‘Authenticity of Hadith’

Past Paper Question and Examiner Report

1 (a) Write a detailed account of the two components of Hadiths:

. chain of transmission (isnad) and
. text (matn) 2021–May June –21

Examiner Report
Some candidates were able to give a detailed account of the isnad and matn, the two components of
Hadiths, required for this question. These candidates were able to explain both terms and write
down the rules to check the authenticity of the Hadiths, and the more detailed the better the answer.
More advanced answers wrote that it is the matn of a Hadith that helps to distinguish between a
Hadith e Qudsi and Nabawi and gave Hadiths of each in support of their answer.
Some candidates gave an account of only one component and therefore lacked detail, while in some
cases candidates did not know what isnad and matn were. In those cases, candidates should be
encouraged to use the English translation and develop their answer from there.

Past Paper Question and Examiner Report

2 (a) Write about the checks made on the transmitters of Hadiths and on the text of Hadiths to
ensure their authenticity. [10] 2021–Oct Nov –22
Examiner Report
Strong responses gave a comprehensive list of the rules of isnad and matn, and within the context
of isnad and matn gave examples of the compilers going about collecting the Hadiths. For example,
the story of Imam Bukhari travelling to hear a Hadith from a narrator but returning as he saw him
tricking his animal with an empty food basket, was cited to show how honesty mattered in the
personality of the narrator. The setting up of Ilm ul Hadith and its sub-branches like Asma ul Rijaal
to check the isnad lines, were other ways in which answers were developed.
Many responses stated that the isnad and matn rules helped in categorising the Hadiths as
authentic, weak, and fabricated.
 Past Paper Question, Examiner Report, and Marking Scheme
3 (a) Write an account of:
• the reasons given by scholars for compiling Hadith collections, and;
• the checks made to confirm their authenticity. [10] 2020–Oct Nov –22
Examiner Report
This compulsory question had two parts that needed to be answered: reasons for compilation and
checks for authenticity of Hadiths. Many candidates covered both aspects of the question, albeit not
in equal depth or detail, though there were some that did, and these were rewarded with the highest
marks.
In many responses, one part of the answer was stronger than the other. However, Musannaf and
Musnad compilations were not the focus off this question. If they were referenced relevantly,
perhaps as development, this knowledge was rewarded but, in some cases, simply writing an
account of them did not answer the question. Hence, it is extremely important that candidates write
relevant answers and if they use material that is not specific to the question they need to
legitimately link it to the question as part of the response for it to be read as development.
Marking Scheme:
Candidates need to begin the answer by giving an account of the reasons for compiling Hadith collections.
They can be summarised as follows:

 After the passing away of the Prophet (pbuh) the Muslim community passed through a series of unrest and
wars.
 Hadiths were forged to manipulate the authority of the Sunna, so in order to distinguish original Hadith from
the fake Hadith compilations were made.
 To resolve all matters, secular and spiritual in the light of the teachings of the Prophet (pbuh) it was
essential to have authentic Hadiths.
 The new generations of Muslims needed guidance on the true Islamic way of life based on the life of the
Prophet (pbuh).
 The Companions of the Prophet (pbuh) were passing away and the Hadiths they remembered had to be
preserved.
 Overzealous teachers and heretics made up Hadiths to advance religious teachings in the name of Islam
and to undermine Islam respectively.
 Authentic Hadiths were essential to keep the teachings of Islam uncorrupted.
 Also, the Qur’an instructs Muslims to follow the practice of the Prophet (pbuh) and for that reason Hadiths
needed to be compiled so Muslims of all times can use the knowledge they provided.
For the next part of the answer candidates can write about the checks made to confirm the authenticity of
Hadiths by writing an account of the isnad and matn.

It could be said that checks were made to see that:

 the isnad line was complete and that narrators were subject to severe tests and were graded according to
various degrees of reliability depending on their character, reputation, knowledge, etc.

Matn of Hadiths was also scrutinised to see that:

 it was in line with the teachings of the Qur’an, that it did not contradict an established Hadith or the Qur’an,
etc.
 Past Paper Question and Examiner Report
4 (a) Give a detailed account of the checks made on the text and narrators of Hadiths. [10]
21-May June-2019
Examiner Report:
This question asked candidates to give an account of the checks made on the isnad and matn of
Hadiths. The majority of the candidates were able to give a good account of the checks made on the
narrators and the text. Where examples were offered of how the narrators collected the Hadiths which
showed their upright character and the strict measures that were placed on Hadith collection, the
examples were taken as development of the answer.

Past Paper Question and Examiner Report

5 (a) Write a descriptive account of the terms sand and matn of a Hadith and the role they play
in establishing the genuineness of a Hadith. [10] 21-May June-2017
Examiner Report
Part (a) of this question was asking the candidates to identify the terms isnad and matn and then go on
to explain how these two components of a Hadith helped in establishing the genuineness of Hadiths.
Most candidates knew what these components were and after defining them they went on to explain
them. Some did not link this development back to the question by saying that this is how isnad and
matn establish the genuineness of Hadiths but they were not penalized for it and where worthy of
marks they were given them.
As in past years for all Part (a) answers, if it is the detailed response with well-developed points, it
made candidate earn the higher marks.

Past Paper Question and Examiner Report

6 (a) What measures were taken in early Islamic times to check the reliability of Hadiths? [10]
21– Oct Nov – 2018
Examiner Report

In response to this question candidates needed to write about the isnad and matn of Hadiths and how
they helped/were used in checking the reliability of Hadiths. Well-developed answers also went into
examples of how compilers travelled distances to meet the narrators and depending on what they
saw/found used or dismissed a Hadith e.g., Bukhari travelled to meet a narrator but left without
hearing his Hadith as he saw him tricking his animal. This type of information showed knowledge of
the subject and those candidates tended to earn more marks.
 Past Paper Question and Examiner Report

7 (a) Write an account of the parts that make up a Hadith, and describe the checks made
by the collectors of the Hadiths to ensure the accuracy of their collections. [10]
21 – May Jun – 2015

Examiner Report:
For this answer candidates needed to write about the parts of the Hadith which are isnad and matn
not the types or categories of Hadiths, which quite a few wrote about. Development of isnad and matn
would have covered the checks made by the compilers and examples of how they went about
collecting and authenticating Hadiths and would have added the detail needed to get to the top levels.
Many who answered well were the ones who understood what the question was asking.

Past Paper Question and Examiner Report

8 (a) Write about the structure of a Hadith and describe the main methods used by the
compilers of Hadiths to establish their genuineness. [10] 21 – Oct Nov – 2013

Examiner Report

This question was asking the candidates to write about the structure of the Hadiths and the main
methods used by the compilers of Hadiths to establish their genuineness.
In the majority of the answers candidates wrote about the isnad and matn and the levels increased on
account of the detail and development which was given in the answer.
Some however appeared not to understand the question and wrote all they knew on this topic; namely
the different categories of Hadiths and about Hadith Nabwi and Hadith Qudsi,
musannaf and musnad Hadiths and so did not achieve the higher levels.
Some well-developed answers wrote about sahih and daeef Hadiths as development of how
compilers went about establishing the genuineness of Hadiths. It is important for candidates to read
the questions carefully and link their answers to what is being asked.
 Past Paper Question and Examiner Report
9 (a) How did the compilers of Hadiths (muhaddithun) judge between acceptable and
unacceptable Hadiths? [10] 02 – May Jun – 2010

Examiner Report
A well attempted question by most, though very few went on to give examples of compilers going
about their work collecting Hadiths. Development of the points given when discussing isnad and matn
is what took the mark to the top end of Level 3.
Some candidates however completely missed writing about the importance of isnad and matn and
explaining what they are and how they helped in distinguishing between acceptable and unacceptable
Hadiths and wrote about the different types of Hadiths e.g. Zaeef, Maudoo and Hassan etc. which was
not what was being asked.
It is important to read the question and understand its requirement before attempting to answer it and
perhaps candidates could be advised by teachers to spend a few minutes on the question itself and
maybe make a mind map for themselves to follow to ensure that they cover all the points they need to
write about.

Past Paper Question and Examiner Report

10 (a) Describe the methods employed by the compilers of the major books of Hadith to ensure
the Hadiths they collected were authentic. [10] 02 – Oct Nov – 2009

Examiner Report

This compulsory question was also well done by most. However, there was some confusion,
unfortunately some of the candidates did not read the question carefully or perhaps misunderstood it
and went on to write about the different types of Hadiths or about the main compilers. Some even wrote
detailed accounts of the six sahi Hadith books. The answers that these candidates wrote were of a
good standard but did not answer what was being asked of them.
I cannot stress the importance of getting them to read the question carefully and encouraging them to
write relevantly even if it is an answer they are not very confident about. If they stick to answering the
question being asked even ones they are not well prepared for, they may manage to get a few marks
whilst writing a really good irrelevant answer gets them no marks!
 Part ‘b’ (4 marks Questions)

Past Paper Question and Marking Scheme

1. In your opinion what are the main advantages of carrying out checks to confirm the reliability
of the Hadiths? [4] 21-May June-2019

Marking Scheme
• Here candidates need to give an evaluative response in which they need to express their views as to what the
advantages of making checks to confirm the authenticity of Hadiths are. They could say that:
 Sahih Hadiths provide an accurate model for Muslims to follow.
 Prevent weak and false Hadiths to be accepted.
 Keep the faith and the practice of Islam pure.
 Create unity in the ummah.
 Help in the classification of Hadiths and making Islamic law. All valid responses to be credited.

Past Paper Question, Examiner Report and Marking Scheme

2. Why in your opinion was it important for them to apply these rules? [4]
22 – May/Jun – 2014

Examiner Report:

For Part (b) responses were mostly satisfactory, with occasional good responses in which
candidates wrote about how authentic hadiths help Muslims practice the sunna of the Prophet and
help Muslims to practice the pillars correctly.

Marking Scheme

This is an evaluative answer and candidate’s responses should reflect their understanding of why it was
deemed important to catalogue authentic Hadiths by the writers and perhaps reflect upon what could have
been the possible dangers of not doing so.

Past Paper Question, Examiner Report and Marking Scheme

3. Why was it important to check the accuracy of Hadiths? [4] 21 – May Jun – 2015
Examiner Report

Part (b) was a question to which the candidates responded with good evaluative responses on the
whole.
Marking Scheme

The Prophet was sent as a guide and is a role model for all Muslims to follow in order to lead a good Muslim
life. Candidates could say that Muslims need to know what the Prophet said as his words also elaborate the
teachings of the Qur’an and help not only in daily life but in formulating laws etc. If authentic Hadiths were
mixed up with theweak or fabricated Hadiths than the Muslims would be led astray. It was therefore important
to verify the authenticity of the Hadiths so that Muslims could live their lives in line with the correct teachings
of the Prophet.
 Past Paper Questions, Examiner Report, and Marking Scheme
4. Why was it important for the Muslim community to have authentic Hadiths? [4]
21 – Oct Nov – 2018
Examiner Report
For Part (b) of this question the focus was on why Muslims give so much importance to Prophetic
Hadiths.
Answers needed to focus on how Islam cannot be practiced without Hadiths accurately, that the
Prophet was sent as a role model for Muslims to follow hence his Hadiths are important to Muslims.

This was not a question asking about Hadith compilation as was understood by a few who wrote
about isnad etc.
On the whole candidates have become much better at answering evaluative Part (b) answers.
Marking Scheme:
As always, an evaluative response is needed for this Part (b) answer. Candidates need to give reasons for why
they think it was important to conduct checks and some may even go on to write about what problems the
Muslim community may have faced if these checks were not made.

Past Paper Question Marking Scheme

5. How does the Muslim community benefit by having genuine compilation of Hadiths? [4]
21 – May Jun – 2017
Examiner Report

Part (b) was a straight forward evaluative question in which candidates had to express their view of how
genuine compilations of Hadiths benefitted the Muslim community.

Some candidates took one or two points and elaborated upon them. Others referred to a few, both
approaches were accepted and wherever deserved marks were given.
Marking Scheme
Evaluative response needed here. The candidate needs to give his/her view of how the Muslim community
benefits by having genuine compilations of Hadiths at hand to refer to. They could say that by having these
compilations we can easily devise sharia law, or that it creates unity in the umma because every Muslim is
following in the Prophet’s (pbuh) tradition. Some candidates may say that the Qur’an is sufficient for guiding the
umma, whilst others could mention the teachings of the Imams in this part of the answer. All valid responses
need to be credited higher levels going to ones that are well substantiated.
 Past Paper Question, Examiner Report and Marking Scheme
6 (b) Both of these components (sanad and matn) are equally important for establishing the
authenticity of Hadiths. Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer. [4]
2021–MayJune -21
Examiner Report:
The majority of the answers stated that both parts were equally important and what could happen if
either or both of the elements were ignored. This was the evaluation being looked for.
Marking Scheme:
Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant information must be credited. An
evaluative response is being looked for, the candidates could vary in their responses by either saying that both
parts were equally important, or they could say either one was more important than the other. However they
choose to answer this question, they must back their choice with reasons.
If they say matn is more important they could support this by saying that in a weak Hadith the chain of
transmission may have gaps but the message is an important one which is conveyed by the text. Such Hadiths
are useful in matters of moral guidance. In legal matters Hadiths will need to have a strong isnad and matn on
account of the seriousness of the decision.

Past Paper Question, Examiner Report and Marking Scheme

7 (b) Why was so much importance given to collecting and preserving authentic Hadiths? [4]
2021–Oct Nov –22
Examiner Report:
Candidates were clear on why the example of the Prophet (pbuh) was important for Muslims today.
Many were able to give a precise answer, for example, that the Prophet (pbuh) was the perfect role
model, and that Muslims today should follow his example to create a fair and just society.
Marking Scheme
Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant information must be credited.
It could be said that it was important to collect authentic Hadiths and preserve them so that future generations of
Muslims would be able to access the Prophet’s Sunna and live their lives following his example. A lot of practice
of the Pillars is found in the Hadiths of the Prophet (pbuh). In order to keep the practice of the Prophet (pbuh)
pure and free from corruption, it was important to collect and preserve authentic Hadiths.

Past Paper Question, Examiner Report and Marking Scheme

8 (b) What is the purpose of having false Hadiths in Hadith collections? [4] 2020–Oct Nov –22
Examiner Report
Part (b) focused on the purpose of having false Hadiths in compilations. Many candidates could not
make the distinction between false and weak Hadiths and wrote very good answers on why weak
Hadiths were put in compilations but unfortunately could not get any marks for this content.
Those who understood the requirement of the question were able to write a varied account and every
relevant answer was credited on its merit.
Marking Scheme:
Candidates need to give their personal view as to why it was essential to include false (mawdu) Hadiths in
Hadith collections.
It could be said that they were included to ensure that the possibility of them being categorised in the other
categories, e.g. sahih, hasan, etc. did not occur.
Another reason could be to let Muslims know that these were false Hadiths so if they came across them they
could disregard them. All valid responses to be credited on their own merit.