Hadiths (1-20) By: Ahsan Tariq

Mark Schemes Suggested Answers by Ahsan Tariq

Teaching: The key word in this Hadith is nasihah which means sincerity/advice. The Prophet (pbuh) is
telling Muslims to show sincerity to God, His Messenger, His Book, the leaders of the community and to
the common man. The teaching in this Hadith emphasises that all actions that are done must be backed
by sincere faith for them to be meaningful. For example, sincerity to God can be shown by keeping faith
in Him at the most difficult of times and not by simply saying I believe in God. Muslims being sincere to
the Prophet (pbuh) means acknowledging him as the last Prophet and making an effort to learn about
his life and struggles and having respect for him. Sincerity to the Qur’an means believing that it is the
sacred book of God. The righteous leaders should be obeyed and compassion must be shown to
humanity at large. These acts will lead to the true practice of Islam and make our faith sincere. “Obey
God and Obey the Messenger and those charged with Authority among you” (4:59)

Teaching into Action: Muslims can show sincerity towards God by believing in His Oneness and by living
according to His Sharia. Sincerity to the Prophet (pbuh) can be shown by following his Sunna, by living
modestly as he did. To the Qur’an by reading it and understanding its content and acting upon its
teachings. Likewise, they can go on to add how Muslims can act sincerely towards the leaders of the
community and the common man. Practical examples will help develop the answer. (And We have
asked them nothing more than that they worship Allah and be sincere in their Deen …….” (98:5)

Hadith # 2 None of you believes until he wants for his brother what he wants for himself.

Teaching: The teaching of this Hadith is to treat others with the kindness and concern you would like
them to treat you with. The Prophet (pbuh) has stressed there should be brotherhood between
believers and has encouraged Muslims to treat each other with kindness, as this creates goodwill in the
community and brotherhood between Muslims. In Sura Hujurat, 49:10 the bond of brotherhood has
been established by God Himself, ‘Believers are but a single brotherhood.’

Teaching into Action: The teaching of this Hadith can be put into practice by responding to the needs of
others and by desiring for others what one wants for oneself, not just in terms of material benefits but
in all areas of life e.g. health, happiness etc. The Hadith can be acted upon by Muslim states responding
to the needs of refugees from war torn countries and by individual Muslims raising funds for them or
giving their zakat towards their rehabilitation. (Earthquake of October 2005 in Pakistan)

Hadith # 3 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 neighbour, and let him who
believes in Allah and the Last Day be generous to his guest.
Teachings: Three kinds of action are referred to in this Hadith: • Controlling one’s speech • Being
generous to one’s neighbour • Being generous to one’s guests The Prophet (pbuh) repeated the
statement, ‘Let him who believes in Allah and the Last Day’ before each action to emphasise that a
person’s every action results from his/her belief and encouraged believers to maintain harmony in the
community and be a source of benefit to others. This is the main teaching of this Hadith. Students can
develop their response further by saying how each action given in the Hadith stems from one’s faith.

Teaching into action: Muslims should follow the teachings of this Hadith by making sure that they use
their speech responsibly i.e. do not back bite or slander people etc. They could develop their response
by giving the Prophets example of how he never spoke harshly to his enemies etc. Muslims should be
ready at all times to fulfil the needs of their neighbours, which will in turn create strong communal
bonds. And speak kindly to mankind (2.83). Examples of how guests were honoured by the Prophet
(pbuh) and his Companions, or examples from present times could be written about to show the
implementation of the teachings given in the Hadith.

By: Ahsan Tariq FOR CAIE 2058 *Underlined hadiths came in June 2021 exam p22*
Hadith no.4: A man asked the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and give him peace): Do you
think that if I perform the obligatory prayers, fast in Ramadan, treat as lawful that which is lawful and
treat as forbidden that which is forbidden, and do nothing further, I shall enter paradise? He said: Yes

Teaching: The teaching of this Hadith is that Islam is a simple religion to follow, it clearly states what a
Muslims obligations to God are and that obedience of these obligations is what earns Muslims God’s
mercy and pleasure and will enable them to get to Paradise in the akhira. Islam also very clearly states
which things are unlawful and forbidden to Muslims, by following the Pillars of Islam and keeping away
from the unlawful a Muslim is guaranteed Janna according to this Hadith of the Prophet (pbuh).

Prophet said: What stands between a believer and disbelief is abandonment of prayers

Teachings into Action: By practicing the Pillars, by staying away from the things God has forbidden
Muslims from is how to implement this Hadith. The teachings of this Hadith can be put into practise by
Muslims fulfilling the Pillars of Islam. Zakat and hajj are only incumbent on those Muslims who have
resources. However, all Muslims need to believe in tawhid, perform the five obligatory prayers daily and
fast in the month of Ramadan and stay away from what has been deemed unlawful for Muslims.
Examples will help substantiate the answer. “ O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you so that
you may learn self-restraint” (2.183)

Hadith no.5 : Every person’s every joint must perform 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 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

Teaching: The all-important teaching given in this Hadith is for Muslims to show compassion and care in
society and to perform acts of charity. In this Hadith the Prophet (pbuh) has given a few examples of
acts of charity (sadaqa) that Muslims can perform every day. The term charity is not just restricted to
giving money to the needy but has a broader meaning which encompasses small acts of kindness that
would make the community stronger and increase awareness of God and His bounties. An important
teaching of this Hadith is that worship of God is not restricted to fulfilling the Pillars of, say, salat or
fasting but everyday acts of kindness also come under worship when they are performed with the
intention of pleasing God. Prophet said: The best among people are those who are a source of benefit
to the people.

Teaching into action: This Hadith can be acted upon by fulfilling one’s role in society responsibly. Some
examples of how the teachings of the Hadith can be implemented upon are given in the Hadith itself.
Candidates need to give other examples than the ones given in the Hadith to show how Muslims can put
into practice the teaching given by the Prophet (pbuh) in this Hadith. For example, resolving a dispute
between friends; giving honest advice when one’s opinion is asked for or helping to save the
environment. Prophet said: “Even a smile is charity”.

Hadith no.6 Whosoever sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand, and if he is not able to do so
then with his tongue, and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart, and that is the weakest of faith.

Teaching: Islam does not encourage complacency but instead promotes action. The teaching given in
this Hadith is that a Muslim must always remove, or at the very least try to remove, evil from society.
The Hadith refers to the obligation of Muslims to tackle evil in order to remove it. Acting against removal
of evil is recommended but if it causes tribulations then one should use one’s speech against it and if
that is not possible condemn the evil in one’s heart.

Teaching into Action: Examples from the candidate’s life or present times can be given to show how the
teaching of this Hadith can be implemented. Reporting corruption e.g. electricity theft or bribes being
paid to attain jobs or cheating in an exam are a few examples that can be given. “ Jihad “ You are the
best of people , evolved for mankind, enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong and believing
in Allah” (3.100).

By: Ahsan Tariq FOR CAIE 2058 *Underlined hadiths came in June 2021 exam p22*
Hadith no.7 It was said: O Messenger of Allah, who is the most excellent of men? The Messenger of
Allah (may Allah bless him and give him peace) said: ‘The believer who strives in the way of Allah with
his person and property.’

Teaching: The main teaching of this Hadith is that the best amongst believers are those who are
engaged in always trying to earn the pleasure of God. They will fulfil all their obligations towards God
and will not only use their person to accomplish this, but use their resources and wealth with which God
has provided them with to fulfil their obligations (to God and the community). Those who believe, and
suffer exile and strive with might and money, with their goods, shall attain the highest rank in the
sight of Allah” (9.20).

Teaching into action: Muslims must at all times endeavour to do righteous deeds and be God conscious.
A Muslim must never hesitate to serve the cause of Islam by using his person and resources. With a
strong iman a Muslim will try to please his Lord all the more and go on to offer say tahajud prayers
which are not obligatory or be willing to sponsor Islamic charities or use his/her resources to help fellow
Muslims in war torn countries. Examples bringing out the implementation of the teaching of the Hadith
will help give substance to the answer. Believers……… strive hard in God’s way with their possessions
and their own selves (49.15)

Hadith no.8 The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and give him peace) said: ‘Whom do you count
to be a martyr among you?’ They said: O Messenger of Allah, whoever is killed in the way of Allah is
martyr. He said: ‘In that case the martyrs of my community will be very few! He who is killed in the way
of Allah is a martyr, he who dies a natural death in the way of Allah is a martyr, he who dies in the
plague in the way of Allah is a martyr, he who dies of cholera in the way of Allah is a martyr.

Teaching: This Hadith broadens the scope of martyrdom and gives the believers the important teaching
that God considers all those Muslims who live righteous lives trying to seek His pleasure and die whilst
so doing are given the status of a martyr. Candidates can develop their answer by discussing the various
ways in which martyrdom can be achieved. The core teaching that needs to be brought out in the
answer is that God loves His creation and rewards all those who are obedient to Him. “ Never to be
called dead but that they are alive with Allah”

Teaching into Action: The teachings given in this Hadith can be put into practice in many ways. By
worshipping God a person may strive in God’s way with his person, by giving charity and zakat a Muslim
can financially strive in God’s way. Other examples can be given to develop the answer. Candidates
could write that helping in fund-raising to build mosques or hospitals and to contribute towards other
welfare projects are ways that Muslims can live their lives in a way pleasing to God which will earn them
the high status of a martyr.

Hadith no.9: No one eats better food than that which he eats out of the work of his hand.

Teaching: The instruction in this Hadith to Muslims is that they must all strive to earn a living for
themselves and their families. Reliance on others and begging are discouraged in Islam. Earnings are
better than a fortune that has not been lawfully earned. It is not how much a person earns but how
he/she earns it that matters. To earn a clean living is also a duty next to the obligatory duties of faith.

Prophet warned that Allah doesn’t answer the prayers of of the person who eaten Haram food/thing.

Teaching into Action: By earning one’s living honestly and through hard work a Muslim can put into
practise the teaching of this Hadith. All illegal earnings must be shunned by Muslims (robbery and
stealing) and no job should be looked down upon. Examples of how many of the prophets of God were
shepherds including the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in his early life could be cited as proof of dignity of
labour in Islam.

Hadith # 10 One who manages the affairs of the widow and the poor man is like the one who exerts
himself in the way of Allah, or the one who stands for prayer in the night or fasts in the day.

Teaching: The Hadith clearly explains the rights of the people with regards to one another. Islam
promotes social justice and gives a lot of stress on the welfare of the whole community. In this Hadith

By: Ahsan Tariq FOR CAIE 2058 *Underlined hadiths came in June 2021 exam p22*
the Prophet (pbuh) is giving the clear teaching that looking after the vulnerable in society is a moral duty
of all those who have the capacity to do so. Widows and orphans are specifically mentioned as they are
most in need of support in many countries and communities of the past and present. The broader
teaching covers all those in need, be it financially or emotionally etc. Looking after them has been
compared to worship by the Prophet (pbuh) as Islam is not just a set of rituals but a faith that
encourages its followers to fulfil the rights of fellow beings. Nor repulse a Petitioner unheard (93:10)

Teaching into Action: The teaching can be implemented by: • Being generous and helpful to God’s
creation. • By providing resources for the poor and needy e.g. providing social housing for the homeless,
free healthcare to those who need it, providing education to those who cannot access it. • Giving advice
and emotional support to widows and orphans is also another way to put the teachings of the Hadith
into action. Serve Allah, and join not any partners with Him; and do good- to parents, kinsfolk,
orphans, those in need (4:36)

Hadith # 11 ‘I and the man who brings up an orphan will be in paradise like this.’ And he pointed with his
two fingers, the index finger and the middle finger.

Teaching: In this Hadith the Prophet (pbuh) has promised a great reward to those who take on the
responsibility of caring for orphans. In this Hadith Muslims are told that caring for orphans is the
responsibility of the entire ummah and it is binding upon them to treat them with kindness and to
protect their interest for which they will be rewarded by God and will find themselves close to the
Prophet (pbuh) in paradise. Treat with kindness your parents, kindred, orphans and those in need
(2.83)

Teaching into Action: This Hadith can be acted upon by providing food, shelter and financial assistance
to orphans. If an orphan’s father was in debt, that debt can be exonerated by the lender or another
individual. Marriages of orphan girls could be arranged with best matching persons and Muslims can
donate generously towards the wedding expenditures. Also, advice and education could be provided to
orphans by those Muslims who are in a position to do so. Extending emotional support is also a means
of putting the teaching into action.

Hadith no.12: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and give him peace) sent Abu Musa and
Mu’adh ibn Jabal to Yaman, and he sent each of them to govern a part. Then he said: ‘Be gentle and do
not be hard, and cause rejoicing and do not alienate,’

Teaching: The teaching given in this Hadith is specifically focused on the responsibilities of Muslim
rulers. It tells them to work for the welfare and prosperity of their people and that they should show
kindness and justice towards the people they govern. This Hadith also carries the broader instruction
given specifically to the two emissaries of the Prophet (pbuh) to impart religious instruction with
gentleness so that people are more inclined towards Islam. The Prophet (pbuh) said, ‘The best rulers are
those whom you love, and they love you.’

Teaching into Actions: Rulers and people in authority should bear in mind that ultimate authority lies
with God and those positions of authority should be considered as a trust from God. Muslim
governments and rulers should be fair in their actions, promote peace and justice in the land and base
their authority on Islamic principles and tolerance of other faiths. A man once complained to the
Prophet (pbuh) that Mu’adh ibn Jabal recited long Suras in prayer, which caused him hardship as he did
manual work all day and by night was tired. The Prophet (pbuh) instructed Mu’adh to recite shorter
Suras when leading prayers.

Hadith # 13 He who studies the Qur’an is like the owner of tethered camels. If he attends to them, he
will keep hold of them, but if he lets them loose, they will go away.

Teaching: The importance of reading the Qur’an and understanding its message is given in this Hadith of
the Prophet (pbuh). The Qur’an is the primary source of Islamic teaching and hence should never be
neglected and a strong relationship should be established between the Qur’an and the believer as it will
see a believer through good times and every hardship and be a source of comfort. The link with tethered

By: Ahsan Tariq FOR CAIE 2058 *Underlined hadiths came in June 2021 exam p22*
camels has been made in this Hadith to show the importance of the Qur’an in a believer’s life as camels
were a precious belonging in those times.

Teaching into Action: By reading the Qur’an daily, even a few ayats a day, by trying to understand the
meaning of the Qur’an and implementing its teachings in one’s life Muslims can put the teachings given
in the Hadith into action. Teaching the Qur’an to others is another way of acting upon the teachings
given here. “ The Best among you is the one who studies Quran and teaches it”. In any Muslim
community, readers and teachers of the Quran are held in high esteem.

Hadith # 14 May God show mercy to a man who is kindly when he sells, when he buys, and when he
demands his money back.

Teaching: The teachings of this Hadith show Muslims that God wants Muslims to act kindly towards
each other in all aspects of life including all financial matters. The guidance given in the Hadith is that
fairness, honesty and kindness should be the guiding principles of every transaction. The Prophet (pbuh)
encouraged sympathetic behaviour towards the borrower and encouraged believers to carry out all
dealings with fairness and justice. “One who cheats is not among us”

Teaching into Action: The Hadith can be put into practice by: • Conducting all trade and business
transactions honestly and fairly. • Not selling substandard goods and not keeping unfair profit margins. •
Repaying debts as quickly as possible and showing respite to a debtor if they need extra time for
repaying a debt. Examples can be given to substantiate the answer from the time of the Prophet (pbuh)
or the Companions or even present times.

Hadith # 15 God will not show mercy to him who does not show mercy to others.

Teaching: From the beginning of time God has shown mercy towards His creation. Bearing this in mind
the teaching of this Hadith is for Muslims to develop the traits of kindness and mercy in themselves.
They are asked in this Hadith to show compassion to others if they wish for God’s mercy for themselves
in this world and the next. The rights of fellow Muslims are stressed upon by both God and the Prophet
(pbuh) and one’s treatment by God depends on how he/she treats others. “Be merciful to those on
earth and He, who is in the heaven, shall show mercy to you”.

Teaching into Action: The Prophet (pbuh) always showed mercy to everyone. When the believers asked
him to curse the people of Tai’f, he instead prayed that one day they might accept Islam as their faith
and again at the conquest of Makkah he forgave almost all of the enemies of Islam. Muslims today can
keep the Prophet’s example by forgiving those who wrong them. Examples from everyday lives can also
be given to show the implementation of this Hadith. A mercy for worlds (21.107). If we are desirous of
His mercy we should be forgiving and merciful towards not only people , but all living things.

Hadith no.16 : The believers are like a single man; if his eye is affected he is affected, and if his head is
affected he is all affected.

Teaching: Islam joins true believers in brotherhood by their common faith. This hadith focusses on how
a true believer should feel the pain and suffering of their brothers/sisters and come to their aid. The
hadith draws comparisons to the human body and teaches believers that just as the head is the
command centre and thus vital to humans brotherhood is essential to all believers. Believers are a
single brotherhood (49.10)

Teaching into Action: The suffering of a Muslim at all levels, in the family, in the community, in the
country or even in the world should be felt by all other Muslims because Islam has joined all Muslims in
brotherhood. Muslims should do everything in their power to aid their Muslim brothers at national and
international level e.g. donating generously to the Syrian refugees, adopting an orphan child, giving
asylum to their brothers from war torn countries is the responsibility of all Muslims. Examples of how by
actions at local and international levels Muslim can practise the teaching of this Hadith will indicate a
higher level of response like accommodation of Afghan refugees by PAK when the latter’s country was
in turmoil in 2002 and during Soviet Invasion.

Hadith # 17 Modesty produces nothing but good.

By: Ahsan Tariq FOR CAIE 2058 *Underlined hadiths came in June 2021 exam p22*
Teaching: This Hadith’s teaching stresses the virtues of modesty, as it creates a morally pious and
respectful society. In Islam, modesty is of both body and mind. By being modest a believer will not just
seek to promote his/her own self-interest, will not engage in anti-social activities and will be ashamed if
he/she does something wrong. The core teaching of this Hadith is that modesty is an invaluable trait of
Muslims that keeps them rooted in the path of God. Prophet said: Every Religion has a distinctive quality
and distinctive quality of Islam is modesty.

Teaching into Action: Modesty can be practiced by taking a moderate/middle path. • A Muslim’s
speech, dress, attitude towards life must not be ostentatious. • They must remain humble. • A Muslim
must stay away from everything that would be displeasing to God. Modesty is also a shield against
immorality and candidates could say that it can be practised by lowering one’s gaze in the presence of
the opposite gender and by not being overly familiar with them. Prophet said: “Be modest before Allah:
the correct way to be modest before him is to control your heart and head and keep them pure…..”.

Hadith #18: 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.

Teaching :The main teaching of this Hadith is that all those who affirm the Oneness of God will enter
paradise. The obedient believer, who is free from sin will be amongst the first group to enter paradise and
those with sins will enter paradise after gaining God’s forgiveness. Pride on the other hand, the Hadith
teaches Muslims, is a great sin. It is linked with shaytan who disobeyed God on account of his arrogance and
was expelled from heaven. The teaching given in this Hadith is to remain humble and grateful for all that one
has as everything we possess is simply a blessing from God. “For Allah loves not the arrogant , the
vainglorious “(4.36)

Teaching into Action: Muslims can put the teachings of this Hadith into practice by never allowing pride to
take root in their heart, by remaining humble and grateful to God. The example of Prophet Muhammad
(pbuh) could be given who despite being the beloved Prophet of God remained humble. Even upon becoming
the leader of Madina and after the conquest of Makka he led a life of simplicity. Examples: Letting someone
ahead of you in line when you see they are in a hurry is an act of humility. Cleaning the bathroom of your
office, even though you own the company, is an example of humility.

Hadith # 19 The world is the believer’s prison and the unbeliever’s paradise.

Teaching: The Hadith of the Prophet (pbuh) instructs Muslims to live their lives according to God’s laws and
refrain from what He has forbidden. The world has been compared to a prison and just as a prisoner has to
abide by the rules of the prison the believer has to follow God’s rules to attain true freedom in the afterlife by
earning paradise. The teaching says that God may grant everything to a disbeliever that he/she may desire in
this world whereas a believer may not get all that he aspires for and may have to face hardship but their
reward is in the hereafter. And even the lowest level of paradise is enough to fulfil anyone’s heart’s desires.
What is life of this world but play and amusement ? but best is the home of hereafter (6.32)

Teaching into Action: Muslims can implement the teachings given here by being mindful of the attractions of
this world. The Quraysh tried to dissuade the Prophet (pbuh) from preaching Islam by offering him great
wealth and beautiful women to marry but he refused the temptations of this world. We as Muslims should
focus on concentrating to spend our lives in this prison as per rules of Allah. Muslims need to follow the
prescribed path of God and live in this world as the Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘Live in this world as if you were a
stranger or a wayfarer’ (Bukhari).

Hadith no.20: God does not look at your forms and your possessions, but he looks at your hearts and your
deeds. (Iftikhar)
Teachings: The Prophet in this Hadith is giving the teaching that God is not concerned with a believer’s looks
or accomplishments rather the connection between God and the believer is through Taqwa. Whoever, has
more taqwa is the more honourable in the eyes of God. The line ‘but He looks at your hearts’ means that
intentions are what God judges and for which recompense will be given on Judgment Day.
Teaching into Actions: A Muslim’s action must be to seek God’s pleasure in whatever he/she undertakes to
do. Hazrat Bilal was appointed as the first muezzin of Islam because of his strong faith and love of Islam
despite the fact that he was a man from humble origins. Examples from present day can be given as well to
support the answer. “….. ‘Whether you conceal what is in your hearts or reveal it, Allah will know it’
……..” (3.29)

By: Ahsan Tariq FOR CAIE 2058 *Underlined hadiths came in June 2021 exam p22*