The Hadith as a source: past paper questions
Real questions on the hadith as a source
The newest 20 of 49 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0493/21 · May/June 2026 · Q2b[4]
How important is Hadith compilation for Muslims today?
See it on the paper → - 0493/22 · May/June 2026 · Q2a[10]
2 (a) Outline the two parts of a Hadith and the different categories of Hadith. [10]
See it on the paper → - 0493/22 · May/June 2026 · Q2b[4]
Discuss why so much importance is given to classifying authentic Hadiths. Give two reasons for your answer.
See it on the paper → - 0493/21 · October/November 2025 · Q2a[10]
Write about the importance of knowing the Hadiths of the Prophet (pbuh) and of following his sunna for Muslims.
See it on the paper → - 0493/21 · October/November 2025 · Q2b[4]
How do Muslims benefit from following the Hadiths?
See it on the paper → - 0493/21 · October/November 2025 · Q5a[10]
Give a detailed account of the method and importance of ablution (wudu) before prayer.
See it on the paper → - 0493/21 · October/November 2025 · Q5b[4]
What in your opinion are the benefits of dry ablution (tayammum)?
See it on the paper → - 0493/22 · October/November 2025 · Q2b[4]
Why do you think the Prophet (pbuh) allowed the exercise of personal reasoning (qiyas)?
See it on the paper → - 0493/21 · May/June 2025 · Q5a[10]
Write a detailed account of the Pillar of alms-giving (zakat) giving its benefits.
See it on the paper → - 0493/21 · May/June 2025 · Q5b[4]
In your opinion does the giving of zakat benefit the individual more or the society? Give reasons for your answer.
See it on the paper → - 0493/22 · May/June 2025 · Q2a[10]
Write about the isnad and matn of Hadiths and their importance in Hadith collection.
See it on the paper → - 0493/22 · May/June 2025 · Q2b[4]
Why are authentic Hadiths so important in Islamic law? Give reasons for your answer.
See it on the paper → - 0493/21 · October/November 2024 · Q2a[10]
Write an account of why it is important to know and act upon the Hadiths of the Prophet (pbuh).
See it on the paper → - 0493/21 · October/November 2024 · Q2b[4]
In your opinion, why is it necessary to classify Hadiths into categories? Give reasons to support your answer.
See it on the paper → - 0493/22 · October/November 2024 · Q2b[4]
In your opinion, what were the main benefits of preserving the Prophet (pbuh)’s guidance? Give reasons to support your answer.
See it on the paper → - 0493/21 · May/June 2024 · Q2a[10]
Give an account of the two components of Hadiths (isnad and matn) and the checks made on them to confirm their reliability.
See it on the paper → - 0493/21 · May/June 2024 · Q2b[4]
Explain the reasons why the compilation of Hadiths became necessary.
See it on the paper → - 0493/22 · May/June 2024 · Q5a[10]
Give an account of missed (qada) prayers and the importance of prayers for Muslims.
See it on the paper → - 0493/22 · May/June 2024 · Q5b[4]
In your opinion, why is so much importance given to purification (wudu) before prayer (salat)?
See it on the paper → - 0493/21 · October/November 2023 · Q5a[10]
Write about the benefits of fasting and almsgiving (zakat).
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
This question on the giving of zakat was broad. In response, candidates needed to say what zakat and nisab was, to whom it could be paid and who could not receive zakat, and then give the benefits of zakat. Good answers addressed each of these elements. Some candidates mentioned some details about zakat but focussed their answer on the benefits.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0493/21 Q5(a) (Cambridge)
Candidates had to choose whether they thought the personal or communal benefit of zakat was greater and explain their ideas. Stronger candidates made a clear choice and supported it with reasoning to earn marks.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0493/21 Q5(b) (Cambridge)
This question assessed candidates’ knowledge of the two components of Hadiths, isnad and matn, and why they were important in Hadith collection. Candidates mainly gave good accounts of isnad and matn and wrote about the rules of both. Most candidates also briefly wrote about their importance in Hadith compilation which was a requirement of the answer. Some candidates did not fully answer the quest...
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0493/22 Q2(a) (Cambridge)
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