May God show mercy to a man who is kindly when he sells, when he buys, and when he demands his money back.
Markscheme Answers:
The clear teaching in this Hadith is that God wants His believers to act kindly and to show mercy in all aspects of life including all business and financial dealings. Candidates could expand on the explanation by referring to the instruction given in the Qur’an on how trade should be conducted (Al Isra, 17:35).
There is a clear teaching in this Hadith that God wants His creation to treat each other with mercy and show each other kindness in all aspects of life. Those who show kindness and mercy to others can be certain of God’s mercy for themselves. Muslims are specifically advised in this Hadith to be kind when doing business and in all financial dealings. Other Hadiths and examples from the Prophet (pbuh) can be cited to support this Hadith.
The teaching of this hadith is that a Muslim must be honest and fair in all aspects of his trade dealings. God looks favourably on those who deal with others with fairness and kindness. Other hadiths of the Prophet (pbuh) could be given to develop the answer e.g. ‘You should be kind to those on earth and He who is in the Heavens will be kind to you.’ Some responses in developing their answer could give examples of how some companions of the Prophet (pbuh) like ‘Uthman used to give more measures and weights while selling commodities and when buying commodities would pay more than the price of the commodity.
It stresses upon dealing with others. Holy Prophet(s) liked trading in which selling and buying is done. He forced the businessmen to be kind and gentle in their dealings. Earn a proper profit, do not deceive while selling. “Give exact measure and weight whenever you measure and weigh. With the straight balance that is better and fairest in the long run”. A Muslim should ask for the debt‟s return gently. The debtors are told to do their best to payoff the debts as quickly as possible while the creditors are to be lenient to the one who had borrowed. “Allah will protect him from the agonies of the Day of Requital who allows respite to a poor and indigent person in the payment of debt or writes it off (wholly or impartial)” A believer must be sympathetic towards the borrowers.
Give in full when you measure, and weigh with an even balance. That is fairest and best in the end. [Al Isra, 17:35]
<aside> 💡 There is a clear teaching in this Hadith that God wants His creation to treat each other with mercy and show each other kindness in all aspects of life, even when doing business and in all financial dealings. God looks favourably on those who deal with others with fairness and kindness. The Prophet (saw) said: "Be merciful to those on the earth and the One in the heavens will have mercy upon you" [Al-Tirmidhi]. The Qur'an also instructs us to "Give in full when you measure, and weigh with an even balance. That is fairest and best in the end." [Al Isra, 17:35].
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Markscheme Answers:
Showing mercy and acting with kindness is at the core of Islamic teaching and can be practiced by all Muslims. Talking to others kindly, asking about the health of a sick friend, neighbour, visiting orphanages are some ways in which a person can be kindly. Even in business/trading kindness can be shown, forgiveness is an aspect of kindness which should be practiced by forgiving the mistakes of others.
Practical examples can be given in this part of the answer from the time of the Prophet (pbuh) and his Companions to show how the teaching of this Hadith was and should be implemented by Muslims. For example, candidates could give the example of Hazrat ‘Uthman who used to give more measures and weights when selling commodities and when he bought something would often pay more than the asking price, saying that God had given him more than he needed.
Candidates could say that Muslims can apply the teachings of this hadith by always being honest. For example increasing the prices of a commodity if there happens to be a shortage of that commodity in the market. When buying or selling, advantage of the buyers or sellers situation must not be taken; sub-standard goods must not be sold without the buyer being made aware of it. These and other similar points could be made to highlight how the teaching of this hadith can be put into action. Examples from the Prophet’s (pbuh) time could also be cited
A Muslim believer should deal with justice and fairness. He should ask back the loan he had given to the debtor with politeness and gentleness as Allah blesses him with Mercy. The Holy Prophet(s) always tried to pay off the debtor‟s money if he died by asking help from the companions. A Muslim should try to write off the debt of the borrower if he is not in the position to pay. Allah will have mercy on him.
<aside> 💡 Muslims can apply the teachings of this hadith by always being honest. For example increasing the prices of a commodity if there happens to be a shortage of that commodity in the market, or when buying or selling, advantage of the buyers or sellers situation must not be taken or sub-standard goods must not be sold without the buyer being made aware of it. ‘Uthman (RA) who used to give more measures and weights when selling commodities and when he bought something would often pay more than the asking price, saying that God had given him more than he needed.
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