Write an account of the parts that make up a Hadith, and describe the checks made by the collectors of the Hadiths to ensure the accuracy of their collections.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2015). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. Hadiths consist of two main parts, the chain of narrators (isnad) and the text (matn). Candidates need to give a detailed account of them. Candidates need to also describe in some detail how the compilers of Hadiths compared matn of the Hadith with reason, the Qur'an and other authentic Hadiths to ensure that it agreed with the main Islamic principles. The fact that isnads were closely checked as well as the credentials of the narrator when selecting a Hadith for the authentic collections could also be mentioned in the answer. How the compliers went about collecting and authenticating the Hadiths could also be given in the answer.
2. The Prophet was sent as a guide and is a role model for all Muslims to follow in order to lead a good Muslim life. Candidates could say that Muslims need to know what the Prophet said as his words also elaborate the teachings of the Qur'an and help not only in daily life but in formulating laws etc. If authentic Hadiths were mixed up with the weak or fabricated Hadiths than the Muslims would be led astray. It was therefore important to verify the authenticity of the Hadiths so that Muslims could live their lives in line with the correct teachings of the Prophet.