Fasting in Ramadan benefits Muslims in many ways. Write about the major benefits of fasting in Ramadan.

Mark scheme

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

1. [10] (a) The benefits of fasting in the month of Ramadan are countless. Candidates in response to this answer should not write an account of how fasting is observed but instead write an account of the benefits of fasting. It could be said that fasting teaches a Muslim taqwa which is the sum total of all Islamic values and virtues. Taqwa is the consciousness of God, it is to do one's best to live by His commands and to avoid His prohibitions. Fasting builds the quality of taqwa in a believer, who is spiritually uplifted by its observance. Fasting enhances one's spirituality and teaches sincerity to God. As fasting is an invisible act that is only between a believer and God it helps a person to live by the rules and regulations of one's faith. It enables a person to learn self-control. During fasting even things that are permissible in Islam like eating, drinking and marital relations are forbidden for the duration of the fast. And this self-control strengthens the moral character of a person. The training Muslims get during fasting to say no to permissible things helps them to say no to the forbidden things in daily life. The fast has a positive effect on one's health, it gives the digestive system a rest and gets rid of excess fats and toxins. The prosperous in society become aware of the plight of the poor and needy and can empathise with them. More charity is given in Ramadan and zakat is also often given in this month and it brings economic prosperity in the community. Unity, peace and harmony are also benefits of fasting. The rewards for a fasting Muslim's good deeds are multiplied and the Prophet (pbuh) has said that 'there is a special entrance to Paradise called al-Rayyan, none will enter through the gate save those who fast.' When Muslims fast together it creates unity and goodwill, they not only come closer as a community but get closer to God as well.
2. [4] (b) Candidates could say that the Night of Power is considered to be a night of immense blessings for it was on this night that the last of God's books, the Qur'an, was revealed to the Prophet (pbuh). The Qur'an itself mentions the immense blessings of this night. This is a night of reading, understanding and reflecting upon the teachings given in the Qur'an. The reward of worship on this night is more than the reward for worshipping for a thousand months. Hence Muslims have special arrangements for extra prayers on this night. The Prophet (pbuh) has said that those who spend Layla-tul-Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, will have his previous sins forgiven. It is believed, as stated in the Qur'an in Sura al Qadr, that the angels and the Spirit descend to earth by God's permission and that peace prevails until the rise of dawn. It is for these reasons that Muslims consider the Night of Power to be the most important night of Ramadan and indeed of the year.