Write a detailed account of the parts of a Hadith and say how these parts help in determining the different categories of Hadiths, namely; sahih; hasan; da’if and mawdu'.

Mark scheme

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

1. (a) Candidates could launch into the answer by stating that a hadith consists of two parts: the Sanad (isnad/chain of narrators) and Matn (text). They can then go on to explain what they are. Isnad, it could be said, means support as it is the authority for establishing the genuineness of a hadith. The transmitters of hadiths had to have met each other with the line ending with the Prophet (pbuh). They had to have a flawless character and sharp memory, etc., whereas for validating the matn, the compilers had to make sure that the text was not against the Qur'an or other authentic hadith and did not give high rewards for small deeds or vice versa, etc. The principles used for establishing the genuineness of isnad and matn, which helped to categorically determine the category of a hadith, e.g. sahih, hasan, da'if or mawdu', have to be clearly given in the answer. Detail and development of points made in the answer will help achieve the higher levels.
2. (b) Here, candidates need to give a personal view of why they think the Prophet (pbuh) practised and encouraged the use of ijma'. They could well say that the use of ijma' in legal thinking is based on a number of verses in the Qur'an which indicate that the community has been given authority because it is upright and follows the guidance of God and the example of the Prophet (pbuh). They could also say that ijma' was encouraged as it was safeguarded by the agreement of leading Muslims/experts who could say whether or not a principle was in harmony with the Qur'an and sunna. All valid answers should be credited.