Describe the particular features of congregational prayers, both daily and on Fridays (Jum'a prayers).

Mark scheme

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

1. (a) Candidates when describing the particular features of congregational prayers can simply say that Muslims are enjoined to pray congregational prayers in a mosque. They can add that only fard are to be said in congregation, the other rak'as are said singly. One person with the imam would constitute a congregation even if the other person were a woman or child. Details like if the congregation is of two people then the follower will be on the right side, if a third person joins the prayer, the imam will move forward, and if women form a congregation, then the woman who leads stands in the middle if they are in odd numbers, if the number of women is even then more women will be on the right hand side. The best person to lead the prayers is one who is well acquainted with the Qur'an and Hadiths. Before the congregation starts rows are straightened and the gaps are filled. The worshippers should stand shoulder to shoulder, the iqama is said and after making the intention the prayer is read. Some answers may well go on to describe the sequence in which the prayer is read. The candidates need to refer to the Friday prayers as well, as the question specifically asks them to. So with reference to Friday prayers they could say that it is desirable for all the men in the community to gather together for this prayer. It could be said that in some communities women are also encouraged to attend. Purification before this prayer is highly recommended and Muslim men and women tend to take a bath and put on fresh clothes before this prayer. The more developed answers may well include the fact that there are two adhaans for this prayer and that it is said behind the imam never alone. The two sermons should be mentioned as well and it could be added that the sermons always consist of advice based on the Qur'an and Hadith about how to live a righteous life. The fard are prayed in two rak'as, and not four and there is no qaza for this prayer. Some answers may well focus more on Friday congregational prayers and not so much on details of the daily congregational prayers or it could be the other way around. Answers need to be read as a whole and a mark needs to be determined without dividing the mark 5+5.
2. (b) Here we are looking for the candidates' views on why they think congregational prayers are beneficial to Muslims and the community. A variety of views could be put forward in the answer from congregational prayers promoting brotherhood to earning more rewards for the worshipper and all valid answers need to be credited.