Islamiyat · May / June 2026 · Paper 22 · Question 1

Describe their teachings about what Muslims believe.

Use the AO1 Levels of Responses

The key word in this Hadith is nasihah, meaning sincerity or advice. The Hadith of the Prophet (pbuh) teaches that sincerity is an essential part of Islam.

The Hadith teaches the importance of

truthfulness, genuine faith, honesty, loyalty, and goodwill in a Muslim’s relationship with Allah, the Qurʾan, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh), the leaders of the Muslim community, and fellow Muslims. It emphasises that sincerity gives meaning and value to a Muslim’s faith.

Islam is a religion of peace and teaches Muslims to maintain peace and harmony within society. This Hadith teaches this through three important areas of conduct:

By repeating the phrase, ‘Let him who believes in Allah and the Last Day’ before each teaching, the Prophet (pbuh) emphasises that a Muslims action should reflect sincere faith and belief. The Hadith teaches that speech should be used carefully and responsibly, as words can bring benefit or cause harm. It also teaches the importance of hospitality, generosity, and good treatment towards neighbours and guests as qualities of a true believer.

The teaching given in this Hadith is that the Qurʾan is a book of guidance and the primary source of all Islamic teachings. The Hadith emphasises the importance of reading, learning, and maintaining a close connection with the Qurʾan.

The comparison with tethered camels highlights the importance of preserving one’s relationship with the Qurʾan. Just as the camels of the Bedouins could easily wander away if they were not carefully tied and watched, the Hadith teaches that Muslims should regularly read, learn, and revise the Qurʾan so that its teachings are not forgotten or neglected.

Allah’s mercy is evident in all the countless blessings seen in creation which establish Him as the Most Merciful. From this awareness the teaching given to Muslims in the Hadith is to develop the traits of mercy, compassion, and forgiveness in their own personalities. To show compassion and care to those around them and indeed to all living things is an important teaching given.

Another important teaching given is that to gain Allah’s mercy Muslims must show the same mercy they await from Allah to others.

Explain how Muslims can put these teachings into action.

Use the AO2 Levels of Responses

The teachings of this Hadith can be put into action by living one’s life according to God’s Shariʿah and following the Pillars of Islam. Sincerity to the Prophet (pbuh) can be shown by following his sunna, and by living modestly as he did. To the Qurʾan by reading and understanding its content and acting upon its teachings and perhaps teaching it to others.

Sincerity towards leaders can be shown by obeying the laws of the land, paying taxes to the government, working honestly in one’s job and sincerity towards the common man can be shown by helping in the community by doing voluntary work.

Muslims can put the teachings of this Hadith into action in three main ways. Firstly, Muslims should use their words responsibly by avoiding backbiting, slander, abuse, and hurtful speech. The Prophet (pbuh) set the example of good speech and did not curse even those who mistreated him. Muslims should also use their speech positively by spreading goodness and avoiding gossip or sharing information that may hurt others.

Muslims can also fulfil the teachings of the Hadith by being aware of and helping with the needs of their neighbours. For example, if special food has been prepared at home, some of it can be shared with a neighbour.

Hospitality towards guests is another way of acting upon the Hadith. Muslims can welcome guests warmly and avoid pretending not to be home when unexpected visitors arrive at their doorstep.

Muslims can put the teachings of this Hadith into action by reading a portion of the Qurʾan daily and reflecting upon its teachings. They can strengthen their understanding of Islam and the principles of their faith through regular study of the Qurʾan.

Muslims can also act upon these teachings by learning from the stories of earlier prophets mentioned in the Qurʾan, which teach the message of tawhid and belief in all prophets sent by Allah. This can encourage respect for other prophets and greater understanding and tolerance towards people of different faiths in everyday life.

Muslims can put into action the teaching given in this Hadith by establishing brotherhood in the ummah and by strengthening their bonds with fellow Muslims. This can be done by showing compassion to others, helping someone in their time of need, be it emotional or financial, and caring for the sick.

Mercy should not just be shown to Muslims but to all of God’s creation. The Prophet (pbuh) prayed for the people of Taʾif when they rejected him. He forgave the Makkans at the time of the Conquest of Makka. Following the beautiful example of the Prophet (pbuh) Muslims too must forgive those who wrong them and in general be merciful towards all of God’s creation.