Write a detailed account about the second Pillar of Islam: prayer (`salat`).

Mark scheme

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

1. Prayer (`salat`) is the foremost duty of a Muslim and serves as the physical evidence of acceptance to Islam and obedience to God.
2. Candidates in answering this question can say that it was the first act of worship made obligatory by God. Its importance is such that it is considered to be a distinguishing feature between a believer and a disbeliever.
3. Candidates can go on to name the 5 daily prayers and say what the time of their performance is. Other conditions of prayer besides timing which include intention, purity, `satar` and `qibla` could be written about in developed answers.
4. If candidates write about how the `azaan` calls the believers to prayer, it should be read as development of the answer.
5. Importance of prayers will add substance to the response. Candidates could say that having specific times each day to be close to God helps Muslims to remain aware of the importance of faith in daily life.
6. The various postures Muslims assume during prayer capture the spirit of submission and prayer reminds Muslims of the Day of Judgment, when they will be before God to give an account of their deeds.
7. Answers could also write about prayers being read in congregation and their importance.
8. Candidates may also give a description of how `salat` is performed.
9. The scope of what can be written in the response is broad and is the detail and development of the points made that will earn the candidate's marks.
10. A whole range of responses can be given. It could be said that the reward for praying in the mosque is greater than praying alone.
11. It could be added that every step taken towards the mosque is seen as an act of charity.
12. By praying together the feelings of brotherhood are strengthened between Muslims.
13. They get to know their fellow Muslims and in times of need are aware of and able to help each other.
14. The Friday sermons increase Islamic knowledge of the believer.