It should be in the same Arabic dialect of the Quraish in which the Prophet(S) used to address his companions.
It should not promise the greatest reward for minor deeds or severe punishment for minor offences.
It should be according to common sense and people’s normal experience because the Prophet(S) always preached what He himself practiced.
In this way the collectors of the Hadith ensured that the Hadith they accepted were the most authentic and therefore their collections are known as ‘Sihah al Sittah’ i.e. the most authentic collections.
Pg. 62 DRT Lean example on Top of the page.
Give account of the efforts made by the Prophet’s companions for the compilation of Hadith?
Give a detailed account of the compilation of Hadith during Prophet’s lifetime?
The Holy Prophet(S) encouraged his companions for the preservation of Hadith. There are many statements in the Quran, which needed explanation and clarification which was provided by Holy Prophet(S). The need for Hadith and its transmission of what he taught,
“Preach what you hear me say.”
On occasion of farewell pilgrimage he said,
“He who is present here should carry this message to him who was absent.”(Bukhari)
Thus the companions of the Holy Prophet(S) considered it their duty to preach Hadith to those who had not heard Him. One of the major companions was Abdullah bin Amr bin Aas, who wrote whatever he heard from the Holy Prophet(S). He reported the maximum number of Hadith, which were 10,000. Abu Huraira learnt by heart the Prophet’s sayings. He remained in the Prophet’s company for 3 years by leaving all worldly activities. He reported 5374 Hadith. Abdullah bin Umar also maintained a booklet of Prophet’s saying and actions which was known as “Sadiqa”. He narrated 2630 Hadith. Hazrat Ayesha the wife of the Holy Prophet(S) was gifted with an excellent memory through which she preserved the saying of the Holy Prophet(S). She did not accept any Hadith until she was fully satisfied as to its meaning. She narrated 2210 Hadith.
Ans Ibn e Malik served the Holy Prophet(S) for 10 years and during this period closely observed his practices and learnt by heart whatever he heard from him. He became one of the major narrators of Hadith. He has said to have narrated 2230 hadith. Hazrat Umar had made special arrangement with an Ansaar neighbor from Madinah so that each stayed in the company of the Holy Prophet(S) on alternate days in order to transmit to the others what had happened in his absence. Hazrat Ali maintained a booklet of the orders and instructions issued from time to time by the Holy Prophet(S). His collection is known as “Sahifa-e-Ali”. Abdullah bin Abbas also played a role in the preserving and transmitting of Hadith. Other companions also helped in the collecting and preserving of hadith.
Thus every companion thought that it was their utmost duty to preserve and preach the sayings and actions of Holy Prophet(S), which was looked upon as a source of guidance by his followers.
Give descriptions of the major stages that led to the collection of the Hadith in six authoritative books (Al Sihah al Sitta). (10)
The companions of the Holy Prophet(S) were the best authority for knowledge of Hadith and Sunnah as they had listened to the Holy Prophet(S) and witnessed his actions. Individuals like Abu Hurairah (5374), Abdullah bin Umar (2630), Anas Ibn e Malik (2230), Abdullah bin Abbas, Abdullah bin Amr bin Aas (10,000) and many others became the centers to whom people approached from different parts of Islamic empire to gain knowledge about the Holy Prophet(S). Hazrat Ayesha was one of the most important figures in the history of Hadith literature.
With the passing away of the companions there were no more reports to be investigated from different persons and the Hadith became the property of teachers who taught at different centers. They were known as ‘Successors of the companions’. Now the writing of Hadith became more common.
The most authoritative and first collection of Hadith was Al-Muwatta compiled by Imam Malik Bin Anas (94 AH) which contained 1720 Hadith. Another important and exhaustive collection is that of Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal (164 AH) founder of the Hanbali School of Law. He compiled Hadith according to the names of the first transmitters from the Prophet (S). His collection was known as “Musnad” and it contained 27647 Hadith.
After the death of the successors, Muslims had to rely on the communication of next generation known as ‘Successors of the Successors’. At that time to recite and memorize the Hadith was considered to be a great privilege. Since they were preserved in writing as well, a great amount of Hadith literature was collected.
Up to the beginning of the third century of Islam, compilations of Hadith did not discriminate between authentic Hadith and others less than authentic so the Hadith were mixed up. Imam Muhammad bin Ismael al Bukhari (194-256 A.H) was the first person to conceive the idea of compiling authentic Ahadith on account of the strict conditions he laid down for accepting a Hadith. He called his compilation Jami al Sahih. Imam Bukhari sifted through all the traditions know to him, selected about 7379 out of 600,000 Ahadith and arranged them according to their subject matter under separate heading. Imam Bukhari’s contemporaries also followed his footsteps and made authoritative collections of Hadith. These included Sahih of Imam Muslim, Sunan of Abu Daud, Jami of Tirmizi, Sunan of Nasai and Sunan of Ibn e Majah.
The four Sunan works together with two Sahihs are known as six authoritative collections or Sihah-e-Sittah in which Ahadith are collected according to their subject matter. Therefore they are also known as Musannaf collections.
Discuss the authority of Sunnah as a source of Islamic law?
Discuss the authority of Sunnah as the basis of all thought and action in Islam?
Discuss how Sunnah is an important source of legal thinking in Islam?
Sunnah along with hadith is counted as the second source of Islamic law. The term Sunnah is used in a very wide sense as including not only the decisions and percepts of the Prophet(S) but also his conduct and practice. The Sunnah explains and completes the Quran. The conduct of the Prophet(S) formed an important source of law as they were accepted as inspired and binding authority. In the words of the Quran:
“And came to you from God, the light (Prophet) and the Book.”
Justification of Sunnah as a source of Islamic law is evident from the Quran and Prophethood of Muhammad(S).
There are many verses in the Holy Quran
The Period of rule of the Rightly Guided Caliphs and their importance as leaders
Give a description of Abu Bakr’s activites against the false prophets’ and apostate tribes. (10)
Apostate Tribes
Refusal to Pay Zakat
Apostasy Tribes
Details of the false prophets
Aswad Ansi
Tulayha
Musailma
Sajjah
P(1) Intro
P(2) Refusal to Pay Zakat
P(3) Apostasy Movement
P(4) 1st Three False Prophet’s
P(5) Musailma
Hazrat Abu Bakr was confronted with many problems when he assumed the office of Khalifa in 11 AH / 632AD for example people refused to pay Zakat and the apostasy movement i.e. the curse of the abandonment of Islam followed by the appearance of false prophets. Hazrat Abu Bakr, showed extraordinary firmness, determination and courage in fighting and defeating them all.
At that time many tribes such as Banu Asad, Banu Ghatafan, Banu Abbas, Banu Murrah and others surrounded Madinah. These tribes sent a deputation to Hazrat Abu Bakr. They said that they would remain on friendly terms with the authorities at Madinah provided they were relieved of the obligation to pay Zakat. Hazrat Abu Bakr said,
“If with reference to Zakat, you withhold even as much as a string to ties a camel, as the Khalifa of the Holy Prophet(S), it will be my duty to fight for it, whatever the consequences.”
When Hazrat Abu Bakr rejected the demand of the tribes they decided to launch an attack on Madinah. Abu Bakr defeated them all. After this battle many tribes sent their delegates to Madinah, offered allegiance and paid Zakat.
The short Khilafat of Abu Bakr was mostly occupies with the so-called Ridda (Apostasy) Wars. After the death of the Prophet(S) some people rebelled against the authorities at Madinah and renounced or apostasized Islam. Abu Bakr faced the situation calmly. Without any delay, he launched a campaign against the movement. He collected the troops at Madinah and divided them into eleven battalions. He instructed the commanders, first to invite the revolting tribes to Islam. But if they failed to comply, they were to be attacked. Some of the tribes submitted to Islam without fighting, while others remained adamant. So wars were waged against them. Within a year, the control of Islam was re-established throught the peninsula.
Towards the end of the Holy Prophet(S)’s life several false prophets arose in different parts of the country. Aswad Ansi was the first to rise in Yemen. He was an ugly man who kept his face veiled to hide his ugliness. He was the leader of the Ansi tribe. He was defeated and killed by the Muslims. The second false prophet, Tulayha, belonged to the Banu Asad and Banu Ghatafan tribes. Khalid bin Walid was send to punish him. Both the armies met at Buzaka. The army of Tulayha was defeated and the Muslims won a significant victory. Tulayha escaped from Buzaka and sought refuge in Syria. A Christian woman called Sajjah claimed to be a prophetess. She belonged to the Bani Tamim tribe in Iraq. Musailma another false prophet invited Sajjah to visit Yamama as his guest. After a stay of three days, Sajjah returned to her people in Iraq with which ended her adventure of prophethood.
Of all the impostors and false prophets, who rose in Arabia after the death of the Holy Prophet(S), the most dangerous one was Musailma who belonged to the Banu Hanifa tribe of Central Asia. With the death of the Prophet(S), Musailma gained more strength. Abu Bakr sent Ikramah and Shurabhil to fight against Musailmah but they were defeated one after the other. It was at this critical stage that Hazrat Abu Bakr send Khalid bin Walid to fight against Musailma. Musailma retreated to a fortified garden and the Muslim army followed him. Many men of Banu Hanifa, including Musailma were killed. So bloody was this battle it came to be known as the Battle of the Garden of death. In this battle 70 memorizers of the Quran were martyred which eventually led to the compilation of the Quran.
Trace the expansion of the Islamic Empire under the rule of Hazrat Umar. (10)
Answer: Hazrat Umar Bin Khattab succeeded to caliphate in 13 AH/634AD. He took the title of Ameer-ul-Momineen (Commander of the faithful). He was a brave person and straight-forward person. He continued the expansion of the Islamic state and during his caliphate the frontiers of Islamic state expanded greatly. The vast areas of the Roman and Persian empires were brought under Islamic rule. Muslim armies conquered Syria, Iraq, Persia and Egypt after fighting a series of decisive battles.
In the east, Persian Empire forced Hazrat Umar to fight against them. In October 634 AD/14 AH the battles of Namaraq and Jar (Bridge) were fought. In the battle of Jasr (Bridge) Muslims were defeated and their commander was killed. Muslims responded back in November 634 AD, when they fought against the Persians at Buwaib under Musanna bin Harris. Muslims were victorious in this battle and the Persians had to face heavy losses.
After this battle, Persians sent a large army of 120,000 under their famous commander Rustam. The report of the new situation was sent to Hazrat Umar. He sent Saad bin Abi Waqas with an army of 20,000 at al Qadisiya in 17AH/638 AD. After a prolonged battle on several fronts the out-numbered Muslim army defeated the Persian troops and re- captured Hira and other areas in Iraq. It was a decisive battle which broke down the strength of the Persians.
After this the Muslim army advanced and captured Madain and Jalula one after another and signed a treaty of peace with the Persians. Despite the treaty the Persians continued their conspiracies against Islamic state therefore. Muslims had to fight against them at Nihawand in 21 AH/642 AD. A battle took place in which 30,000 Muslims defeated 60,000 Persians. The Persian king Yazdgard fled from the battle field. It was the last battle against the Persians which sealed the fate of Persian Empire and the whole of Persia came under Muslim rule.
Muslims also had to fight against the Byzantines on the western borders because of their hostility against Muslims. Muslim army laid siege to Damascus and then they had to fight against them at Yarmuk in Palestine in Palestine in 15AH / 636 AD. An army of 40,000 Muslims defeated 2, 60,000 Byzantines after a battle which lasted for 7 days. It’s a result of this battle Muslims conquered Syria. Meanwhile Amar Bin Aaas laid siege to Jerusalem and later Khalid bin Waleed also joined him. The Christians offered to surrender on the condition that the caliph himself should come to Jerusalem. This was accepted and Hazrat Umar signed an agreement that guaranteed safety and security of the people of Jerusalem. Later, Muslim army advanced under Amar bin Aaas and captured Fuslat and Egypt in 18 AH / 639 AD.
Give outlines of the administrative reforms introduced by Hazrat Umar during his rule as Caliph. (10)
DRT Pg. 123,123
FNM Pg. 199-201
- Legislative Councils
- Qazi
- Judiciary
- System of Accountability
- Administrative Infrastructure
- Provinces
- Wali
- Ameer
- District
- Amir
- Dewan
- Finance
- Civil Reforms
- Town Planning
- New Taxes
- Rights of Non-Muslims
- Islamic Calendar
- Old Age Pension
In 13 AH/634 AD Hazrat Umar became caliph and ruled the Islamic State. During his caliphate he introduced several reforms for the well-being of his people. He’s also remembered for his great sense of responsibility which can be understood from his words,
“Even if a dog dies of thirst at the bank of River Euphrates, as the caliph of the Islamic State I shall be held accountable for that on the Day of Judgment.”
The Articles of Faith and the Pillars of Islam
Give description of the ways in almsgiving (Zakat) is carried out. (10)
Pg. 270-72 FNM
Outline:
P (1): Introduction
Nisab
P (2): Collection (Rate of Zakat)
Gold or Silver
Mines
Land
Articles of Trade
Livestock
P (3): Distribution (Quotation (9:60))
P (4): To whom it should not be given
Descendants of the Prophet(S)
To one’s parents or children
To non-Muslims
As salary
Answer: The payment of Zakat is compulsory on every adult, free Muslim who owns property to the extent of the prescribed rate called Nisab, provided such property has remained in his ownership and possession uninterruptedly for full one year.
Zakat is payable on cash, gold, silver, jewellery, crops, animals, minerals, agricultural lands and all kinds of commercial goods. On cash gold and silver Zakat is paid at a rate of 2.5 percent. A person who possesses 52.5 tolas of silver or 7.5 tolas of gold is liable to pay Zakat. Owners of mines have to pay one-fifth of the produce of mines. This is called Khums. The basis of the compulsory land tax on the produce of agricultural lands is called Ushr and is to be found in the Quran. It is levied at the rate of one-tenth of the agricultural produce of land benefiting or by rain or some natural spring; and one –twentieth of the produce of artificially irrigated lands. Zakat is to be paid on all articles of trade exceeding 200 dirhams. Zakat is also to be paid on livestock. For every forty sheep or goat one goat is to be paid, on thirty to forty cattle, one calf of one year is to be paid and on ever five camels, one goat or sheep is to be paid. Sadqah-ul-Fitr is an obligatory charity that is an act of worship on the completion of the month of Ramazan. It is obligatory on all Muslims on whom Zakat is compulsory.
The Quran tells us how the Zakat money is to be distributed. It says:
“Alms are for the poor and the needy and those employed to administer the funds; for those whose hearts have been recently reconciled to the Truth; for those in bondage and in debt; in the cause of Allah; and for the wayfarer…” (9:60)
The poor people who do not possess wealth equal to Nisab. The needy people who are extremely poor and are forced to beg for food. The employed people who are appointed by an Islamic Head of State or government to collect Zakat. It is not necessary that they be needy persons. The new converts to Islam and are in need of the basic necessities of life. Salves who work for remuneration and who have an agreement with their masters to purchase their freedom on payment of fixed amount. The people in debt who are unable to repay loans. It is conditional that the debt is not due to any un-Islamic purpose. Those people, who have to fulfill an obligation but are unable to do so due to poverty, Those travellers who maybe well to do at home, but during their journey do not possess basic necessities can be given Zakat in order to fulfill their travel needs and to return home.
It is unlawful to give Zakat to the descendant of the Holy Prophet(S), to one’s parents or to one’s children. It cannot be given to non-Muslims neither can it be given as salary.
Explain the importance of almsgiving for the Muslim community. (4)
This helps to reduce inequalities in wealth because the wealth is not accumulated in a few hands rather it is circulated throught the community and everyone is benefited. It reminds givers and receivers of their ties to each other and reminds them that they are part of the same community. It makes those ties stronger because it links the rich and poor in a band of responsibility and respect and makes the poor understand that the rich care for them. It reminds all Muslims that they are responsible for others besides themselves.
Give accounts of the times and preparations of prayer. (10)
The names of the 5 obligatory prayers are Fajr, Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha.
Fajr is an early morning prayer. The times of this prayer commences after the break of dawn and ends just before sunrise. Zuhr is an early afternoon prayer. The times of this prayer commences when the sun begins to decline and the shadows of things cease to decrease. It ends when the shadow of everything becomes equal to twice the size at noon or mid-day. Asr is a late afternoon prayer. The times of this prayer commences after the end of the time for Zuhr prayers and ends before sunset. Maghrib is an evening prayer. The times of this prayer commences immediately after sunset and ends on the fading of twilight. Isha is an early night prayer. The time of this prayer commences after the fading of twilight and ends before dawn but it is desirable to say this prayer before midnight.
Before a person can say his regular prayers, preparations must be made; other the prayers would be void. The body of the person must be clean. Salat requires purification through ablution (wuzu) or by taking a bath. Ablution requires the washing of hands, mouth, nostrils, face, arms, across the head, ears, back of the neck and the feet. The Quran says,
“O you who believe! When you prepare for prayer, wash your faces and hands to the elbows, rub your heads and wash your feet to the ankles.” (Ch 5: Vs 6)
The clothes worn must be clean and free from all impurities. The place where the prayers are to be said must be clean and free from all impurities. The ‘Satar’ (those parts of the body which should be kept covered) must be properly covered.
For a male, the Satar consists of the portion of the body from the navel to the knees. For a female, her entire body with the exception of her face, hands and feet in Satar. It must be the time for the particular prayer to be offered. The Qiblah must be faced while saying the prayers. The Quran says,
“Turn then your face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque wherever you are, turn your faces in that direction” (Ch 2 : V 143)
Intention or niyat must be declared for saying the kind of prayer i.e. Farz, Sunnat etc. of particular prayer time i.e. Fajr, Zuhr etc. that one is offering.
Describe how a Muslim fasts during a day in Ramadan. (10)
Fasting is one of the five pillars on which the structure rests. Fasting was made obligatory in 2 A.H. Fasting is observed during the month of Ramadan which is the 9th month of the Islamic Calendar. Fasting is observed from the first light in dawn till sunset. A Muslim who is fasting has breakfast or sehri before dawn. Then the intention for the fast is made in the following words:
“I intend to keep tomorrow’s fast of Ramadan.”
Now the person is subject to all restrictions and prohibitions associated with a fast till the setting of the sun. Eating, drinking, smoking, taking of medicine by mouth and marital relations are forbidden during the fast. This abstinence is known as ‘Imsak’. Muslims are required to be particularly righteous and abstain from all immoral and unlawful activites. The Muslims then breaks his fast at sunset, often with a date and water and then pray following the Prophet(S)’s example. They also state the formal intention before breaking their fast in these words,
“O Allah! I fasted for you and I believe in you and I put my trust in you with the sustenance you have given me I now break my fast.”
The Muslims follow this with a meal often eaten with friends and family members. The Muslims often try to be present at recitations of the Quran, tarawih prayers, in the evening. Muslims should live their lives as normal, making no concessions to the lack of food. Muslims must fulfill all their social and religious obligations and fasting should not be used as an excuse.
Some people are exempted from fasting. They are pregnant woman, mothers with new babies, travellers, the sick, children, the very old, and people in danger and mensurating women.
Explain why the Ramadan fast is important to Muslims. (4)
Fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam. It is called a ‘gift’ which the believer gives to God. The Holy Prophet(S) is reported to have said,
“Allah says fasting is for me and I will surely compensate for it.”
Fasting also increases self-control. It helps the Muslims to remember the poor in the community. Fasting develops a sense of sympathy in the rich for the poor who are forced to starve. In this way it establishes unity and brotherhood. Fasting also increases obedience towards God. The Quran was also revealed in the month of Ramadan.
Give a descriptive account of Muslim belief in Angels. (10)
Belief in angels is the second article of Muslim faith.
They are God’s servants and their sole purpose is to worship, obey and serve God.
They only do what is commanded to by god and unlike humans and Jins they do not have a free will. Therefore they are sinless.
Muslims also believe that angels are made of the divine light (Nur) but they do not have any share in Allah’s divinity. To worship them and ask them for help is regarded as Shirk which is an unpardonable sin.
An important aspect of Muslim belief about angels is about their service as messengers. They have been sent throught history to strengthen the hearts of the believers for example in the battle of Badr 1000 angels were sent to help Muslims. The Quran says,
“Surely I will assist you with a thousand of angels, ranks on ranks.” (8:9)
Muslims also believe that angels have no physical relations with God and the Holy Quran rejects the pagan belief that angels are the daughters of God.
Angels have particular tasks to perform. Angel Jibreal is the angel of Law. He was responsible for bringing revelations from God to his chosen people. He brought the news of the birth of Jesus without a father to his mother Mariam.
He also brought the first revelation to the Prophet(S) and accompanied Him(S) during the Night Journey (Miraj). The Quran says,
“He does send down his angels with the inspiration of his command to such of his servants as He pleases.” (16:2)
Angels are the guardians of hell fire and the in charge of hell is known as Malik. Angels will also welcome the righteous ones in paradise. The Angel in charge of Paradise is known as Rizwan.
Other angels record good or bad deeds, Kiramann Katibeen (the respected records) whereas some others inquire of the dead in the grave. They are known as Munkir Nakir.
Angel Izrael is also known as the angel of death. He takes the souls of humans upon their death.
Angel Israfil will blow the last trumpet at the end of time and before the resurrection.
What does a Muslim believe when he says, “There is no god but Allah.” And “Muhammad is the messenger of Allah”? (10)
This statement is the first part of the declaration of faith. Tawhid means that God alone is the Ruler, Creator, Lord and Cherisher and sustainer of all that exists.
True unity of Allah means that Allah is:
Unique in personality. This signifies that Allah is only one and there is no plurality of gods. The Quran says in Surah al Ikhlas,
“Say! He is Allah the one and only.” (Ch 112: Vs 1)
Unique in His attributes, which means that no other being can be equal to Allah in attributes. Humans may have some attributes of Allah for e.g. mercifulness but the degree of perfection which He has in his attributes is unmatchable.
Unique in His actions: No one can do what Allah has done or may do. The Quran says,
“And there is no one like unto Him” (Ch 112: Vs 5)
Allah is the Lord of all creation, as referred to in Surah Fatiha:
“Praise to be Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds.”
His attributes of knowledge, authority mercifulness, know no limits.
He is entirely sovereign in His decision making without any interception. His personality and attributes are beyond human comprehension.
Shirk or polytheism, associating partners with Allah is opposite to Tawhid and is an unpardonable sin.
This is the second part of the declaration of faith.
Belief in divinity of his prophethood which means that he was a true messenger who received messages from God through Angel Jibreal as the previous Messenger did.
Muhammad(S) was the last in the line of prophetic messengers which means that after him there will be no prophet and the line of apostles that started from Hazrat Adam ended on him.
Therefore, he is known as “Seal of Prophets.” Quran refers to it in Surah al Ahzab.
“Muhammad(S) is not the father of any of your men but the messenger of Allah and the Seal of Prophets.” (Ch 33: Vs 40)
Prophet(S) himself said:
“I am the Seal of Prophets and there will be no Prophet after me.”
His message was the same as the previous ones, but it was for all human kind.
God has protected this message from change and corruption and it is the most authentic.
