Choose any two of the following Hadiths, and: (i) رَحِمَ اللهُ رَجُلاً سَمْحًا إِذا بَاعَ ، وَإِذَا اشْتَرَى، وَإِذَا اقْتَضَى. May God show mercy to a man who is kindly when he sells, when he buys, and when he demands his money back. (ii) كُلُّ سُلَامَى مِنَ النَّاسِ عَلَيْهِ صَدَقَةٌ كُلَّ يَوْمٍ تَطْلُعُ فِيهِ الشَّمْسُ : تَعْدِلُ بَيْنَ اثْنَيْنِ صَدَقَةٌ؛ وَتُعِيْنُ الرَّجُلَ فِي دَابَّتِهِ فَتَحْمِلُهُ عَلَيْهَا أَوْ تَرْفَعُ لَهُ عَلَيْهَا مَتَاعَهُ صَدَقة؛ وَالكَلِمَة الطَّيِّبَةُ صَدَقَهُ؛ وَبِكُلِّ خَطْوَةٍ تَمْشِيهَا إِلَى الصَّلَاةِ صَدَقة؛ وتميط الأذى عَنِ الطَّرِيق صَدَقة. Every person's every joint must perform a charity every day the sun comes up: to act justly between two people is a charity; to help a man with his mount, lifting him onto it or hoisting up his belongings onto it is a charity; a good word is a charity; every step you take to prayers is a charity; and removing a harmful thing from the road is a charity. (iii) 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. (iv) مَا أَكَلَ أَحَدٌ طَعَاماً قط خَيْراً مِّنْ أَنْ يَأْكُلَ مِنْ عَمَلٍ يَدِهِ. No one eats better food than that which he eats out of the work of his hand.

Mark scheme

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

1. 1(a)(i) There is a clear teaching in this Hadith that God wants His creation to treat each other with mercy and show each other kindness in all aspects of life. Those who show kindness and mercy to others can be certain of God's mercy for themselves. Muslims are specifically advised in this Hadith to be kind when doing business and in all financial dealings. Other Hadiths and examples from the Prophet (pbuh) can be cited to support this Hadith.
2. 1(a)(ii) In this Hadith some examples of performing charity are given by the Prophet (pbuh). What the teaching of this Hadith highlights is that charity should be practised on a daily basis and has a broad meaning encompassing not just financial assistance to those in need but everyday acts of kindness.
3. 1(a)(iii) The teaching of this Hadith confirms what is indicated by the text of the Qur'an that all those who affirm the oneness of God will enter Paradise, initially or later on, unlike the obedient believer who is free of any major sin and will enter Paradise without being exposed to hell fire. Pride on the contrary is linked with arrogance, a trait which led Iblis to be expelled from Paradise and one that Muslims should shun. In this Hadith, the clear teaching is that everything a person has is God given, and that a Muslim should be grateful to God for the blessings given and avoid pride lest he/she be led astray.
4. 1(a)(iv) Dignity of labour and earning lawfully are stressed in Islam. The teaching of this Hadith strongly discourages reliance on others and encourages Muslims to earn lawfully and to live within their means. The Prophet (pbuh) himself in his early days worked as a shepherd.
5. 1(b)(i) Practical examples can be given in this part of the answer from the time of the Prophet (pbuh) and his Companions to show how the teaching of this Hadith was and should be implemented by Muslims. For example, candidates could give the example of Hazrat 'Uthman who used to give more measures and weights when selling commodities and when he bought something would often pay more than the asking price, saying that God had given him more than he needed.
6. 1(b)(ii) Social responsibility is the essence of this Hadith and Muslims can practise it by greeting others with a smile, giving correct advice when asked, feeding the hungry. Candidates can give personal examples of how to practise the teaching of this Hadith and all valid responses should be duly credited.
7. 1(b)(iii) Remaining firm in his/her faith and avoiding pride are ways in which the teachings of this Hadith can be practised. The Prophet (pbuh) remained humble even after the conquest of Makka. Candidates could say how Iblis, on account of his pride, disobeyed his Creator and was subsequently expelled from Paradise. Hence Muslims should always make sure that there is no place for pride in their hearts. Quotes from the Qur'an and other Hadiths could be given here.
8. 1(b)(iv) The teachings of this Hadith can be implemented by Muslims today by earning an honest living and staying away from all sorts of corruption. Living within one's means and being grateful to God for His provision is the way to act upon the Hadith. The example of the Prophet (pbuh) assisting in the construction of the mosque in Madina, his participation in digging the trench during the Battle of Trench are examples of dignity of labour that Islam and the Prophet (pbuh) promoted and could be cited in the answer.