How do Muslim individuals and the Muslim community benefit from the annual pilgrimage (hajj)?

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2014). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] When answering this question candidates need to write about both the individual benefits and the communal benefits to the Muslim community that result from the annual pilgrimage (hajj). They could well state that hajj is the 5th pillar of Islam and compulsory for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it. Hajj is a form of ibadah which covers all aspects of human life. In its performance a Muslim sacrifices his wealth, his time as well as his physical and mental energies. So for the individual it is an incomparable experience, one in which the pilgrim is showing his/her obedience to the almighty and confirming His unity and fulfilling a pillar of their faith. On a community level it demonstrates equality and promotes brotherhood. As trade is allowed in pilgrimage it helps the economy to flourish which in turn is good for the community. People from all occupations come together and have the opportunity to discuss their economic problems and find mutually beneficial solutions to them. Problems facing the Muslim world could be discussed and alliances can be formed amongst say visiting leaders of the Muslim world when they come on the annual pilgrimage and help solve the difficulties faced by the ummah in different parts of the Muslim world. Comprehensive and detailed answers are needed to get higher levels.
2. [4] The answer lies in the very lines of the talbiya, God's oneness and His supremacy is being reaffirmed by the pilgrims repeatedly and their pledge of obedience to Him is being promised. The talbiya sums up the relationship between the pilgrim and God comprehensively and beautifully, that there is no God but Allah and that He has no partners and He is the only sovereign and all power lies with Him and that the pilgrims are His obedient servants. Some candidates may well write the lines of the talbiya itself in their answers.