Islamiyat · Oct / Nov 2021 · Paper 22 · Question 1

describe their teaching about what Muslims believe;

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(i) The teaching of this Hadith gives a distinguished place to a believer who struggles in the way of God. A believer can sacrifice for God in many ways, with his person, wealth and property. The purpose, however, should be to establish a just society that lives according to the rules of God.

Candidates could expand on the ways in which a Muslim can strive in God’s way with his person and say how God compensates for what has been spent in His way.

(ii) The teaching given in this Hadith focuses on the importance of reading the Qur’an and understanding its meaning. The Qur’an is a source of complete guidance and a believer is required to establish a strong link with it by reading, understanding and living according to its teachings. Candidates could refer to the analogy of tethered camels given in the Hadith and explain it.

(iii) The only connection between God and His creation is through taqwa (God consciousness). Whosoever has more taqwa is closer and honourable in the eyes of God is the key message of this Hadith. Everything a person has, their appearance, wealth, family, honour is God given so He does not take them into account. What He does take into account is sincerity of intention and He rewards deeds based on what is in the heart.

(iv) This Hadiths teaching focuses on the concept of brotherhood in Islam. It teaches Muslims about how to live together in a community and how to behave with one another with care and concern.

It stresses upon unity and fraternity amongst Muslims by stating that just as the brain is the command centre and vital to humans, brotherhood is essential to Muslims as Muslims are joined together in a fraternity by their common faith.

Explain how Muslims can put these teachings into action.

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(i) A person may strive in God’s way in many different ways in his/her daily life.

(ii) The teachings given in this Hadith can be put into action by reading the Qur’an daily, by understanding the meaning of what is being read and implementing the Qur’an’s teaching in one’s life. It could also be acted upon by teaching the Qur’an to others. One’s faith would be weakened if he/she neglected.

(iii) This Hadith can be implemented when a believer’s every action is based on seeking God’s pleasure. When charity is given the objective behind it should be to help another fellow being and to please God by the act as He wants His creation to care for and look after each other. Sincerity of actions is the right way to implement the teachings given in the Hadith. Examples will help develop the answer.

(iv) The teaching given in the Hadith can be acted upon by being aware of the sufferings of fellow Muslims and by trying to alleviate that suffering. The best example of brotherhood is the one established by the Prophet (pbuh) between the Muhajireen and the Ansars. The Ansars were extremely generous and ready to share their possessions and families with their Muslim brothers.

Muslims today can help other Muslims suffering in war torn countries by feeling their pain and helping them in whatever way possible.