From the teachings given in the set Hadiths, write an account of how they help establish brotherhood in the community.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2023). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] (General Guidance for part (a)) Mark according to the marking grid for AO1 – Knowledge, given on page 4. Answers may include some of the following ideas, but all valid material must be credited. The Hadiths candidates use in their answer must link back to how brotherhood in society is established by acting upon them.
2. The Prophet's Hadiths relate to both individual conduct and life in the community. They give Muslims important teachings about how to live their lives that are beneficial to them and have a positive impact on the whole community because personal conduct also has a wider influence on helping to establish a just, prosperous and caring community.
3. (Example for Hadith 6) The teaching given in Hadith 6 is that Islam encourages action not complacency. A Muslim must always remove, or at the very least try to remove, evil from society. By removing or correcting the issue, the community will benefit, and victims of injustice will get help. This will create brotherhood amongst the Muslims.
4. (Example for Hadith 10) Hadith 10 helps establish brotherhood in the community by teaching believers that the rights of the people are just as important as the rights of God. It teaches Muslims that Islam is a religion that strongly promotes social justice and therefore lays great emphasis on the care of the vulnerable in society. When the teachings given in this Hadith are followed the needs of those who would struggle in society without help are met and no member of the community is left behind: thus, promoting brotherhood. When this guidance is followed the community will become a safe place for all, where the needs of everyone will be met. It will promote harmony and brotherhood between people from different walks of life and make bonds which are strong.
5. (Example for Hadith 15) By following the teachings given in Hadith 15 Muslims should develop the traits of kindness and mercy in their personalities. This will show compassion to all living things on this Earth and forgive the mistakes of others if they are indeed true believers who seek God's mercy in this world and the hereafter. With forgiveness and compassion towards each other, feelings of brotherhood and good will develop and grow in the community. Just as the Prophet (pbuh) prayed for the people of Ta'if when they rejected him and forgave the Makkans at the time of the conquest of Makka, Muslims must forgive those who wrong them and in general be merciful towards all of God's creation. Thus, establishing brotherhood in the umma and strengthening bonds between Muslims.
6. (Example for Hadith 5) The all-important teaching given in Hadith 5 is for Muslims to show compassion and care in society and to perform acts of charity. This is not just restricted to giving money but includes small, everyday acts of kindness that would make the community stronger and increase awareness of God and His bounties and create brotherhood.
7. [4] (General Guidance for part (b)) Mark according to the marking grid for AO2 – Understanding, given on page 5. Answers may include some of the following ideas, but all valid material must be credited.
8. Various Hadiths of the Prophet (pbuh) give the teaching of maintaining unity and brotherhood in Islam. Candidates can say that the Prophet (pbuh) has gone so far as to say that one is not a believer until he wants for his brother what he wants for himself, thus he has linked brotherhood and unity directly to faith.
9. Brotherhood is emphasised in Islam as it makes a community caring and compassionate and leaves no-one behind. Islam is a religion of social justice and God wants His creation to care for those around them and to live in peace with one another and that can only be done when there is a feeling of brotherhood amongst Muslims.