Islamiyat · May / June 2022 · Paper 22 · Question 1

describe their teachings about what Muslims believe

Use the AO1 Levels of Response

Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant information must be credited.

(i) The teaching given in this Hadith is that the minimum requirement for attaining paradise is the fulfilment of the Five Pillars, and even from these five the last two, alms-giving (zakat) and Hajj are obligatory on only those who have the means to fulfil them.

Abiding by what God has made permissible and refraining from the forbidden is the only other condition that needs to be fulfilled to enter Paradise.

Islam is a simple religion to follow, and the given teaching is telling Muslims not to over burden themselves or others with optional ibadah and self sacrifice, but to do what they comfortably can in order to gain extra rewards from God.

(ii) The teaching given in this Hadith is for believers to treat the world as a temporary place and to always remember that a person’s final dwelling is in the hereafter and that attaining Paradise should be the goal of every Muslim.

A believer therefore has to live life in this world despite its charms following God’s commands and abiding by His restrictions. Those who do not believe in God or the hereafter, the Hadith adds, live their life in self- gratification.

(iii) At the heart of Islamic teaching is mercy and kindness which can be practiced by all Muslims. God has enjoined Muslims to show kindness and mercy in all aspects of life including trade.

The instruction in this Hadith clearly tells believers that honesty, fairness, and kindness should be the guiding principles of every business transaction.

The Prophet (pbuh) would instruct his Companions to be lenient and gentle towards the borrower.

(iv) The Qur’an is a book of guidance and a source of all Islamic teaching and should never be neglected.

Reading and understanding of the Qur’an has been emphasised in this Hadith. The example of tethered camels has been given to show the strong relationship a Muslim should have with the Qur’an if this relationship is weakened then a Muslim could go astray.

explain how Muslims can put these teachings into action

Use the AO2 Levels of Response

Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant information must be credited.

(i) Muslims can put these teachings into action by being obedient to God and by putting into practice the Pillars.

Fulfilling them with sincerity and on time, for example, offering prayer (salat) at the prescribed time, fasting in the month of Ramadan and abstaining from what God has forbidden are some ways of practicing this Hadith.

Students can give personal examples to support their answer. (ii) Following the laws of God and the practice of the Prophet (pbuh) should be the way of life for Muslims. By staying away from the forbidden foods and drinks. For example, eating lawful (halal) foods although the environment you are in may be tempting you with other foods. By practicing modesty, for example, lowering one’s gaze in the presence of the opposite gender. By earning lawfully. There are many ways Muslims can put into practice the teachings of this Hadith.

Examples can be given to develop the answer.

(iii) By conducting all trade and financial dealings honestly and fairly and by giving respite to a debtor when asking for one’s money back are a few ways of putting into practice the teaching given in the Hadith.

Not selling substandard goods and keeping high margins are other ways in which this Hadith could be put into action.

Examples from the past or present day could be given.

(iv) By establishing a strong relationship with the Qur’an all Muslims can practice this Hadith. Reading a small portion of the Qur’an daily, understanding and implementing the teachings given in it, teaching others to read and understand the Qur’an are all ways to practice the Hadith.