Islamiyat · Oct / Nov 2025 · Paper 21 · Question 2

Write about the importance of knowing the Hadiths of the Prophet (pbuh) and of following his sunna for Muslims.

Use the AO1 Levels of Response.

There are several reasons why it is important for Muslims to know the Prophet’s Hadiths and to follow his sunna.

Firstly, Muslims need to know the Prophet’s Hadiths to understand their faith. Many of the Islamic practices are based on following his action or sunna as the Qur’an does not go into the details of them and covers them briefly. Examples to highlight this point can be given by the candidates.

Hadiths are also a source of sharia law after the Qur’an. The Prophet (pbuh) laid down principles of law in his Hadiths regarding all aspects of law making. Knowledge and understanding of the Hadiths is important to live one’s life according to the sharia. Again, examples of sharia law need to be given to develop the answer.

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 into practice and in the use of ijma and qiyas.

The Prophet’s interaction with his wives and children shows Muslims how to behave with their families and therefore are important for them to know. Finally, it could be said that 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].

How do Muslims benefit from following the Hadiths?

Use the AO2 Levels of Response.

Muslims benefit from following the Prophet’s Hadiths as it guides them in all areas of life e.g., personal, legal and social. Simply having knowledge of the Hadiths is not enough – they must be put into practice for any benefit to be gained from them. Candidates must draw out this connection between knowledge and practice to be rewarded.

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 and thus his Hadiths give Muslims the perfect teachings of how to practice their faith, live their lives and earn God’s pleasure.

When Muslims lead a life which is based on the Hadiths, it will benefit them in the afterlife.

By following the Prophet’s Hadiths Muslim can improve both individually and at the community level. Examples of the benefits of following the Prophet’s Hadiths can be given to develop the answer.

Write an account of ‘Uthman’s selection as caliph and how he governed