What measures were taken in early Islamic times to check the reliability of Hadiths?

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2018). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] Compilers made a number of checks on the reliability of the narrators and the authenticity of the Hadiths they related. They looked at the isnad and matn of the Hadiths. Candidates could define isnad and matn and go on to write about what the checks included. Some of these checks were: ∞ The narrator needed to be a man of firm faith; ∞ Must be truthful and honest; ∞ Should be at an age where he understood the significance of what he heard and realised that a slight change in words could change the meaning of the Hadith; ∞ He should report the Hadith exactly as he heard it; ∞ Have a good memory; ∞ The Hadith should not be contrary to the Qur'an; ∞ Should not be against common sense or contrary to other accepted Hadiths; ∞ Should not praise a particular individual or tribe etc. Candidates can list other checks that they may have studied about as well in their answer.
2. [4] As always an evaluative response is needed for this Part (b) answer. Candidates need to give reasons for why they think it was important to conduct checks and some may even go on to write about what problems the Muslim community may have faced if these checks were not made.