EITHER

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2023). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar.
2. It is the month in which Muslims are required to fast for its entirety.
3. Fasting for Ramadan was made obligatory on Muslims in the second year of Hijrah, it is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and not performing it means that a Muslim leaves the fold of Islam.
4. Qur'an 2:185 says: 'The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So, whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days.'
5. Ramadan is important as it is when the first revelation of the Qur'an occurred. 'Verily! We have sent it (this Qur'an) down in the night of Al-Qadr (Decree).' (97:1).
6. This month also contains the Night of Power, “... better than a thousand months" (97:3) and deeds accomplished during that night are multiplied, and personal prayers (du'a) as well as repentance made in that night are accepted.
7. The month of Ramadan contains lots of blessings. Acts of obedience done during the month are of immense virtue and earn a great reward. For example, a minor pilgrimage (umrah) performed in the month of Ramadan has the rewards equivalent to Hajj (Bukhari).
8. Charity in Ramadan is multiplied, its reward is ample and its virtue is great due to the virtue and importance of this specific month. The Prophet (pbuh) said: "He who breaks the fast of another fasting person shall earn a reward equivalent to the fasting person without detracting from the reward of the latter."