What are the moral, spiritual and other benefits of fasting in Ramadan?

Mark scheme

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

1. [10] (a) In answer to this question candidates need to write in some detail about the moral, spiritual and other benefits, which could include the social and, say, the physical benefits of fasting. For example candidates could say that fasting builds up a person's moral character by teaching him/her self-control and self-restraint. When a person fasts it develops empathy in him/her as they feel the hunger pangs of the poor. The physical benefits are that a person's digestive system is given a rest and the whole system is cleansed. Fasting also brings a Muslim closer to God, it makes them reflect on all the favours that God has bestowed upon them and as it is a month in which Muslims not only fast but endeavour to keep away from everything which displeases God their spiritual side is strengthened. During the month of Ramadan the rich people spend generously on the poor people to earn Allah's rewards. Yet another advantage is that people get together to open their fasts in the mosque or families and friends are invited to open their fasts together and this promotes friendship and love between them. These and other similar points could be given in the answers. It is the detail and development of the benefits in the answer that will take the marks to the higher levels.
2. [4] (b) The candidate needs to choose any one benefit of the Ramadan fast they gave in Part (a) and say why in the candidate's opinion it is most useful. If more than one benefit is discussed than the examiner needs to choose the stronger point and mark accordingly.