Describe how the compilers of the Prophet's Hadiths checked the biographies of the transmitters, and say why they thought it was important to do so.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2014). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] (a) From the earliest times Muslims recognized that the example of Prophet Muhammad could not only help them understand the word of God better but help put the principles taught by Islam into practice as well. The compilers were very strict about the biographies of the transmitters to ensure that the Hadiths they collected were genuine. Candidates could give a list of the qualities that the great Islamic teacher al-Shafi'i said a transmitter of Hadiths must have: a firm faith; must be known for truthfulness in all that he reports; he should repeat exactly what he heard from his teacher and not use his own words; have a good memory; he should report what agrees with the reports of others who are known to have a good memory. Bearing in mind how important the biography of a transmitter was in order to collect only the authentic Hadiths, the compilers painstakingly went about their work so that future generations of Muslims were following what the Prophet had actually said and not some diluted version of his teaching. Answers could also include that Hadiths are also a useful tool in explaining the Qur'an and formulating laws and therefore it was imperative that only the sahih Hadiths were followed. A detailed response will earn the candidates higher levels.
2. [4] (b) Basic answers will say that authentic Hadiths enable Muslims to practice the Prophet's sunna. Better answers may state that as Muslims rely on Hadiths in the observance of many pillars of Islam it is important that they have authentic Hadiths to follow otherwise they could conduct the practice of the pillars incorrectly. As Hadiths elaborate the Qur'an the teaching of Islam would not be correct if weak or false Hadiths were to be used to understand the Qur'an. These and other reasons could be given in response to this part of the answer but it must be noted that marks are not to be given for description of what constitutes an authentic Hadith but for evaluating their importance for Muslims.