Write about the benefits of fasting and almsgiving (zakat).

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2023). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] 5(a) Mark according to the marking grid for AO1 – Knowledge, given on page 4. Answers may include some of the following ideas, but all valid material must be credited.
2. [10] 5(a) In this answer candidates need to give an account of the benefits of both fasting and zakat.
3. [10] 5(a) It could be said God has made fasting obligatory so that the prosperous people can become aware of the plight of the poor and needy. This awareness in turn will create feelings of compassion within them and they will treat others less fortunate than themselves with kindness and be grateful to God for the blessings He has given them.
4. [10] 5(a) During fasting even things that are permissible in Islam like eating, drinking and marital relations are forbidden for the duration of the fast. And this self-control strengthens the moral character of a person. The training Muslims get during fasting to say no to permissible things helps them to say no to the forbidden things in daily life.
5. [10] 5(a) As fasting is an invisible act that is only between a believer and God it teaches a person sincerity and helps a Muslim to live by the rules and regulations of one's faith regardless of whether others know or do not know.
6. [10] 5(a) The Prophet (pbuh) has said that 'there is a special entrance to Paradise called al-Rayyan, none will enter through the gate save those who fast.'
7. [10] 5(a) Fasting also has a positive effect on one's health, it gives the digestive system a rest and gets rid of excess fats and toxins.
8. [10] 5(a) Fasting teaches a Muslim taqwa, which is the sum total of all Islamic values and virtues. Taqwa is the consciousness of God, it is to do one's best to live by His commands and to avoid His prohibitions. Fasting builds the quality of taqwa in a believer, who is spiritually uplifted by its observance.
9. [10] 5(a) Yet another important benefit of fasting is that it enhances one's spirituality and teaches sincerity to God. It enables a person to learn self-control. Rewards for a fasting Muslim's good deeds are multiplied.
10. [10] 5(a) A lot of charity is given in Ramadan and zakat is also given in this month and this has a two-fold benefit. Firstly, it takes away the love of money from the believer. The advantage to society of zakat is that it redistributes wealth and fixes the monetary imbalance in society and creates a more caring society.
11. [10] 5(a) Secondly, the giving of zakat and charity brings economic prosperity in the community and the umma can spend the month of Ramadan peacefully in the ibadah of God.
12. [10] 5(a) There are many other benefits for the giver of zakat as well. The most important benefit is the fulfilment of the obligation of giving zakat and earning God's pleasure. It purifies wealth and may also be a means of gaining God's protection from problems. Giving of zakat washes away one's sins. It teaches Muslims about the laws of God as one has to know the rulings around zakat before one is able to pay it.
13. [10] 5(a) Muslim society as a whole benefits from fasting and zakat for when Muslims fast together and give zakat it creates unity and goodwill and hence, they come closer together as a community and in so doing they get close to God as well.
14. [4] 5(b) Mark according to the marking grid for AO2 – Understanding, given on page 5. Answers may include some of the following ideas, but all valid material must be credited.
15. [4] 5(b) In response to the above question candidates need to choose a reason that is most beneficial in the life of an individual and support their choice with reasons.
16. [4] 5(b) They could say that when a pilgrim returns from hajj they are more God-conscious. With their past sins being washed away they endeavour to start afresh and not commit any sin and try to live righteously and in peace with their fellow beings.
17. [4] 5(b) Also, the experience of hajj is a humbling one. The realisation that all are equal before God: wearing the same ihram and performing the same rites unifies the umma.
18. [4] 5(b) The Day of Arafat reminds the Muslims of their accountability towards God on the Day of Judgment, and they become more conscious of their accountability and tend to live in accordance with the Islamic sharia and in peace and harmony with others showing them compassion and mercy to earn God's rewards.