Cambridge IGCSE Islamiyat 0493 — 2021 May/June Paper 2 · Variant 1

1 Choose any two of the following Hadiths, and: (a) describe their teaching about what Muslims believe; [4] (b) explain how Muslims can put these teachings into action. [4] (i) 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. (ii) 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. (iii) 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 a 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.’ (iv) Modesty produces nothing but good. ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................................................. 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Mark scheme: Question Answer Marks 1(a) describe their teaching about what Muslims believe; 4 Use the AO1 Marking Grid (i) The teaching given in this Hadith is that the minimum requirement for entering paradise is the fulfilment of the Pillars of Islam and by staying away from what God has made forbidden to humankind. Zakat and Hajj are two Pillars that are not mentioned in the Hadith as they are compulsory only for those who have the means to fulfil them. The important message of the Hadith is that Islam is a simple religion to follow and believers should not over burden themselves and should engage in optional ibadah as much as they comfortably can. (ii) 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. (iii) 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. (iv) Modesty is of both body and mind and helps create a morally pious and respectful society. By being modest, a believer will not promote their interest or position but will consider themselves as a part of a community and seek to create a peaceful and upright society. Modesty is what makes a person ashamed when they do something wrong. The Prophet (pbuh) made modesty a condition of faith and has said that one must consider others in the same way as one considers oneself. If properly understood and practiced modesty can only produce good as the Hadith says. 1(b) explain how Muslims can put these teachings into action. 4 Use the AO2 Marking Grid (i) The teachings given in the Hadith can be acted upon by being obedient to God and fulfilling the Pillars of Islam with sincerity and abstaining from all the acts and things that God has prohibited Muslims from. Candidates could develop their answer with examples by saying that Muslims must be punctual and offer salat at the prescribed time of each salat, that they must fast in Ramadan and if they have the means must give zakat and perform Hajj. Abstaining from alcohol or foods which are prohibited in Islam can also be given as examples of putting into practice the teachings of the Hadith. Not taking interest on loans and following the principles of Islamic finance and not giving or taking bribes are other ways in which the teachings of the Hadith can be implemented. (ii) 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. (iii) 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. (iv) In the absence of modesty Islam cannot be practiced correctly. A Muslim’s speech, dress, manner and attitude towards life should be humble and simple. Modesty is a shield against immorality, lowering one’s gaze in the presence of the opposite sex is one way of putting into practice the teaching of this Hadith. Remaining humble and acknowledging God as the Master and Creator and giver of everything one possesses is another way of implementing the teaching of the Hadith. The focus of a believer’s every action must be to earn God’s pleasure and remember Him at all times.

2 (a) Write a detailed account of the two components of Hadiths: • chain of transmission (isnad) and • text (matn) [10] (b) Both of these components are equally important for establishing the authenticity of Hadiths. Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer. 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Mark scheme: 2(a) Write a detailed account of the two components of Hadiths: 10 • chain of transmission (isnad) and • text (matn) Use the AO1 Marking Grid Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant information must be credited. Each Hadith is made up of two major components: isnad and matn. Both these parts are of importance and studied by Hadith compilers when establishing the genuineness of a Hadith. The first part of a Hadith consists of the chain of names through which it has been received, which is called sanad. The chain can have a few names or a long list. In some cases Hadiths were narrated from one generation to another. In which case the compiler had to examine the line of transmission very carefully. Specific rules were developed to check the authenticity of the Hadiths that were transmitted. Candidates need to write about what these rules were in some detail. Rules to check isnad: • The line of narrator had to be checked to see that it went back to the Prophet (pbuh). • The narrator had to be known for his piety, sound memory, integrity etc. • The fewer the narrators in a chain the stronger the Hadith was, as there was less chance of misinterpretation. • The sciences of Ilm ul Hadith was developed to scrutinise the narrators and their teachers in detail. An account of what stipulations were set by early compilers to rate a Hadith as valid or trustworthy on the basis of its matn should be given in the second part of the answer. Here rules of checking matn need to be given by the candidate. Rules to check matn: • The matn had to be consistent with the Qur’an. • It had to be in agreement with accepted facts. • It should not contradict accepted Hadiths. • It should not be against common sense or logic. • It should not praise a particular tribe or place. • A hadith that went against the Prophet or his family was also rejected. It is the matn of a Hadith which distinguishes Hadith Qudsi from Hadith Nabawi and could be written about which should be read as development of the answer. 2(b) Both of these components are equally important for establishing the 4 authenticity of Hadiths. Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer. Use the AO2 Marking Grid 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.

3 (a) Write an account of the false prophet Musailimah and the battle fought against him in 632. [10] (b) What was the importance of this battle to future generations of Muslims? 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Mark scheme: 3(a) Write an account of the false prophet Musailimah and the battle fought 10 against him in 632. Use the AO1 Marking Grid Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant information must be credited. Candidates could start with a detailed account of the false prophet Musailimah followed by an account of the Battle of Yamama fought in 632. Of all the false prophets that arose after the demise of the Prophet (pbuh), Musailimah was the most powerful and dangerous. He belonged to the Banu Hanifa tribe and was extremely wealthy and influential. Soon after visiting the Prophet (pbuh) in his lifetime Musailimah declared himself a prophet and claimed to receive divine revelations. He founded a new creed in which he reduced the number of daily prayers, relieved his followers from fasting and zakat and made drinking and adultery permissible. He asked the Prophet (pbuh) to divide the Muslim empire into two parts. The Prophet (pbuh) called him Musailimah the Liar. Battle of Yamama (632) Musailimah challenged the caliphate of Abu Bakr who sent two forces against him – one under the command of Ikramah and the other under Shurahbil. The instructions to both commanders were to join forces before launching an attack on Musailimah who had a force of 40 000 Bedouins. Ikramah was the first to reach the Yamama valley, ignoring the caliph’s orders he launched an attack without waiting for Shurahbil and was beaten back. On reaching Yamama, Shurahbil attacked Musailimah on his own and was beaten back. Musailimah was emboldened by his victory and Abu Bakr then sent Khalid ibn Waleed to lead an attack against Musailimah. Khalid marched with a force of 13 000 and met Musailimah on the plain of Aqraba. After a fierce fight Muslims had to retreat. Khalid regrouped the army under tribal commanders and created a reserve force of a thousand cavalry under his command. The next day the two armies met and as the front ranks grappled with each other in single combat Khalid led the reserves to the mound where Musailimah camped. Musailimah’s bodyguards were taken by surprise and could not hold Khalid off, they withdrew with Musailimah into a fortified garden. Musailimah’s army lost their nerve at this turn of events and escaped to the garden where they were defeated by the Muslims. Washi-al Harb killed Musailimah and the Banu Hanifa accepted peace terms. 3(b) What was the importance of this battle to future generations of 4 Muslims? Use the AO2 Marking Grid Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant information must be credited. It could be said that the Battle of Yamama marked the end of the false prophets and Abu Bakr could now establish the Islamic empire on a firm footing. It could also be said that Musailimah was changing the key principles of Islam and with this battle the core teachings of Islam were saved from being altered and corrupted. Post-Yamama the Muslims were united as one and could go on to deal with other forces that were against Islam. The battle also led to the compilation of the Qur’an.

4 (a) Fasting in Ramadan benefits Muslims in many ways. Write about the major benefits of fasting in Ramadan. [10] (b) Explain why the Night of Power (Layla-tul-Qadr) is so important for Muslims. 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Mark scheme: 4(a) Fasting in Ramadan benefits Muslims in many ways. Write about the 10 major benefits of fasting in Ramadan. Use the AO1 Marking Grid Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant information must be credited. The benefits of fasting in the month of Ramadan are countless. Candidates in response to this answer should not write an account of how fasting is observed but instead write an account of the benefits of fasting. It could be said that fasting teaches a Muslim taqwa which is the sum total of all Islamic values and virtues. Taqwa is the consciousness of God, it is to do one’s best to live by His commands and to avoid His prohibitions. Fasting builds the quality of taqwa in a believer, who is spiritually uplifted by its observance. Fasting enhances one’s spirituality and teaches sincerity to God. As fasting is an invisible act that is only between a believer and God it helps a person to live by the rules and regulations of one’s faith. It enables a person to learn self-control. During fasting even things that are permissible in Islam like eating, drinking and marital relations are forbidden for the duration of the fast. And this self-control strengthens the moral character of a person. The training Muslims get during fasting to say no to permissible things helps them to say no to the forbidden things in daily life. The fast has a positive effect on one’s health, it gives the digestive system a rest and gets rid of excess fats and toxins. The prosperous in society become aware of the plight of the poor and needy and can empathise with them. More charity is given in Ramadan and zakat is also often given in this month and it brings economic prosperity in the community. Unity, peace and harmony are also benefits of fasting. The rewards for a fasting Muslim’s good deeds are multiplied and the Prophet (pbuh) has said that ‘there is a special entrance to Paradise called al-Rayyan, none will enter through the gate save those who fast.’ When Muslims fast together it creates unity and goodwill, they not only come closer as a community but get closer to God as well. 4(b) Explain why the Night of Power (Layla-tul-Qadr) is so important for 4 Muslims. Use the AO2 Marking Grid Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant information must be credited. Candidates could say that the Night of Power is considered to be a night of immense blessings for it was on this night that the last of God’s books, the Qur’an, was revealed to the Prophet (pbuh). The Qur’an itself mentions the immense blessings of this night. This is a night of reading, understanding and reflecting upon the teachings given in the Qur’an. The reward of worship on this night is more than the reward for worshipping for a thousand months. Hence Muslims have special arrangements for extra prayers on this night. The Prophet (pbuh) has said that those who spend Layla-tul-Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, will have his previous sins forgiven. It is believed, as stated in the Qur’an in Sura al Qadr, that the angels and the Spirit descend to earth by God’s permission and that peace prevails until the rise of dawn. It is for these reasons that Muslims consider the Night of Power to be the most important night of Ramadan and indeed of the year.

5 (a) Give an account of the Pillar of Almsgiving (zakat). [10] (b) In your opinion, what is the most important benefit of giving zakat? Give reasons to support your answer. 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Mark scheme: 5(a) Give an account of the Pillar of Almsgiving (zakat). 10 Use the AO1 Marking Grid Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant information must be credited. A detailed account of the Pillar of Almsgiving (zakat) is needed in this answer. Answers could say that it is a compulsory charity and the term zakat means purification and by giving zakat a Muslim purifies a person’s wealth and frees their heart from the love of wealth. Great reward is promised to those who fulfil this Pillar. Zakat helps to set up social and economic stability in a society as the funds enable the needy and deserving recipients towards economic independence. Zakat is due if one’s assets equal or exceed the nisab for one whole year. The nisab was set by the Prophet (pbuh) the Qur’an does not specify which types of wealth are taxable nor does it specify the percentage. The rates are determined from the sunnah of the Prophet which state that the amount of zakat on capital assets such as money is 2.5 % and varies up to 25% depending on the type of goods. Examples of recipients of zakat are Muslim converts, the poor, zakat collectors, prisoners of war, people in debt, travellers and to people and organisations that are engaged in services to Islam. Examples of who cannot receive zakat are non-Muslims, a giver’s husband, wife, children, grandparents and grandchildren. It cannot be paid to the descendants of the Prophet (pbuh), to those who meet the threshold of nisab or the deceased. Zakat cannot be used to pay servant’s wages or as burial expenses. There are many benefits for the giver of zakat. One of the most important benefits is the fulfilment of the obligation of giving zakat and earning God’s pleasure. Zakat also purifies wealth and may be a means of gaining God’s protection from problems. Giving zakat washes away one’s sins and it teaches Muslims about the laws of God as one has to know the rules of zakat before one is able to pay it. Also, there are broader advantages to society of zakat being given as it distributes wealth and fixes the monetary imbalance in society and creates a more caring society. A detailed and well-developed answer should include who is liable to pay zakat, who the recipients of zakat are, who it cannot be paid to and what the benefits of giving zakat are. 5(b) In your opinion, what is the most important benefit of giving zakat? Give 4 reasons to support your answer. Use the AO2 Marking Grid Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant information must be credited. Candidates can choose any reason, which in their opinion, is the most important benefit of giving zakat. They could say it is the fulfilment of a Pillar of Islam and since God has made it compulsory for those who have the means to fulfil it, it is essential that it be given as a Muslim will be questioned about it on the Day of Judgment. Non-payment of zakat can result in punishment in the grave. Another reason could be that it creates brotherhood in society, helps the needy and in turn results is economic prosperity and peace within communities.