Explain the purposes of fasting during Ramadan.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2021). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1] Muslims have been ordained to fast in Ramadan in the 2nd year of Hijra.
2. [1] While fasting, Muslims are obeying the commands of their lord (Qur'an 2.183) and fulfilling one of the Pillars of Islam.
3. [1] The primary purpose of fasting as mentioned in the Qur'an is to attain God-consciousness (taqwa).
4. [1] Candidates could refer to Qur'an 2.185 to explain that another purpose of fasting in Ramadan is to attain greater understanding of the Qur'an and spiritual discernment.
5. [1] Fasting also teaches restraint; the ability to control worldly desires and spend time in prayer and meditation.
6. [1] Muslims develop a greater strength to face temptation and keep away from actions, such as lying, backbiting and any other illegal activities.
7. [1] Fasting enables Muslims to experience the suffering of the poor and the deprived and to show sympathy to them could be mentioned as another purpose.
8. [1] Another purpose of fasting could be to keep the society pure from immorality and wickedness.
9. [1] Candidates could start by explaining that fasting, being one of the 5 Pillars of Islam can benefit a Muslim on multiple levels.
10. [1] Candidates could explain the benefits that fasting can bring to the person on an individual level, e.g. they can say that when Muslims observe fasting, they develop God-consciousness and therefore will be more mindful of their deeds.
11. [1] Having been trained to restrain themselves from acts which seem normal outside Ramadan it will be easier for them to keep away from sins during the rest of the year.
12. [1] Through increased good deeds in Ramadan, they experience an increase in their spirituality and they become closer to God.
13. [1] The Night of Power (Lailat-ul Qadr) is spent in prayer and meditation; with the hope to earn forgiveness and salvation; a chance to be cleansed of all sins.
14. [1] In Ramadan, Muslims also hold fast to the reading and pondering of the Qur'an, which they may have neglected during the year.
15. [1] Muslims are more motivated to have a change in their life after Ramadan, for example some women decide to wear the hijab after having tried it in Ramadan.
16. [1] Candidates could argue that it is not just the individual but the community as a whole which benefit from Ramadan, so the communal benefit is greater.
17. [1] Reduced crime rates from Muslims who are fasting lead to a purer and safer society.
18. [1] More sympathy is shown for the most deprived people of the society when Muslims feel their pain and hunger and there is an increased desire to help them financially by giving zakat in Ramadan leading to a balance in wealth.
19. [1] Daily congregational night prayers in the mosque develops a sense of unity and brotherhood among Muslims and a feeling of belonging to the wider Islamic community (ummah) develops.
20. [1] In order to reach higher levels, candidates need to look at the benefits on both individual and communal level and reach a conclusion as to which one is greater. Candidates could also come to the conclusion that the benefits are equal and not greater.