Hadiths are broadly classified as sound (sahih), good (hasan) and weak (da'if). Write a detailed account of these three categories of Hadiths.

Mark scheme

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

1. 2(a) Candidates in this answer need to write about how Hadiths are classified into the three broad categories of sahih, hasan and da'if according to the reliability of the isnad and matn. They could define the terms given and go on to say what features categorise them under the different headings.
2. 2(a) Candidates should give the grounds for classifying Hadiths as sahih, hasan, da'if. For example for the sahih Hadith it could be said that their accuracy is beyond question, each narrator in the chain was a pious Muslim and that the chain was a continuous one and also that the narrator had a good memory making the matn reliable etc.
3. 2(a) For hasan Hadith it could be said that they are Hadiths whose text is absolutely true but the isnad may not pass the strict test established by the Hadith compilers e.g. a name in the chain may be missing but there is no reason to believe that the Hadith is not a good one.
4. 2(a) Whereas the da'if Hadith is a term used for Hadiths whose truthfulness in both isnad and matn is not fully established, i.e. its authenticity is not fully established and they are deemed weak. A Hadith could be weak for many reasons and these reasons could be elaborated upon in the answer by the candidates.
5. 2(b) The Qur'an gives instructions to Muslims about how to live and practice their faith, it does not give details showing how to implement the teachings given. This implementation of Qur'anic instructions is found in the Hadiths of the Prophet . If the Hadiths were not classified there would be a danger of Muslims not knowing the correct way of putting into practice their faith.
6. 2(b) It could be said that in legal matters it is vital to only use only the most accurate Hadiths but when e.g. one is looking for moral teachings, a Hadith whose isnad is not strong by having a gap or say the narrator having a weak memory, a weak Hadith could be used and therefore the classification of Hadiths is important.
7. 2(b) Muslims by following the guidance given in the classified Hadiths can follow the perfect example of the Prophet Muhammad. The above is a guidance to what can be expected in a response. All valid responses to be credited on their own merit.