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Past Papers
PAPER 02
Day 02
M/J 2015 (21)
2 (a) Write an account of the parts that make up a Hadith, and describe the checks made by the
collectors of the Hadiths to ensure the accuracy of their collections. [10]

Marking Scheme:
Hadiths consist of two main parts, the chain of narrators (isnad) and the text (matn). Candidates need to give a
detailed account of them.
Candidates need to also describe in some detail how the compilers of Hadiths compared matn of the Hadith
with reason, the Qur’an and other authentic Hadiths to ensure that it agreed with the main Islamic principles.
The fact that isnads were closely checked as well as the credentials of the narrator when selecting a Hadith for
the authentic collections could also be mentioned in the answer. How the compliers went about collecting and
authenticating the Hadiths could also be given in the answer.

Answer (Learn and write)

• Up to the beginning of the 3rd century of Islam, the compilers of Hadith did not classify Hadiths according
to their authenticity. Famous scholar Muhammad bin Ismail al-Bukhari was the first person to conceive
the idea of compiling authentic hadith by checking the reliability of the Isnad and Matn of every Hadith.
Following his footsteps, other scholars also compiled authentic books which later came to be known as
Sihah al Sitta or the six authentic books.
For checking the authenticity, these scholars divided every hadith in two parts i.e Isnad (chain of
transmitters) and Matn (Text).
Isnad:
The first part of the Hadith is the chain of names. These are the authorities who are called narrators or
Muhaddisin. It is called “Sanad” plural “Isnad” which means support as it is the authority for the genuineness
of a Hadith. The authorities can be as many as one, two, three, four, five, or six depending on how far was the
compilers time for the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
For example Imam Malik relates a Hadith from his teacher Nafi who relates it from his teacher Abdullah Bin
Umar who says he heard it from Prophet (PBUH).

Methods
The following methods were used by the scholars to be certain of the authenticity of Isnad of every hadith.
• The first transmitter in the chain must be a companion of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). This means that he
could have heard the Holy Prophet (PBUH) speak, and could have seen him performing various actions.
• Each transmitter in the chain who is known as rawi must be a strong Muslim i.e honest and upright.
This means that he should report exactly what he has learnt from his teacher, and not use his own words
thus transferring a genuine Hadith. If any of the narrators was found guilty of falsehood or unreliable
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character then the hadith was not accepted as authentic. For example once Imam Malik bin Anas went
to Egypt to collect the hadith. But when he observed that the narrator was deceitful in his daily living,
he did not ask him about the hadith.
• He must be of an age in which he can understand the Hadith he is delivering. This is because he should
understand what he reports and know how a change of words can change the ideas in it. Therefore, the
hadiths narrated by children were not accepted as authentic.
• He must have a good memory which is to ensure that he delivers the exact words of the Holy Prophet
(PBUH). He should report what agrees with the reports of others who are known to have good memories.
If any of the narrators was found to have a defective memory, then the hadith was not accepted as
authentic.
• The dates of birth and death of each transmitter in the chain was checked to ensure that they met
each other. Thus, there must be no gaps or weaknesses in the chain to ensure that a Hadith is authentic.
If the chain of narrators was broken, then the hadith was not accepted as authentic.
• Hadiths narrated by non muslims were not accepted as authentic.

Matn:
The second part of the hadith is Matnwhich are the words of the Holy Prophet pbuh. Matn is the text of the
hadith for example “Pray as you see me offering prayers.” The Matn as a report or an act or statement of the
Holy Prophet pbuh helps to build the picture of his teachings and thus, a base for Islamic rites and beliefs.

Methods:
The following methods were used by the scholars to be certain of the authenticity of Isnad of every hadith.
• The Matn is accepted as authentic if it is not contrary to the previous hadiths which were accepted as
correct by the authorities, nor contradict the Quran or the main principles of Islam.
• It should not be against the common sense, laws of nature and historical facts.
• It should not level accusations to the Prophet’s family and companions.
• The Matn should not be accepted if the narrator himself confesses that the hadith is fabricated.
• It should not contain such an event that if occurred would have been reported by other companions but
was only reported by him. For example, one person attributed a hadith to Abu Bakr (R.A) , that he would
kiss his thumbs when Prophet’s name was mentioned in Azaan. The scholars did not accept it as
authentic because it was a public action and if Abu Bakr would have done it in Prophet’s (pbuh) approval,
other companions would also have reported and performed it
• It should not promise high rewards for insignificant deeds or order punishments for small errors.
• It should be in the Arabic dialect of the prophet and should not contain expressions uncharacteristic to
the Prophet for example cursing and abusing.
Conclusion:
Thus the major collectors of hadith used strict and careful methods to ensure that hadiths which they
accepted were authentic. On the basis of these methods they categorized the hadiths into different types
according to their authenticity e.g Sahih or most authentic, Hasan or approved, Daif or weak and Maudoo or
Fabricated.

(b) Why was it important to check the accuracy of Hadiths? [4]

• The Prophet was sent as a guide and is a role model for all Muslims to follow in order to lead a good
Muslim life.
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• Muslims need to know what the Prophet said as his words also elaborate the teachings of the Qur’an
and help not only in daily life but in formulating laws etc.
• If authentic Hadiths were mixed up with the weak or fabricated Hadiths than the Muslims would be led
astray.
• It was therefore important to verify the authenticity of the Hadiths so that Muslims could live their lives
in line with the correct teachings of the Prophet.

3 (a) Give an account of the conditions required for ablution (wudu) and the method of
performing it. [10]

Marking scheme:
Wudu is the foremost requisite before prayers and the Prophet’s sunnah gives Muslims the details of the
conditions and method of wudu to follow. Candidates could give the following in their answer.
Conditions of wudu: • Intention should be made. • Entire wudu should be in a continuous process without a
break, no part should be allowed to dry before the other is washed. • It should be done in the prescribed order.
• Washing should start from the right side then left. • No part should remain dry. • It is recommended to brush
ones teeth or use miswak before or after wudu.

Method of wudu: • Wash both hands up to wrist. • Gargle three times. • Sniff in water with nostril using right
hand, use left hand to clean nose. • Wash the whole face with both hands from the forehead to the chin and
from lobe of one ear to the other. • Wash the right arm then the left arm up to the elbow. • Wet the hand and
perform masah by wiping hand on one fourth of the head, both ears are cleansed inside and outside, the thumb
is used to wipe the back of the ear and the index finger is used for the inside, and the back of the two hands are
passed on the nape of the neck. • The right then the left foot is washed up to the ankle.
Allow for variations according to the different schools of legal thinking.

Answer(Learn and write):

Conditions of wudu:
Ablution or wuzu in prescribed manner is necessary for a person who intends to say his prayers as the Quran
says, “O you who believe! when you prepare for prayer, wash your faces and your hands (and arms) to the
elbows, rub your heads (with water) and (wash) your feet to the ankles” (5:6)
Making the intention or niyat of Wuzu, “I intend to perform the Wuzu for securing Allah’s good pleasure
and in compliance with His command” .
If possible, one should sit facing the Qiblah.
The water to be used for Wuzu should be absolutely clean.
The wuzu should be in continuous process, without any break or interval. No part should be allowed to dry
up before the other is washed.
each part being washed and cleaned in the prescribed order,
Washing should start from the right side then left.
No part should remain dry.
It is recommended to brush ones teeth or use miswak before or after wudu.
Method of wudu:
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The approved method of performing wuzu is to wash both hands upto the wrists thrice, the wet fingers should
be passed in between each other. If there are any bangles on the wrists or ring on the fingers, as in the case of
females they should be moved around so that the skin under them does not remain dry.
After this rinse the mouth thrice.
Next some water should be taken in the right hand and sniffed into the nostrils thrice and then blown out.
The left hand should be used for cleaning nose.
Then the whole face should be washed with both hands, thrice from the forehead down to the lower
portion of the chin and from the lobe of one ear to the other.
Thereafter, first the right arm and then the left arm up to the elbows should be washed thrice.
After washing the arms wipe the head with wet hands and perform Masah from front to back, and pass
the back of wet hands over the nape of the neck. Clear the inner side of ears with forefingers and outer
with thumbs.
Finally wash the feet right and the left upto the ankles.
3.(b) Why is ablution (wudu) given so much importance in your view? [4]
• Purity is given utmost importance in Islam.
• God has repeatedly enjoined people to purify themselves in Al-Baqarah 2:222 God says, ‘Allah loves
those who repent and purify themselves’. The Prophet said ‘purity is half of faith’.
• Another reason that can be put forward is that the Prophet said that wudu removes the sins of a
person .
• purifying oneself allows one to focus on God when in prayer.

4 (a) What acts do pilgrims (hajjis) perform on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijja and how does the rest
of the Muslim community (umma) celebrate this day? [10]
Marking Scheme:
The focus of this answer has to be events that take place on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijja for pilgrims (hajjis)
performing hajj and the rest of the Muslim community celebrating Eid al- Adha.
This day marks the completion of hajj. Those on pilgrimage will on this day firstly perform rammi. Having spent
the previous night in Muzdalifa they reach Mina on the 10th and go to Jamara tul Aqaba and throw seven
pebbles at it. The throwing of the stones is symbolic and is done to show rejection of the devil and obedience
to God. Here the candidates can write about how Ibrahim stoned the devil three times when he tried to misguide
him and remained steadfast in his decision. Immediately after rammi the talbiya is stopped. The pilgrims then
offer sacrifice and then go on to shaving/cutting their hair after which they can come out of ihram.The pilgrims
then go on to Makka to perform Tawaf al-Ifada (Tawaf Ziara). After the tawaf they perform two rakkah at the
station of Ibrahim, and then run between Safa and Marwa hills. Tawaf Ifada is an indispensible part of hajj and
though it is best to perform it on 10th Dhu al-Hijja it is permissible to perform it later during the next three days.

Candidates could say that the 10th of Dhu al-Hijja is known as Yawm-al-Nahr (The Day of Sacrifice), as it is on
this day that Muslims all over the world offer an animal sacrifice to remember the great sacrifice Ibrahim was
willing to make for the almighty and celebrate the festival of Eid al-Adha. Some candidates could go on to give
details about how Muslims not on hajj start their day with Eid prayers and then go on to describe how the day
is spent in making the sacrifice, distributing the meat and could give proportions that it is distributed in between
the needy and the poor and family and friends etc.

Answer(Learn and write):

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Pilgrims:
This day marks the completion of hajj. Those on pilgrimage will on this day firstly perform rammi or stoning the
devil. Having spent the previous night in Muzdalifa they reach mina on the 10th and go to jamarat ul Aqaba and
throw seven pebbles at it. The throwing of the stones is symbolic and is done to show rejection of the devil and
obedience to God. Ibrahim stoned the devil three times when he tried to misguide him and remained steadfast
in his decision. Immediately after rammi the talbiya is stopped.
The pilgrims then offer sacrifice at Mina. The Quran says,“The sacrificial camels, We have made for you as
among the symbols from Allah: in them is much good for you. Then pronounce the name of Allah over them
as they are lined up for sacrifice. When they are down on their sides after slaughter, eat from them and feed
others.” [22:36]
Men usually have their heads shaved at this time. Women may cut a lock of hair.
After this, the pilgrims go to the Kaaba to perform the obligatory tawaf known as Tawaf Ifadah or Tawaf Ziara.
Tawaf ifada is an indispensible part of hajj and though it is best to perform it on 10thDhu al- Hijja it is permissible
to perform it later during the next three days.
Then they perform two rakat near the Station of Ibrahim.
Then they carry out the Sa’yi between the hills of Safa and Marwa by running between the hills seven times.The
Quran says,“Behold! Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah. So if those who visit the house in the
season or at other times, should compass them round, it is no sin in them. And if anyone obeys his own
impulse to good , be sure that Allah is He who recognizes and knows.” [2:158]
• Eid-ul-Azha falls on the tenth day of Zil Hajj which is also known as Yaum un Nahr(The day of
sacrifice), as it is on this day that Muslims all over the world offer an animal sacrifice to remember great
sacrifice of the Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail. The Prophet Ibrahim had a dream in which Allah commanded
him to sacrifice his son.
The Eid day starts with congregational prayer in the morning. During the prayer, the Muslims remember and
glorify Allah’s name, and ask for His forgiveness and for strength of faith. The time for Eid prayer is anytime
after sunrise but before noon. Usually, Eid-ul-Azha prayers are held a little earlier than the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers.
No Azaan or Iqamat is required
The prayer consists of two Raka’at with 6 additional Takbirs in this prayer.
After the two Raka’at of prayer are over, the Imam delivers the sermon of Eid-ul-Azha, the Imam should
draw attention to the duty of sacrifice, which is to be observed by every Muslim with means. It is preferable
to Slaughter the animal of sacrifice on Eid day after prayers. The sacrifice of an animal on second on third
day of Eid is also acceptable. The meat is divided in 3 equal parts for one’s family, relatives and the poor.

4.(b) What in your opinion are Muslims reminding themselves of when they celebrate Eid al-
Adha? [4]
• the animal sacrifice performed on Eid al-Adha is a symbolic gesture and by performing it Muslims are
reminding themselves of the great sacrifice that Ibrahim was prepared to make for the almighty when
he was ready to sacrifice his son for God’s sake.
• Thus reminding themselves that nothing is of greater importance than obeying the command of God.
• By distributing the meat of the sacrificed animal Muslims again remind themselves that charity and care
are integral components of Islam and need to be practiced in everyday life.

5 (a) Write about any two major events that took place during the caliphate of Abu Bakr. [10]
Marking Scheme:
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Many important events took place during the caliphate of Abu Bakr. Expedition to Syria, the wars with the false
prophets, the apostasy movement (the ridda wars) as well as the conquests of Persia and Byzantine, and of
course the compilation of the Qur’an. Candidates need to choose any two events and give an account of them.
Answer(Learn and write):
Refusal to pay Zakat
At that time, many tribes such as Banu Asad, Banu Ghatafan, Banu Abbas, Banu Murrah and other
surrounded in Madina. After the conquest of Makkah when other tribes in Arabia accepted Islam, These tribes
also offered allegiance of Islam. This allegiance was based on diplomacy rather than on faith and conviction of
heart. They regarded Islam as a matter of personal allegiance to the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) which ended with
his death.
These tribes sent a deputation to Hazrat Abu Bakr with the proposal that with the passing away of the
Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) , their agreement with Islam had ended and it was necessary that the authorities at
Madina should make a fresh agreement with them. They said that they would remain on friendly terms with the
authorities at Madinah provided they were relieved of the obligation to pay Zakat.
Abu Bakr was very strict on this point. He argued that Zakat being a fundamental injunction of Islam had to be
paid. Addressing the delegates, he said, “If with reference to Zakat, you withhold even as much as a string to
tie a camel, as the Khalifa of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H), it will be may duty to fight for it, whatever the
consequences”.
When Hazrat Abu Bakr rejected the demand of the tribes to exempt them from the payment of Zakat they
decided to forego Islam rather than yield to the authority at Madinah. They decided to launch an attack on
Madinah when the main Muslim army was away in Syria.
These tribes one night launched an attack on Madina and met with some initial success but the Muslims under
the command of Hazrat Abu Bakr rallied and in a counter attack repulsed the tribes. Driven away from Madina
the tribes gathered at Dhu Qissa which was at little distance from Madina.
Hazrat Abu Bakr marched there as the head of a Muslim force and launched an attack against them. After
some resistance the tribes broke rank and retreated to Abraq. When the main Muslim army under Usama
returned from the Syrian front successfully, Hazrat Abu bakr marched at its head and proceeded to Abraq. The
tribes were routed, and their lands were confiscated by the Muslims. This was a significant moment in the
caliphate of Hazrat Abu Bakr as after this victory the tribes sent their delegates to Madina and not only offered
allegiance to the caliph but expressed their willingness to pay Zakat as well.
Compilation of Quran:
During the time of the Prophet (pbuh) the Qur’an was written on pieces of animal skin and on parts of bone
but was mainly memorised by the companions. At the time of the Prophet (P.B.U.H) death no official copy of
the Quran existed.
After becoming caliph, Hazrat Abu Bakr waged a war against the false prophet Musailima and many companions
who had committed the Holy Quran to memory were martyred in that battle known as the battle of Yamamah.
Hazrat Umar suggested to Hazrat Abu Bakr that the Quran should be compiled. Hazrat Abu Bakr, however,
hesitated and said that he would not do the job left unfinished by the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H). According to
Hazrat Abu Bakr, “Umar went on persuading me to accept his suggestion till I was convinced that he was right
so I accepted his suggestion.”
Hazrat Abu Bakr asked Zaid bin Sabit, one of scribes of Divine revelation to collect the Quranic verses from every
part of the Islamic empire and compile them in book form. He was also reluctant but Abu Bakr persuaded him.
Zaid later remarked, “It would have been easier to carry a mountain on my shoulders, than to compile the
Quran.”
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A commission was appointed headed by Zaid Bin Sabit and its members comprised at least twenty or twenty
five companions who had committed the Quran to memory. Zaid Bin sabit traced out and collected the chapters
of the Quran from every person who had it in their possession. He collected it from palm leaves, stones, and
pieces of wood and people who had committed it to memory.
➢ Zaid Bin Sabit was not content just finding a written piece of the Quran.
➢ He also verified it from those people who had heard it from the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H).
➢ Though he himself was a hafiz of Quran, he always tried to find a verse in writing before including it in
his manuscript,
➢ He did not accept any part without two witnesses to it.
➢ The verses were written in the order that the Prophet (pbuh) had given, but the surahs were written on
separate sheets.
so that version of the Quran he recorded was the one heard from and written under the supervision of the
Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H).
• The script prepared by Zaid Bin Sabit was named “Mushaf” by Abdullah bin Masood. It remained with
Abu Bakr and after his death was transferred to the custody of Hazrat Umar, the second Khalifa, who gave it to
Hazrat Hafsa, a widow of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H). This copy of the Quran came to be known as Mushaf al –
Hafsa i.e Hafsa’s copy of Holy Book.

5.(b) In your opinion which of the two events you have written about in Part (a) was the more
significant and why? [4]
• Compilation of Quran
• Preserved for future generations
• a standard copy lessens the likelihood of it being reproduced with mistakes.
• if the Qur’an had not been collected into book form, parts may have been lost.
• unity between Muslims, e.g. they use the same book, they read it in its original language even if that
language is not their own.
• The practical benefits include that copies can be carried by individuals, and referred to with ease.

(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
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• 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.