Choose any two of the following Hadiths. (i) لا يَدْخُلُ النَّارَ أَحَدٌ فِي قلبهِ مِثْقَالُ حَبَّةٍ مِن خَرْدَلٍ مِن إِيمَانِ، وَلا يَدْخُلُ الْجَنَّةِ أَحَدٌ فِي قَلْبِهِ مِثْقَالُ حَبَّةٍ مِن خَرْدَلٍ مِن كِبْرِ. He who has in his heart as much faith as a grain of mustard seed will not enter hell, and he who has in his heart as much pride as a grain of mustard seed will not enter paradise. (ii) بَعَثَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَبَا مُوسَى وَمُعَادَ بْنَ جَبَلٍ إِلى اليَمَنِ، وَبَعَثَ كُلَّ وَاحِدٍ مِّنْهُمَا على مخلاف. ثُمَّ قَالَ: يَسِّرَا وَلاَ تُعَسّرًا وَبَشِّرًا وَلَا تُنَقِّرًا. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and give him peace) sent Abu Musa and Mu'adh ibn Jabal to Yaman, and he sent each of them to govern a part. Then he said: 'Be gentle and do not be hard, and cause rejoicing and do not alienate.' (iii) مَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَومِ الآخِرِ فَلْيَقُلْ خَيْراً أَوْ لِيَصْمُتْ، وَمَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَومِ الآخِرِ فَلْيُكْرِمْ جَارَهُ، وَمَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللهِ وَالْيَومِ الآخِرِ فَلْيُكْرِمْ ضَيْفَهُ. Let him who believes in Allah and the Last Day either speak good or keep silent, and let him who believes in Allah and the Last Day be generous to his neighbour, and let him who believes in Allah and the Last Day be generous to his guest. (iv) الْمُؤْمِنُونَ كَرَجُلٍ وَاحِدٍ، إِن اشْتَكَى عَيْنُهُ اشْتَكَى كُلُّهُ، وَإِن اشْتَكَى رَأْسُهُ اشْتَكَى كُلُّهُ. The believers are like a single man; if his eye is affected he is affected, and if his head is affected he is all affected.

Mark scheme

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

1. Mark according to the marking grid for AO1 – Knowledge, given on page 4.
2. Answers may include some of the following ideas, but all valid material must be credited.
3. 1(a)(i) The main teaching given in this Hadith is that even a very small amount of faith can save a person from hell. The example of a mustard seed given in the Hadith is to show how great God's mercy is, that it is enough to save a person from damnation and hellfire. Pride on the other hand, the Hadith teaches us, is a great sin. The important teaching therefore given in the Hadith is to believe in the Oneness of God and to remain humble and grateful to Him.
4. 1(a)(ii) The teaching given in this Hadith is directed specifically to Muslim rulers and is asking them to rule with gentleness and to be inclusive in their approach of governance. Those in authority are asked to work for the welfare and prosperity of their people. There is another important message in the Hadith which is for the two governors the Prophet (pbuh) had appointed but can be taken as an instruction by all who exercise power and that is that religion should be taught to people in a gentle way.
5. 1(a)(iii) The teachings given in this Hadith focus on three kinds of actions: • controlling one's speech • being generous to one's neighbours • being generous to one's guest The Prophet (pbuh) by repeating the statement, ‘Let him who believes in Allah and the Last Day’ before each action gives the all-important teaching to Muslims that every action one does stems from one's belief. Islam is a religion of peace, and it teaches its followers that Muslims should try to maintain peace and harmony in their communities by their actions. Speech can be used to do good as well as harm and must be used wisely and positively. Hospitality and generosity are key features of a true believer, and the Hadith recommends good treatment of others.
6. 1(a)(iv) The teaching given in this Hadith focuses on the concept of brotherhood in Islam. Muslims are joined together in brotherhood by their common faith: Islam. The example of the human body is given in the Hadith to highlight this relationship. Just like the head is the command centre which controls all our thoughts and actions and is vital to humans, brotherhood is essential to Muslims as it binds and holds them together. As Islam promotes unity amongst the believers the teaching of this Hadith stresses upon Muslims feeling as one, where the pain of one affects all others. It implies how Muslims should aid their brothers in times of difficulty and hardship and do for them what they would do for themselves as they are one body.
7. Mark according to the marking grid for AO2 – Understanding, given on page 5.
8. Answers may include some of the following ideas, but all valid material must be credited.
9. 1(b)(i) Muslims can put the teachings of this Hadith into action by keeping their faith in God strong, by worshipping Him and by being obedient and humble in all aspects of their life. They should never let pride enter their hearts on account of their achievements or fame or wealth, for all that a person has is a blessing from God. Leading a life of humility and simplicity and by acknowledging God as the Master of all creation and also by rejecting shaytan and his attribute of pride, one can practice the teachings given in the Hadith.
10. 1(b)(ii) The teachings of this Hadith can be put into action quite simply. Rulers and people in authority, for example parents and teachers, should remember that ultimate authority lies with God and that positions of authority should be considered as a trust from God and therefore they must always act justly and kindly towards those under their care and supervision. For example, Muslim governments and rulers should be fair in their actions, promote peace and justice in the land and base their authority on Islamic principles and tolerance of other faiths. Other examples may be given. Simplicity in the practice of faith must also be allowed as it will make people more inclined to sincerely follow their faith. Candidates can develop the answer by giving examples.
11. 1(b)(iii) Muslims can put into action the teachings of the Hadith by a threefold response. Firstly, a Muslim must use their speech responsibly, they should not backbite, slander or curse anyone. Secondly, Muslims must also use their speech for spreading only good. Muslims can act on this teaching by not gossiping about their friends or discussing any information they may have about them that may be hurtful to them. Thirdly, Muslims can also fulfil the teachings of the Hadith by being aware of, and fulfilling, the needs of a neighbour. By sending food to them on special events is a way of improving relations with them. Welcoming guests rather than pretending to not be home if uninvited guests show up at their doorstep is another way the teaching of the Hadith can be acted upon.
12. 1(b)(iv) Muslims can put the teachings of this Hadith into action by being aware of the needs and sufferings of their fellow Muslims in the community and the wider world. For example, if someone in the community is widowed and struggling, she should be helped financially, emotionally, or both if needed. Her orphaned children should be given support and advice as needed. If Muslims of another country are being oppressed Muslim nations should come to their aid and send them relief packages or provide them with refuge in their countries. The umma should do whatever is in their power to alleviate the suffering of their fellow Muslims.