the Prophet’s Sunna lies in the fact that God
Himself asks Muslims to do so. The Qur’an itself says, ‘Obey Allah and obey
the Prophet’ [64:12].
By following the Sunna of the Prophet (pbuh) Muslims hope to walk the path
of righteousness. The Prophet (pbuh) also instructed Muslims to follow his
Sunna in his last sermon. Muslims try to follow his Sunna out of love for him.

2(b) Why are belief and action both important for Muslims? Give reasons to
support your answer.
Use the AO2 Marking Grid
Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant
information must be credited.
Candidates can say that belief and action are both important for Muslims
because the Qur’an itself instructs Muslims to act on their beliefs in several
passages.
It could also be said that belief is only sincere when put into action. To
elaborate this view, they could say that belief in God is meaningful only
when a Muslim believes in His Oneness, is obedient to His commands and
worships Him.

2(a) Write an account of the collection of Hadiths during:

• the Prophet’s lifetime, and
• the time of the Companions immediately after the Prophet’s death.

During the Prophet’s time there was no official recording or transcripts of

Hadiths of what he said. Instead the generation of Muslims who lived with
the Prophet (pbuh) sought to preserve his words and deeds either in their
memory or through some means of writing. Amongst the documents that
became part of Hadith collections were the official records of the Prophet’s
discourses and statements etc. e.g. The Peace deal for Suraqa bin Naufal;
As -Sahifa ‘Ali etc.
After the Prophet’s death the Companions assumed both religious and
political leadership in the community. For example, Ibn Abbas in Makkah,
Ibn Masud in Kufa, and Salman Farsi in Isfahan had the responsibility of
teaching the new generations of Muslims and new converts about the
religion and Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh). Thus, the study of Hadiths
began as a practical attempt to gather, organise and sift through the

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History Of Hadiths

authoritative statements and behaviour attributed to the Prophet (pbuh).

It was often the junior Companions who became the most prolific collectors
and transmitters of Hadiths. Abu Hurayra narrated 5300 Hadiths, Abdallah
ibn Umar was 23 years old when the Prophet (pbuh) died but is the second
largest source of Hadiths, narrating 2600 Hadiths, Ibn Abbas narrated 1700
Hadiths. Though narrators like Ibn Abbas and Abu Hurayra knew the
Prophet (pbuh) for a short period of time they gathered their vast volumes of
Hadith by seeking them out from the senior Companions.
The Prophet’s wives were also a great source of Hadiths. Ayesha was gifted
with a great memory and not only narrated 2,200 Hadiths but was a critic of
badly remembered ones. Companions like Abu Bakr, ‘Umar and ‘Ali did not
record large number of Hadiths but rather preserved the teachings in their
actions and methods of reasoning rather than by citing them directly.

2(b) In your opinion what were the main reasons for Hadith collections?
Give reasons for your answer.
A whole range of reasons can be given in response to this question. For
example, it could be said that the Prophet (pbuh) was the final authority on
all secular and spiritual matters and with his death a template was needed
to clarify, adjudicate or resolve questions and disputes as he would have
done.
Another reason could be that the Prophet’s Companions, who had first-hand
knowledge of his Sunnah, were themselves dying and hence a need was
felt to preserve the Hadiths for future generations.
All valid answers backed by reasoning to be credited.

Q a)Write an account of: • the reasons given by scholars for compiling Hadith collections,
and;
• the checks made to confirm their authenticity.

Candidates need to begin the answer by giving an account of the reasons for compiling Hadith
collections. They can be summarised as follows: After the passing away of the Prophet (pbuh)
the Muslim community passed through a series of unrest and wars. Hadiths were forged to
manipulate the authority of the Sunna, so in order to distinguish original Hadith from the fake
Hadith compilations were made. To resolve all matters, secular and spiritual in the light of the
teachings of the Prophet (pbuh) it was essential to have authentic Hadiths. The new generations
of Muslims needed guidance on the true Islamic way of life based on the life of the Prophet
(pbuh). The Companions of the Prophet (pbuh) were passing away and the Hadiths they
remembered had to be preserved. Overzealous teachers and heretics made up Hadiths to advance
religious teachings in the name of Islam and to undermine Islam respectively. Authentic Hadiths
were essential to keep the teachings of Islam uncorrupted. Also, the Qur’an instructs Muslims to
follow the practice of the Prophet (pbuh) and for that reason Hadiths needed to be compiled so
Muslims of all times can use the knowledge they provided. For the next part of the answer
candidates can write about the checks made to confirm the authenticity of Hadiths by writing an

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History Of Hadiths

account of the isnad and matn. It could be said that checks were made to see that the isnad line
was complete and that narrators were subject to severe tests and were graded according to
various degrees of reliability depending on their character, reputation, knowledge, etc. Matn of
Hadiths was also scrutinised to see that it was in line with the teachings of the Qur’an, that it did
not contradict an established Hadith or the Qur’an, etc.

(b) What is the purpose of having false Hadiths in Hadith collections?

Candidates need to give their personal view as to why it was essential to include false (mawdu)
Hadiths in Hadith collections. It could be said that they were included to ensure that the
possibility of them being categorised in the other categories, e.g. sahih, hasan, etc. did not occur.
Another reason could be to let Muslims know that these were false Hadiths so if they came
across them they could disregard them. All valid responses to be credited on their own merit.

2(a) Referring to the set Hadiths write about the benefits to the community of following the
Prophet’s guidance.

Use the AO1 Marking Grid Candidates may include some of the following information. All
other relevant information must be credited. In response to this question, candidates need to refer
to the set Hadiths that have been set for special study. They can use Hadiths related to individual
conduct and life in the community as there is a link between personal conduct and how that in
turn impacts the community. In the answer, this link is important to be shown if Hadiths used are
related to individual conduct. For example, if Hadith 9 is used, it teaches about earning from the
labour of one’s hard work, but in turn will help create an honest community and that link should
be brought out in answers. Hadith 14 is teaching Muslims to be merciful and kind and honest in
all trade dealings which helps the economy of the community and gains the Muslim the blessings
and mercy of God. Hadith 15, 10, 11, 5, and 6 deal directly with Community life and can be used
in the answer.

2(b) Why is the example of the Prophet (pbuh) important for Muslims today?
Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant information must
be credited. Candidates could say in response to this question that the Prophet (pbuh) was the
Messenger of God, the interpreter of the Qur’an and his life was based on the teachings of the
Qur’an. Thus, for Muslims who aspired to gain God’s pleasure, he was the perfect role model to
follow. To create a fair and just society, Muslims must more than ever follow his example of
tolerance, moderation, forgiveness in their daily lives.

2(a) Write about the importance of knowing the Prophet’s Hadiths and following his Sunna
for Muslims.

Use the AO1 Marking Grid Candidates may include some of the following information. All other
relevant information must be credited. It could be said that the Prophet’s Hadiths are an
important source of explaining the Qur’an and expanding on the brief teachings given in it. For
example, the Qur’an stresses the need to offer prayers but it is the Hadith/Sunna of the Prophet

13
History Of Hadiths

(pbuh) that tells Muslims how to perform salat and what to read in it. How to pay zakat, perform hajj are
all found in the Hadith and the Sunna of the Prophet (pbuh). Hadiths are also a primary source of
Sharia law after the Qur’an. The Prophet’s Hadiths provide principles regarding many aspects of
law i.e. trading, marriage, inheritance etc. Some examples of the Prophet’s instruction in making
Sharia law are: ‘No zakat is payable on a property until a year passes on it’ and ‘A Muslim may
not inherit from a non-Muslim, nor a non-Muslim from a Muslim’. The Prophet’s Hadiths have
been a source of guidance to Muslims throughout the ages and even today are most useful in
putting one’s faith in practice and in the use of ijma and qiyas. The importance of following the
Prophet’s Sunna lies in the fact that God Himself asks Muslims to do so. The Qur’an itself says,
‘Obey Allah and obey the Prophet’ [64:12]. By following the Sunna of the Prophet (pbuh)
Muslims hope to walk the path of righteousness. The Prophet (pbuh) also instructed Muslims to
follow his Sunna in his last sermon. Muslims try to follow his Sunna out of love for him.

2(b) Why are belief and action both important for Muslims? Give reasons to support your
answer.
Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant information must
be credited. Candidates can say that belief and action are both important for Muslims because the
Qur’an itself instructs Muslims to act on their beliefs in several passages. It could also be said
that belief is only sincere when put into action. To elaborate this view, they could say that belief
in God is meaningful only when a Muslim believes in His Oneness, is obedient to His commands
and worships Him.

Qa)Write an account of how the Hadiths of the Prophet stress upon the unity of the Islamic
community. Use at least four set Hadiths from the syllabus to develop your answer.

In this answer candidates need to bring out the fact that those who accept the guidance of the
Prophet (pbuh) and accept Islam as their religion form a separate community of Islamic fraternity
commonly known as the umma. The Prophet (pbuh) went to great lengths to stress to the
members and different groups within the umma, the need to behave kindly towards each other
and help one another and to fulfil the obligations upon them which was brought on them by their
common faith. This emphasis of the Prophet (pbuh) was especially important as the umma
constituted of members from different countries, races, tribes and social ranks, each with its own
ethnic, linguistic and temperamental features. The Prophet (pbuh) demonstrated this unity when
he arrived in Madina by forming brotherhood between the muhajireen and the ansars. He
stressed that it was incumbent for a Muslim to protect the honour and dignity of another Muslim
and also to protect and guard another Muslim from any evil or danger that he himself may be
unaware of. Muslims should wish for their fellow Muslims what they wish for themselves.
Candidates could give one of the Hadiths from the syllabus here, ‘None of you believe until he
wants for his brother what he wants for himself’. Muslims are also told that the bonds of unity
should not be broken between them. It is the duty of a Muslim to make peace with his fellow
believer. Every Muslim is also told to not only do what is right, but to spread good and virtue
according to the moral standards of Islam and discourage evil. Some candidates could develop
this point and say that though unity should be maintained, terrorism should never be supported as
it is against the teachings of both the Qur’an and the Prophet (pbuh). Candidates as asked in the
question should refer to any four Hadiths from the syllabus. The ones that are clearly most
relevant to this question are Hadiths 2,3,10,11,14,15,16. 10

14
History Of Hadiths

2(b) Why do you think Islam gives so much importance to maintaining unity within the Islamic
community? Here we are looking to credit all evaluative responses, the higher the degree of
evaluation, the better the mark will be. Candidates could say that the concepts of equality and
unity are the essence of Islamic values and Muslims are encouraged to maintain unity within the
Islamic community to strengthen it. The community being united in practising faith and
following its teachings will increasingly lead to social justice and harmony. By practising unity
the vulnerable are cared for and nobody gets left behind and on account of this society as a whole
prospers. All valid points to be credited.

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