Give an account of the call to prayer (adhan) and the steps of the five prayers (salat).

Mark scheme

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

1. Mark according to the marking grid for AO1 – Knowledge, given on page 4.
2. Answers may include some of the following ideas, but all valid material must be credited.
3. In their response candidates need to write a brief account about the call to prayer: the adhan.
4. They could say that each prayer is preceded by the call to prayer by the muezzin, an adult male who loudly proclaims it. The adhan not only announces the time of prayer but announces the Shahada, the Oneness of God and His greatness as well as the prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh) five times a day.
5. Some of the words of the adhan: Hayya 'alas salah (come to prayer), and Hayya 'alal falah (come to prosperity), signify to Muslims that only through the worship of God can true success be attained.
6. The next part of the answer deals with the steps of the five prayers (salat) which are:
7. After fulfilling the preliminary conditions, stand facing the qibla, with hands by the sides.
8. Intention (niyyat) is made in one's heart.
9. Then raising the hands up to the ears say Allah Akbar, fold the arms, placing the arms one over the other on the navel.
10. Then Sana is recited.
11. Then Ta'awwuz and Tasmiya is recited.
12. Followed by Sura Fatihah and any short Sura or verses from the Qur'an. (It is not permissible to attach any verses of the Qur'an after Fatihah in the third and fourth rakaat of the fard prayer.)
13. After saying the takbir bend in ruku and recite tasbih of ruku.
14. Rising from ruku say the words of Qiyam.
15. Recite takbir go down for sajdah (prostration) and recite the tasbih of sujood three times. After saying the takbir sit erect and then perform second sujood saying the tasbih three times.
16. Say the takbir stand up and start the second rakaat and perform it as the first one. After the sajdahs in second rakaat sit up and recite tahiyya/tashahhud.
17. In the last rakaat recite tahiyya/tashahhud with durood followed by dua and salaam.
18. Accept credible variations for gender and different schools of thought.
19. Mark according to the marking grid for AO2 – Understanding, given on page 5.
20. The question must be focused on the regularity of prayer not just on the benefits of prayer itself. Answers may include some of the following ideas, but all valid material must be credited.
21. In this answer candidates need to give the benefit of praying salat five times a day. It could be said that having the specific times of prayer gives structure to a believer's day which is focused on worship of God and in turn brings Muslims closer to God and makes them aware of the real purpose of creation. Thereby, reminding them of the importance of their faith in daily life several times throughout the day.
22. Candidates could say that the prayer reminds them of the Day of Judgment when they will stand before God to give an account of their deeds. By praying five times a day they are reminded of this fact regularly and are motivated to act righteously.
23. Getting together to pray five times a day in the mosque builds brotherhood and care amongst believers. They become aware of each other's needs and are better able to help each other as a community.
24. Prayer is considered a conversation with God so by praying five times a day Muslims are communicating with God frequently. The connection with God is strengthened by the frequency of prayer and keeps Muslims mindful of God throughout the day.