Islamiyat · Oct / Nov 2025 · Paper 21 · Question 1

Describe their teachings about what Muslims believe.

Use the AO1 Levels of Response.

Answers may include some of the following ideas, but all valid material must be credited.

Hadith # 16

The teachings given in this Hadith focus on brotherhood in Islam. Islam promotes unity amongst the believers and urges believers to come to the aid of their brothers in times of difficulty and hardship.

The example of the human body is given in the Hadith to highlight this relationship. Just like the head is the command centre which controls all our thoughts and actions and is vital to humans, brotherhood is essential to Muslims as it binds and holds them together.

Hadith # 4

The teachings given in this Hadith state that Islam is a very simple religion to follow and practice and that the minimum requirement for attaining Paradise is the fulfilment of the Pillars of Islam.

Abiding by what God has made permissible and staying away from the forbidden acts in Islam is also an important teaching that if acted upon will earn the believer Paradise.

Hadith # 9

This short Hadith carries important teachings for Muslims. The Hadith’s teachings are instructing all believers to work hard and do everything to the best of their abilities. The Hadith teaches believers to earn their living honestly, avoiding all forbidden ways of earning and to live within one’s means.

Reliance on God and dignity of labour are also key teachings highlighted of the Hadith.

Hadith # 2

The teaching given in this Hadith is for Muslims to treat everyone with compassion and kindness and generosity and to deal with people the way you would want them to deal with you.

Desiring and wanting for others the very best and what you desire for yourself is another important teaching given in this Hadith. The thought behind this is that desiring the best for others in all aspects of life does not reduce one’s own share of God’s blessings as His bounty is limitless. However, the desire for others to do well and prosper in all aspects of life keeps envy at bay and promotes brotherhood and love in the community.

Explain how Muslims can put these teachings into action.

Use the AO2 Levels of Response.

Answers may include some of the following ideas, but all valid material must be credited.

Hadith # 16

Muslims can put the teachings of this Hadith into action by keeping aware of the needs and sufferings of their fellow Muslims in the community and the wider world. An example could be that if someone in the community is widowed and struggling, she should be helped financially or emotionally or both if needed.

If Muslims of another country are being oppressed Muslim nations should come to their aid and send them relief packages or provide them with refuge in their countries.

Hadith # 4

Muslims can put the teachings of this Hadith into action by wholeheartedly accepting God as their Creator and Master and by putting into practice the principles of Islam e.g., by saying the prescribed salat five times a day; keeping away from food and drink that God has prohibited etc.

Yet another way Muslims can put the teachings of this Hadith into action is by understanding that the fulfilment of what is obligatory is more important than that which is optional. The Prophet (pbuh) was never strict about optional ibadah; he only did tarawih prayers twice publicly in his lifetime so that he could set an example that only the Pillars of Islam are compulsory. Hadith # 9

Muslims today can act upon the teaching of this Hadith by following the example of the Prophet (pbuh) and the prophets that came before him who all earned their livelihood, by doing the work that was available, and which earned them an honest living.

Many of them were shepherds so we today must not shy away from doing simple jobs or those that don’t pay a lot as every job has its own merit, the focus should be on earning an honest living.

Even as the ruler of Madina, the Prophet (pbuh) participated in the construction of the mosque in Madina, and the digging of the trench in the Battle of Khandaq. He did not think that working with his hands or doing manual labour was beneath his dignity. He acted upon his teachings and has left Muslims his example to follow.

Hadith # 2

The teachings of this Hadith can be put into action by responding to the needs of others e.g., sending donations, clothing or other necessities to refugees who have been displaced from their own countries on account of war or natural calamity.

Volunteering to work at food banks to provide hot meals or food parcels to those in need, is another way in which the Hadiths teachings could be put into practice.

A Muslim must never take pleasure in another’s misfortune and must be willing to come to the aid of Muslims and humanity at large.