Outline the relationship between the Qur'an and Hadith when formulating Islamic law.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2020). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] (a) The rulings given in the Qur'an serve as a source of Islamic law, which cover all aspects of life. Some of them are however not in depth and for that reason the Hadith of the Prophet (pbuh) have to be referred to. For example, details for rules of inheritance, marriage, fasting, prayers etc. can all be found in the Hadiths.
2. [10] (a) The use of the Sunna and Hadith are indispensable in the practice of Islam and the Qur'an itself. Many verses stress upon the need to follow the Prophet's practice.
3. [10] (a) 'So take what the Messenger gives you, and refrain from what he prohibits you.' (al-Hashr, 59:7)
4. [10] (a) The Prophet (pbuh) was sent to convey the message of God to humanity and to act upon it himself and explain it to the people. He therefore must be followed as the one who explains the Book, as the law giver, judge and ruler.
5. [10] (a) The Hadith of the Prophet (pbuh) serve as a valid source of law to legislate in matters where the Qur'an is silent, or where a verse needs explaining or when it comes to restricting the meaning of a verse.
6. [10] (a) In verse 38 of Sura Maidah, it says: ‘As for the thief, male or female, cut off his hand or her hand; an exemplary punishment from Allah for their crime. Allah is Mighty, Wise.' The Prophet (pbuh) explained the verse by saying, 'the hand should be cut off for (the theft of) a quarter of a dinar or more’(Bukhari). However, because the cutting off a hand is a serious matter, it should not be executed for any case of theft. A combination of conditions must be met before a thief's hand is cut off.
7. [10] (a) Other examples of the Prophet's Hadiths could be given as supplementing the Qur'anic verses.
8. [10] (a) The Hadith help Muslims to fulfil the requirements of their faith in legal, social, economic and political matters as well as in matters of religion. For without them the Muslims would be unable to fulfil their primary obligations of fasting, praying, giving zakat, performing hajj. Here it could be added that the instruction to offer salat is in the Qur'an but Muslims fulfil this Pillar by following the practice of the Prophet (pbuh) who said 'Pray as you see me praying' and that 'No salat is complete without al-Fatiha.'
9. [10] (a) It must be noted that the above is guidance to what can be expected in answers. All valid examples must be credited.
10. [4] (b) An evaluative response is needed here. Responses should say why ijma is important in the Muslim world today not give an account of it. Answers could say that it creates unity in the Muslim world, Muslims can be certain that what they are given permission for, or the ruling made, is in line with the Qur'an and Sunna. Examples can be given to develop the answer and make a strong evaluative response.