Read the following text passages then answer the questions which follow. Qur'an 17.34 17.34 Come not nigh to the orphan's property except to improve it, until he attains the age of full strength; and fulfil (every) engagement, for (every) engagement will be enquired into (on the Day of Reckoning). Hadith 309 Neighbours Abu Shuraih Al-Khuza'i (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet () said, "He who believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him be kind to his neighbour; and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him show hospitality to his guest; and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him either speak good or remain silent". [Muslim].

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2022). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. This verse is about the good treatment of orphans.
2. Islam forbids the exploitation of orphans, for example, it is not allowed for their guardians to take ownership of their inheritance, on the pretence of taking care of them.
3. The only reason a guardian can take the money of an orphan is to invest it and make it more profitable, to hand it to them afterwards.
4. Good treatment of orphans was also encouraged by the Prophet (pbuh), e.g. Hadith: 'The best house among the Muslims is one where an orphan is well treated, and the worst house among the Muslims is one where an orphan is badly treated.' (Ibn Majah)
5. This verse also promotes the fulfilment of engagements/promises as they are sacred in Islam and breaking them will incur a punishment in the hereafter.
6. Breaking an engagement/oath makes one a liar, as mentioned in the Hadith about the signs of a hypocrite: 'Whenever he promises, he breaks his promise. Whenever he makes a covenant, he proves treacherous and whenever he speaks, he tells a lie.' (Muslim)
7. The Prophet (pbuh), the role model for the Muslims, always treated people around him in the best of manners.
8. As the person who lives the closest, it is easy to harm neighbours, by throwing rubbish in their garden, blocking their passage, taking their space, etc. So extra care needs to be taken so as not to fall into these pitfalls.
9. The Prophet (pbuh) specifically recommended good treatment to neighbours. In Hadith 309, the Prophet (pbuh) links good treatment of neighbours with belief in God and the afterlife, showing its importance in Islam.
10. To support their answer candidates could also refer to the Hadith of the Prophet (pbuh) in Bukhari where he said that one whose neighbour does not feel safe from their evil action is not considered a believer. Therefore, Muslims should try not to harm them, either intentionally or unintentionally, in order to be among the believers.
11. Sharing food with them is a good way to strengthen ties with neighbours. In a Hadith in Bukhari the Prophet (pbuh) has said: 'He is not a believer who eats his fill whilst his neighbour beside him goes hungry'.
12. Islam is a religion of sharing and caring and it is an act of selfishness not to provide for the neighbours when you know they might be struggling. The Prophet (pbuh) himself when he was living in Madina told his wife when they were cooking not to forget to share with the Jewish neighbour, showing that it does not matter whether the neighbour is of different faith, they still need to be well treated.
13. The Prophet (pbuh) has also warned of the misuse of the tongue to cause harm to neighbours, either by backbiting or arguing with them over petty issues, etc. Abu Huraira in a Hadith by Ahmad says: ‘O Messenger of Allah! There is a woman who prays, gives charity and fasts a great deal, but she harms her neighbours with her speech (by insulting them).' He said: 'She will go to hell'.'
14. Candidates can start by explaining what they understand by social care, as in Islam taking care of close ones is the responsibility of the family first and foremost.
15. Islam, as a religion, stresses the rights of people (huquq al ibaad) as much as the rights of God (huququllah).
16. In fact, in some places in the Qur'an the rights of humans come right after rights of God, e.g. in 4.36 'Serve Allah, and join not any partners with Him; and do good- to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbours who are near, neighbours who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (ye meet), and what your right hands possess: For Allah loveth not the arrogant, the vainglorious.'
17. Along with close relatives Islam also recommends that Muslims should look after the people who live around them, such as neighbours, colleagues at work and guests. Candidates could refer to Hadith 309.
18. The downtrodden in society are also to be taken care of and such an act has special value in Islam as mentioned in the Hadith in Bukhari ‘One who strives to help the widow and the poor man is like the one who exerts himself in the way of Allah, or the one who stands for prayer in the night or fasts in the day.'
19. Orphans are to be looked after and cared for, as recommended by the Prophet (pbuh) as they are very vulnerable and can be subject to exploitation. Refer to the Hadith of the Prophet (pbuh): 'Me and the one who takes care of the orphan will be in Paradise together.'
20. Young people and elders are also not forgotten as they also deserve to be treated with kindness. 'Whoever does not show mercy to our young ones, or acknowledge the rights of our elders, is not one of us.' (Hadith in Ahmad)
21. It is also encouraged for Muslims to take care of their parents themselves when they reach old age and avoid leaving them in homes to be cared for by others. It is part of showing gratefulness to them to treat them kindly and look after them now that they are in a weak position. 'Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not to them to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour.' (Qur'an 17.23)
22. Whilst all the above is encouraged, candidates might argue that taking care/looking after others should not come in the way of performing other religious duties, e.g. accomplishing the Five Pillars of Islam.
23. Candidates could also argue that the extent to which one can take care of others could be limited because of the different situations in life, e.g. nowadays people have busier schedules than before, and fitting social work in might be difficult.
24. Conclusion: Candidates should arrive at a conclusion as to whether it is possible for Muslims to care for others in the society that we live in, or whether there are limitations to how much they can accomplish.