What is the role of Hadiths as a source of guidance in the lives of Muslims?

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2016). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] In answer to this question, candidates could state a whole range of reasons as to why hadiths play a very important role in the lives of Muslims and are a source of guidance to them in all aspects of life. What the Prophet (pbuh) said, did and what he approved of is second in importance to the Qur'an; God has Himself told Muslims in the Qur'an 'Obey Allah and obey the Prophet' [64:12]; Prophet (pbuh) said, 'I leave with you two things. If you hold fast to them both you will never be misguided: the Book of Allah and my sunna.' Hadiths are important to explain the teachings of the Qur'an; details of hajj, zakat, fasting are all given to Muslims from the hadith and sunna of the Prophet (pbuh); the Prophet (pbuh) laid down principles (shariah) regarding every aspect of life: buying, selling, contracts, inheritance which are all part of his sunna; in the Farewell Address he clearly stated: ‘He who is present here shall carry this message to the one who is absent.' Muslims turn to his actions to emulate him in the hope that their actions will please the Almighty and be acceptable to him.
2. [4] In this part of the answer, an evaluative response needs to be given and candidates can write a response to it in many different ways. One way of answering this question could be that by following the Prophet's (pbuh) example, for instance in how to perform salat, Muslims are not only following his instruction but also fulfilling their obligation to God by completing the second Pillar of Islam. So in this way they are obeying both the Prophet (pbuh) and God. All valid answers need to be credited.