1

Past Papers
Day 03 (PAPER 02)
M/J 2015 (22)
2 (a) Give an account of how the Prophet’s Hadiths have been a source of guidance to Muslims
in putting their faith into practice.
Marking scheme:
In answer to this question the candidates can say that the Hadiths are the teachings of the Prophet which teach
Muslims the path prescribed by God. They can go on to say that they give Muslims a better understanding of
the Qur’an by elaborating on it and explaining its teachings. Here the more developed answers could well give
examples to show how Hadiths expand upon Qur’anic teachings. Answers could include points like that when
the Qur’an is silent the Hadith is considered as the authority on the subject as the Qur’an and Hadith always
agree with one another; that the authoritative Hadiths contain a tafsir of the Qur’an which are guides to key
verses in the Qur’an. Examples of law derived from Hadiths can also be given to expand on the answer showing
the various ways in which the Prophet’s Hadiths are a source of guidance to all Muslims. These could include
laws on inheritance, on payment of zakat, punishment for a thief etc.

Answer (Learn and write):

❖ 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];
He who obeys the Prophet, obeys Allah.” [4:80]
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.’ “
and
“Behold I have been given the Book and a similar thing (Sunnah) along with that.”
❖ 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 in the hope that their actions will please the Almighty and
be acceptable to Him.
The following instances will illustrate how these two parts i.e., quran and Hadith interplay and function for the
purpose of legislation.
• The meaning of Quran is general; Hadith makes it specific and particular.The Hadith may add and
supplement the legal provisions of the Quran. The Quranic Injunctions are implicit; Hadith makes them
explicit by providing essential ingredients and details.
• the Quran teaches that Muslims must pay Zakat, the charity tax.
 2

“And be steadfast in prayer, give the charity tax, and bow down your heads with those who bow down.”
[2:43]
In this example, Muslims are encouraged to give Zakat, but they are not told exactly what they should give, or
how they should give it. These details are found in the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet:
“No charity tax is due on property mounting to less than five Uqiya of silver, and no charity tax is due on
fewer than five camels, and there is no charity tax on fewer than five Wasq of wheat grain.”Ahadith such
as this helped legal experts to give advice to Muslims about how the teachings in the Quran about Zakat
should be obeyed.
• Hadith qualifies the absolute declarations of the Quran. The Quran says that the hands of the thief are to be
cut. “As to the thief male or female cut of his or her hands” (5:38) the Sunnah restricts this, to the thief who
steals wealth from the protective custody but the person should not be lunatic or child etc.
• Hadith makes certain exceptions to the general rules as laid down by the Holy Quran. The Quran made a
declaration in general that one may bequeath ones property by will in the manner one likes. Hadith has
created the exception in the rule that one can’t make a will in favor of one’s legal heirs for example wife,
children etc. Prophet pbuh further explained it by saying, “A Muslim may not inherit from a non Muslim,
nor a non Muslim may inherit from a Muslim. “
Hadith is a very significant and important source of Islamic law without which the Holy Quran cannot be
understood at all. In words of the Quran, the relationship of Quran and Hadith is that of Book and Light.
The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) was the first legislator of Islam. He interpreted the law of the Quran, and
commented on it and its manner of application to the practical problems and various situations of life.
The secondary sources of Islamic law i.e Ijma and Qiyas depend upon Hadith for their acceptance and
justification. They can only be practiced when hadith is silent or does not provide clear guidance. The
secondary sources never contradict the teachings of Hadith.

2.(b) Why do the Prophet’s Hadiths link belief and action so closely? [4]
• The Prophet’s Hadiths link belief and action because mere faith without righteous deeds is
meaningless. Belief is sincere only when put into action.
• e.g if someone believes in pillars of Islam i.e prayer, fasting, zakat etc but does not practice any of
them, then his beliefs has no value near Allah.
• Similarly, if a person believes in Prophet Muhammad pbuh as the last messenger but does not follow
his sunnah, then he is not a true believer.
• The link between beliefs and action is equally important in communal life as the prophet pbuh said,
“ 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 neighbor, and let him who believes in Allah and the last day, be
generous to his guest.”

3 (a) ‘‘Umar’s caliphate is regarded as a golden era in Islamic history.’ Write an account of
how ‘Umar ruled during his ten year caliphate. [10]
Marking scheme:
‘Umar’s caliphate is regarded as the golden era in Islamic history. ‘Umar ruled bravely and justly and the Islamic
empire expanded greatly under his rule. He was a brilliant administrator and that aspect of his caliphate needs
to be brought out in the answer. Candidates could well write about how he appointed walis and qadis,
established the majlis-e-shura and the diwan as well as various other departments. Examples of his just rule and
simple living, even though he was the caliph of a mighty empire, could all be given in the answers. His creation
 3

of a regular army and cantonments, construction of irrigation canals etc. are points amongst others that could
be covered and expanded upon in the answers.

Answer (Learn and write):

Hazrat Umar not only conquered a vast empire during the ten year of his Khilafat but also consolidated it by an
effective system of administration. As an administrator, he remained a model for all rulers who followed him
and his administrative reforms make his caliphate a golden period of early Islamic history.
• Hazrat Umar framed the constitution of the state on the basis of democracy. He established the Majlis
e Shura consisting of prominent companions of the holy Prophet from both Muhajirin and Ansars. Hazrat
Umar consulted this body in all matters. He also constituted a larger body called the Majlis –e- Aam,
consisting of Muhajirin and Ansar and representatives of various tribes. This was called into session on
special occasions.
• Judiciary was established under the Qazi. He separated executive from judiciary. In this way he assured
the citizens swift and impartial justice. The judiciary was made completely independent and impartial.
He was displeased when a judge showed some respect to him when he appeared in his court as a
defendant.
• He took steps to give the Islamic State a clean and efficient administration. The State was divided into
Provinces and each province was placed under an efficient Governor called the Wali or Ameer. The wali
was not only the ruler of the province but also the military and religious head. The provinces were
furthers divided onto districts and placed under Amils.
• The bait ul maal was created under Amils. After meeting the expenditure of the State, the surplus money
used to be distributed among the Muslims based on three principles: relationship with the holy Prophet;
priority of conversion to Islam and military services to Islam. In this way, all Muslim men, women, slaves
and children had share in the bait- ul- Maal or the public treasury. He made the government finances
save from misuse and kept corruption out of government.
• All appointments were made in consultations with the Majlis e Shura. The appointee was given a
regular order of appointment setting out his duties and emoluments. The person appointed to a high
post was required to give a written undertaking to lead a simple Islamic life. He had to submit particulars
of his property and assets, so that on his retirement, it may be seen whether he had amassed wealth by
illegal means. Hazrat Umar kept a very strict watch on the activities of his officers. He used to receive
secret reports from officers specially appointed for this purpose.
• Hazrat Umar set up a department of finance the Diwan, which was in charge of the revenue of the
centre and the provinces. The function of the Diwan was to regulate the receipt and disbursement of the
caliphate’s revenues which were generated from jizya, zakat, kharaj(tax levied on the land of non-
Muslims) and fay (income from crown lands). A tax called ushr was also levied on the produce of land. It
is said that there was so much economic prosperity during the caliphate of Hazrat Umar that there was
hardly any citizen in need of zakat .
• Umar established new towns like Basra, Musal and Kufa. He made new highways, roads and out posts
on the roads. The conquered lands were surveyed. Umar made special effort for construction of
Mosques and schools. Teachers were sent to the villages to teach the Holy Quran to the villagers.
• He introduced the Muslim era of Hijra, the system of old age pension and census of the population of
the Muslims State. Thus he laid foundation for the development of modern cities.
• Hazrat Umar maintained a well-disciplined army which was divided into cavalry and infantry. He was
particularly concerned about welfare of his soldiers. He also forbade them to live with the settled people
 4

in cities and ordered them to live in cantonments. They kept the armed forces content and happy and
they were happy to serve the caliphate.
• Umar paid special attention to the well-bieng of Dhimmis(minorities), and settled their matters in
consultation with their representative. He expelled Christians and Jews communities of Najran and
Khayber, when they refused to abide by his order..
Hazrat Umar stands unparalleled in every aspects of administration in the History of Islam.

3.(b) What do you think was ‘Umar’s greatest achievement during his rule? Explain why you
think so. [4]

Here it is up to the candidate to choose ‘Umar’s greatest achievement during his term as caliph and say why in
their opinion it was the greatest. The candidate choice could be from his military or his administrative
achievements. All valid answers must be credited.

4(a) What do Muslims believe about the Day of Resurrection and Judgment? [10]
Marking scheme:
In answer to this question candidates need to write what Islamic teachings about the Day of Judgment are. They
could say that all Muslims believe that the world as we know it will one day come to an end after which mankind
will be raised again to answer before God. Development in the answer of how life will end on the appointed day
and everything in this universe will be destroyed could be cited. Candidates may well say that this day is called
qayama and quote from the Qur’an on events of this day.
The blowing of the second trumpet and of resurrection of all life including humans, jinns, angels etc. could be
given followed by an account of the final judgment when humankind will be presented in the court of the
almighty to give an account of their deeds. The virtuous ones will receive their book of records in their right
hand and the sinners in their left hand. The reward and punishment will be meted out justly in God’s court and
those who will emerge successful in this judgment will enter paradise and those who are condemned will enter
hell. Again quotes from the Qur’an can be given by candidates to support their answer and add detail and
development to it.

Answer (Learn and write) :

Belief in Resurrection and Last Day
• Belief in Resurrection and the Last Day is the sixth article of faith. Every Muslim must believe in the life after
death, all life will come to an end one day. Mankind will be resurrected and will be presented in the court of
Allah with the record of his deeds. He will be given an account of all his deeds.
• According to Muslim belief, upon death a person enters an intermediate phase, the waiting period between
death and resurrection called barzakh. In barzakh starts the lesser judgment where the dead will be
questioned by angels about their religion, prophets, and their lord, Allah. depending on how one fares in
this lesser judgment, one’s grave can be reflection of Paradise or Hell. The soul rest in Barzakh where they
will remain till the resurrection, Allah says, “Before them is partition (Burzakh) till the day they are raised
up (Al Muminun23:100)
The Day of Judgment can be divided into three stages.
• Life will come to an end at appointed day. Everything of this universe shall be destroyed. The day is called
Qayamah. Qayamah will be the day of clamour and noise, people will be running in confusion and
 5

bewilderment, Allah says, “(it is) a Day whereon Man will be like moths Scattered about. And the
mountains will be like carded wool” (Al Qariah 101:4-5).Mothers will forget their children every one will
be concerned about his own self, Allah says, “When the deafening blast is sounded that day man shall
flee from his brother, his mother, and his father” (Abas 80:33-35).
The sun will be folded up, the stars will lose their lights and scatter away. The earth will be rent asunder. The
mountains will set in motion and they will be blown away. “One day we shall remove the mountains and
you will see the earth as a level (20:100). The ocean will boil over the burst forth. All the people will die,
Allah says, “Every soul must taste of death” (Al Anbiya 21:35).
• The second trumpet will be blown and there will be resurrection not only of men but also of angels and
Jinn . “Then will a second one be sounded when behold they will be standing and looking on! And the
earth will shine with the glory of its Lord: the Record (of deeds) will be placed (open)” (68-69).
A new world will emerge with a new sky. All human beings who had lived on this earth since its inception will
come back to life, this is called HASHR. “You were lifeless and He gave you life and He will cause you to
die and will bring you again to life” (2:28)
• Men will be presented in the court of Allah with the record of their deeds and they will be judged
according to their deeds. Allah says, “And the book of (Deeds) will be placed (before you) and you will
see the sinful in great terror because of what is (recorded) therein” (Al Kahf 18:49)
Scales will be set up and the deeds will be weighted. Furthermore, the Quran tells us that those who have
done good deed will be handed their record in their right hands, and those who have sinned will receive
the records in their left hands.” ‘Those who are given their record in their right hands will read it (with
pleasure)”(17:71).
“ And he that will be given his record in his left hand will say Ah! Would that my record had not be given to
me.” (69:25)
• As-Sirat will be laid across Hell and Muhammad (P.B.U.H) shall be the first amongst the Apostles to cross it
with the followers.
Those who emerge successful in this judgment will go to paradise Allah says, “Then he whose Scales are
heavy shall be in state of bliss and he whose scales are light shall have a deep pit for his dwelling.” (Al
Qariah 101:9-10)
Paradise and hell are described in the Quran and Hadith with concrete and material thing of this world. This is
to give an idea to human mind about the intensity of pleasure in paradise and severity of the punishment in
Hell.

4.(b) How does this belief affect the daily living of Muslims? [4]
• Belief in the Hereafter, resurrection the Day of Judgment and accountability before Allah is at the heart of
Islam as this stress the purpose of human creation.
• This belief shows the direct relation between a person’s conduct on earth and the life beyond i.e the present
life is a preparation for the next, which will be one of rewards and punishments, depending on one’s conduct
on earth. In preparation for the afterlife, Allah has provided guidance to humanity through His prophets and
revealed books.
• Rejection of this belief makes all other beliefs meaningless. If a person does not believe in accountability to
his Creator for all his deeds, there is nothing to stop him from wrongdoing. It is fear of accountability that
keeps a person in check; faith in life after death urges people to do right and stay away from sin.
• In this world, we sometimes see the pious suffer whilst the impious live enjoyable lives. What needs to be
remembered is that all shall be judged one day and justice will be meted out. The acceptance or rejection
of life after death is perhaps the greatest factor in determining the course of an individual’s life.
 6

5 (a) Write about the practice of fasting in Ramadan and the moral benefits that a Muslim
gains from fasting in this month. [10]
Marking scheme:
Candidates can launch into their answer by saying how Muslims have breakfast, sehri, before dawn, they
abstain from food, drink etc. during daylight hours and that they break their fast at sunset. Details like Muslims
make the formal intention to fast, that they refrain from smoking, marital relations, etc. could all be given. How
they endeavour to spend the day piously could be brought into the answer to develop it and candidates could
raise the point that during the fast Muslims should live their life as normal making no concessions for lack of
food or drink.

For the second part of this question they need to write about the moral benefits that fasting in this
month brings to Muslims. They could say that they become aware of the plight of the less fortunate ones in
society and strive to help them, charity is given more in this month than any other as every Muslim wants to
please their Lord as much as possible and care and concern for all in society is heightened thus improving the
moral fibre of individuals and society at large. It could also be said that Muslims spend more time in ibada in
this month and so feel closer to God.
* Both parts of the answer may not be equally strong, the answer should be read as a whole and a
global mark should be given.

Answer (Learn and write):

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is obligatory on all Muslim adults, male and female. The Quran says, “ O
you who believe ! Fasting is prescribed to you, as it was prescribed to those before you, so that you may
learn self restraint.” [2:183]
The hours of fasting are from first light (before dawn) until sunset.
It is desirable to have a meal before keeping a fast till dawn which is referred as Sehri.
Muslims should make an intention for the fast i.e. “I intend to keep tomorrow’s fast of Ramadan.”
With this, a person is subject to all restrictions and prohibitions associated with a fast till the setting of the sun.
Muslims must abstain from food, drink etc. during daylight hours. They should also refrain from smoking, sexual
intercourse, medicines etc. This is known as Imsak.
They should live their lives as normal, making no concessions to lack of food. Muslims should be particularly
pious and visit mosques regularly. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, “When the month of Ramadan comes, the
doors of Heaves are opened and the doors of Hell are closed and the devils are chained.”
Muslims break their fast with a meal at sunset in the evening reciting the prayer, “O Allah! I fasted for you and
I believe in you and I put my trust in you and with the sustenance you have given me, I now break the fast.”
This is known as Iftar. Many Muslims follow the Holy Prophet (PBUH)’s example of taking a drink and eating a
date and then pray. They follow this with a meal often eaten with friends.
Muslims should try to be present at recitations of the Holy Quran in the tarawih prayers during the course of
the month.
On the Night of Power they should attend mosques and spend the night in prayer. It is one of the last 5 odd
nights of Ramadan and the reward for praying in it is better than the worship of one thousand months. Many
Muslims believe it to be the 27th night.
Some Muslims withdraw to mosques for the last ten days of Ramadan which is called Itikaf and dedicate their
time to prayer and worship. The fasts of Ramadan continue until new moon of Shawal.
 7

The sick people, travellers, very old people and females who are in a state of menstruation or period of
childbirth are exempt from fasting as long as such conditions last. However, they must make up the fast for an
equal number of days within the next year which is known as Qaza.
If the breaking of the fast before sunset is intentional than a person has to pay the Kaffara in which he has to
fast for continuous 60 days in addition to Qaza, but in case of an illness, feed 60 people twice a day
Benefits
Fasting has numerous moral benefits for Muslims . Fasting strengthens the spiritual powers of the believer; it
protects man from all kinds of temptations. The believer renounces food, drink, and abstains from all other
enjoyments willingly in obedience to the command of Allah, to seek His pleasure. It helps in building up a man’s
moral character as it teaches him self control and self restrain. As Muslims fast, they should control own temper,
they should remain calm and refrain from harming others, verbally or physically. They should refrain from
backbiting, stealing, cheating , gossip, lies, obscenity, vulgarity and physical, mental and spiritual sins. Abu
Huraira reported the Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, “Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah
is not in need of his leaving his food and drink.”
Fasting ensures the harmony and unity of society. Fasting raises awareness of the situation of poor people who
live in our society.

5.(b) How do you think observing the Pillar of giving alms (zakah) benefits the giver? [4]
• zakat purifies the heart of the giver of love of wealth and greed and strengthens the giver’s bonds with
God as they give from their wealth to earn God’s pleasure and mercy. The giver is also fulfilling one of the
Pillars of Islam. Zakat it could also be said is a blessing to the giver as by this act their wealth is multiplied.
The Quran says, ‘The parable of those who spend their substance in the way of Allah is that of a grain of
corn, it grows seven ears and each ear has a hundred grains.’ (Al Baqarah 2:261) Moreover, candidates
could say that zakat expiates the sins of a person.
• Payment of zakat provides open handedness, generosity, and sympathy in a Muslim towards the needy
person. Allah says: “ Take the charity (Zakat) from their wealth in order to purify and cleanse them by
way of it.” [ 9: 103]
• On one hand it indicates a person’s sincerity of faith, while on the other hand it shows his commitment to
sacrifice something which he covets ( material wealth) in the way of Allah (SWT). It is abiding by one of
the pillars of Islam, upon which rests an individual’s prosperity in this worldly life and the Hereafter.

a) Main teachings: [2] Marks

➢ The teaching of this Hadith focuses on the manners of social conduct being a part of Muslim community. Actions
of controlling one’s speech, being kindly to neighbours and showing hospitality to guests.
➢ The emphasis is on the words ‘let him who believes in Allah and the Last day’ before every action signifying that
noble and good actions are an outcome of one’s belief.
➢ Islam is religion of peace and it teaches believers that one should try and maintain peace harmony and goodwill
in the community and the wider world and be a source of benefit to others by showing kindness generosity and
mercy to others at all times.
 8

➢ One’s speech can do much good as well as much harm. The Quran says, ‘Not a word does he utter but there is a
watcher by him who records it’. (50:18) Prophet links faith directly with speech by saying “ Muslim is he, from
whose tongue and hands other Muslims are safe”
(b)Action: [2] marks
➢ The hadith above emphasizes the importance of rights of others on a believer and a Muslim’s duties towards
other people by making sure that they use their speech responsibly.
➢ They must not use it to backbite or slander anyone or to curse any individual. Muslims today can follow his
examples and remain calm when in a difficult situation and use their speech to resolve issues and conflicts for
example mediating between class fellows or people at work place to resolve a dispute. Similarly, rights of
neighbours may be looked after by sharing food and not causing discomfort for them.
➢ It is a sunnah of the Prophet to accompany the guest to the door when he leaves. The Prophet’s companion Abu
Talha and his wife welcomed a hungry immigrant into their home and even though they had barely enough food
for their children. They offered him whatever they had. In recognition of the act of theirs, the following verse
was revealed, “They give preference to other first. Whoever is saved from the greed of his own soul will be
successful.” (59:9)

(a) Main Teachings : [2] marks

➢ This hadith teaches that Islam is a very simple religion and to gain Allah’s pleasure and reach paradise one has to
simply follow the basic principles of Islam.
➢ Allah has laid down clear rules about what is lawful and unlawful and He expects man to be obedient to Him. By
following these rules Muslims can gain Allah’s pleasure and thus paradise and this is what the Prophet confirmed.
He said, “Avoid What I have forbidden you to do, and do your utmost what I have ordered you to do.”
➢ Fulfilling the rights of Allah by performing prayer and observing fast and to have the knowledge of religion to
differentiate between Halal (lawful) and Haram(unlawful) is obligatory on every Muslim.
➢ Zakat and Hajj are two pillars that are compulsory only on those Muslims who have the means of fulfilling them,
hence have not been mentioned in the hadith.
(b)Action: [2] marks
➢ Muslims can act upon the teachings of this hadith by obeying Allah wholeheartedly and by practicing the pillars of
Islam e.g by performing 5 daily prayers in congregation within the prescribed time which will develop piety and
bring them closer to Allah.
➢ Being regular and punctual in one’s prayers and performing them sincerely and on time regulates our lives. Fasting
in the month of Ramzan makes us conscious of the hardships of the poor and develops sympathy.
➢ Muslims must be conscious of what is allowed and not allowed in Islam at all times e.g. they should be fair in
trading, not take riba etc. Similarly, Cheating, smuggling, adulteration, drinking wine, lying and oppression are
obstacles to a peaceful society and success in the hereafter.
➢ Other acts of worship like waking up to say tahajud prayers following the Prophet (P.B.U.H) Sunna and fasting in
addition to Ramzan on Mondays and Thursdays etc, bring Muslims closer to Allah and earn them greater rewards.
During Prophet’s life time when azaan was announced all worldly activities were suspended.