Write an account of the benefits that result from the payment of charity (zakat), and state to whom it should and should not be paid.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2015). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] Candidates need to give the benefits of zakat in the first part of the answer and this could include how the payment of zakat purifies the heart of the giver from greed and inculcates the love of God, to it leading to an equal distribution of wealth, fostering goodwill and brotherhood, stimulating the economy etc. In the second part of the answer candidates need to write who zakat is payable to, e.g. prisoners of war, those who have incurred debts to meet their essential needs, new converts to Islam etc., and who are not eligible for it, e.g. well-to-do Muslims, non-Muslims, one's husband or wife or parents or children, the descendants of the Prophet's family. Also the recipient of zakat must be made the owner of it and for this reason it cannot be spent on burial expenditure, or the construction of mosques and bridges or other public utilities. Detail and development will take the marks to higher levels.
2. [4] Here candidates need to state what in their opinion the greatest benefit is to the giver and support their chosen benefit with reasons. A variety of views could be given, e.g. in the opinion of some it could be the fulfilling of a pillar of Islam, which could be backed up by how the fulfilment of this pillar shows obedience to God. Another view could be to purify one's wealth or to bring a Muslim closer to God... all valid responses need to be credited. Sound reasoning behind the benefit chosen as the most beneficial one will secure the candidate higher levels.