Why did it become important to compile the prophetic Hadiths after the time of the Rightly Guided Caliphs?

Mark scheme

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

1. Candidates in their response could begin by saying why it was important to compile the Hadiths of the Prophet (pbuh) and why this need became all the more urgent after the end of the caliphates of the Rightly Guided Caliphs in 661. The answers could say that the Islamic governments that followed the Khulafa e Rashidun were more political and divisive. Other compelling reasons could be given such as:
2. The four Rightly Guided Caliphs were close Companions of the Prophet (pbuh). They followed his Sunna closely and after the end of their caliphate it became important to compile the Prophetic Hadiths so that future generations could use the Prophet's example to clarify and resolve questions and disputes.
3. Some people fabricated Hadiths. Overzealous teachers, perhaps with the best of intentions, made up Hadiths to advance the teachings of Islam. Yet some heretics attributed Hadiths to the Prophet (pbuh) that were false.
4. The increasing number of people accepting Islam needed guidance on the Islamic way of life and wanted to follow the pattern of conduct set by the Prophet (pbuh).
5. The close Companions of the Prophet (pbuh) were also passing away due to age or wars, and a need was felt to preserve the Hadiths of the Prophet (pbuh) even more with their demise.
6. Islamic jurisprudence was developing rapidly and needed a compiled collection of authentic Hadiths as source material.
7. In order to eliminate genuine errors in Hadiths on account of verbal narrations, faulty memories, forgetfulness, etc., Hadiths needed to be compiled.
8. For all these reasons, it was felt that it was crucial to preserve and compile the Hadiths of the Prophet (pbuh) for all generations to follow. Candidates can refer to other reasons apart from the ones given above and, if valid, marks should be credited. Some well-developed answers could go on to say that the command to follow the Prophet (pbuh) is given in the Qur'an and it was with the help of the Hadith movement that the Prophet's Hadiths were preserved and spread for all time.
9. Candidates could say either: that Islam could or could not be practised without Hadiths. Whichever their viewpoint, they need to support their choice with reasons. Answers could say that the most fundamental belief in Islam is tawhid which one can know from the Qur'an. Others could say that, to practise the Pillars of Islam, guidance is needed from the Hadiths. They could say that the instruction for prayer is given in the Qur'an but its performance is taught by the Prophet (pbuh) and without his Hadiths, Muslims would not be able to offer their five daily prayers as they are supposed to do. It is the strength of the evaluation which is to be taken into account and marked accordingly.