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Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2025). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [variable] Candidates can start by describing briefly what the Eid prayer is and when it is performed, such as it is a special prayer that is prayed additionally to the regular five daily prayers, only done on the morning of either Eid ul Fitr or Eid ul Adha.
2. [variable] Candidates can explain how the five daily prayers are performed and then explain how the Eid prayer is performed by highlighting the difference.
3. [variable] Another way is to mention the additional features that the Eid prayer has.
4. [variable] There are 6/12 additional praises (takbeer) before starting the first and second unit (rakah).
5. [variable] Eid prayer does not have any call for prayer (adhan) or the starting call of the prayer (iqamah) like the daily prayers.
6. [variable] The 2 unit (rakah) prayed when entering the Mosque (tahiyat Masjid) should not be performed.
7. [variable] There is a sermon after the prayer which is the most important part of the Eid prayer. It is important to listen to the sermon because not listening leads to the prayer not being accepted.
8. [variable] People hug and congratulate each other after the Eid prayer but not after the five daily prayers.
9. [variable] Nice/new clothes and perfume is worn for Eid prayer.
10. [variable] Refreshments/food/presents are offered after Eid prayer in some mosques.
11. [variable] Credit any reference to the atmosphere/feeling or traditions around the prayers, such as the daily prayers may be more solemn whereas the Eid prayer is more festive, or refreshments are served after Eid prayer and not after the daily prayers.
12. [variable] Eid is significant as a time for families and friends to come together and rejoice with food and drink, give each other presents and dress up in new/best clothes and the Eid prayer is central to this celebration.
13. [variable] Candidates can write about the importance of performing Eid prayers in congregation.
14. [variable] Hadith of the Prophet shows that the Eid prayer is the first worship to be fulfilled on Eid day even before the sacrifice of an animal: 'I heard the Prophet (pbuh) delivering a Khutba saying, 'The first thing to be done on this day (first day of 'Id ul Adha) is to pray; and after returning from the prayer we slaughter our sacrifices (in the name of Allah) and whoever does so, he acted according to our Sunna (traditions).' Bukhari
15. [variable] Eid prayers are offered in congregation with the company of family, friends, and other Muslims. The prayers are a way to show gratitude to God and bring a feeling of belonging and brotherhood among Muslims worldwide.
16. [variable] Eid prayers offer the chance for Muslims of different ethnic backgrounds to unite in the mosque or an open space and pray together.
17. [variable] Whilst other traditions may be centred around the family, Eid prayers as a religious obligation are the only tradition that draw the whole community together and include everyone.
18. [variable] Candidates can argue that there are other aspects of Eid that bring a sense of inclusion and not only the Eid prayer.
19. [variable] When Muslims hug and wish each other happy Eid, following the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh) and his companions they show that they are all brothers sharing the same feeling of joy and gratitude to God. Hadith of Jubayr ibn Nufayr: 'At the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), when people met one another on the day of Eid, they would say, "Taqabbal Allahu minnaa wa minka (May Allah accept from us and from you).”” (Ibn Hajar)
20. [variable] Muslims visit each other on the day of Eid and share food/sweets and this brings a sense of unity.
21. [variable] When Muslims share the meat of the sacrificed animal for Eid ul Adha, this brings inclusion as the poor people of society do not feel left out of the joy and celebration.
22. [variable] The head of each family is obligated to pay a charitable tax, known as Fitra or Zakat ul Fitr, to help those who are less fortunate to celebrate the occasion, for example by buying nice clothes and food for their children. Thus, everyone feels included through the sharing of wealth by those with means.
23. [variable] Another way to answer is to show that Eid prayer is not that inclusive. For example, menstruating women do not pray the Eid prayer. Hadith of Umm Atiya: 'I heard him saying that we should bring out the young girls and those who were secluded, or the young girls who were secluded, and the menstruating women, so that they could witness the blessings of Eid and see the gathering of the believers, but those who were menstruating were to keep away from the prayer-place itself." Bukhari
24. [variable] Also, while non-Muslims are invited to Muslims' gatherings or homes and share the food, they do not join in the Eid prayer.
25. [variable] In conclusion it might be argued that Eid celebrations are inclusive in different ways, Eid prayer might not be the only way.