0493/21 Cambridge IGCSE – Mark Scheme May/June 2021
PUBLISHED
Question Answer Marks
4(a) Fasting in Ramadan benefits Muslims in many ways. Write about the 10
major benefits of fasting in Ramadan.
Use the AO1 Marking Grid
Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant
information must be credited.
The benefits of fasting in the month of Ramadan are countless. Candidates in
response to this answer should not write an account of how fasting is
observed but instead write an account of the benefits of fasting.
It could be said that 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.
Fasting enhances one’s spirituality and teaches sincerity to God. As fasting is
an invisible act that is only between a believer and God it helps a person to
live by the rules and regulations of one’s faith.
It enables a person to learn self-control. 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.
The fast has a positive effect on one’s health, it gives the digestive system a
rest and gets rid of excess fats and toxins.
The prosperous in society become aware of the plight of the poor and needy
and can empathise with them. More charity is given in Ramadan and zakat is
also often given in this month and it brings economic prosperity in the
community.
Unity, peace and harmony are also benefits of fasting. The rewards for a
fasting Muslim’s good deeds are multiplied and 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.’
When Muslims fast together it creates unity and goodwill, they not only come
closer as a community but get closer to God as well.
© UCLES 2021 Page 14 of 17
0493/21 Cambridge IGCSE – Mark Scheme May/June 2021
PUBLISHED
Question Answer Marks
4(b) Explain why the Night of Power (Layla-tul-Qadr) is so important for 4
Muslims.
Use the AO2 Marking Grid
Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant
information must be credited.
Candidates could say that the Night of Power is considered to be a night of
immense blessings for it was on this night that the last of God’s books, the
Qur’an, was revealed to the Prophet (pbuh). The Qur’an itself mentions the
immense blessings of this night.
This is a night of reading, understanding and reflecting upon the teachings
given in the Qur’an. The reward of worship on this night is more than the
reward for worshipping for a thousand months. Hence Muslims have special
arrangements for extra prayers on this night.
The Prophet (pbuh) has said that those who spend Layla-tul-Qadr in prayer
out of faith and in the hope of reward, will have his previous sins forgiven.
It is believed, as stated in the Qur’an in Sura al Qadr, that the angels and the
Spirit descend to earth by God’s permission and that peace prevails until the
rise of dawn. It is for these reasons that Muslims consider the Night of Power
to be the most important night of Ramadan and indeed of the year.
© UCLES 2021 Page 15 of 17
0493/21 Cambridge IGCSE – Mark Scheme May/June 2021
PUBLISHED
Question Answer Marks
5(a) Give an account of the Pillar of Almsgiving (zakat). 10
Use the AO1 Marking Grid
Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant
information must be credited.
A detailed account of the Pillar of Almsgiving (zakat) is needed in this answer.
Answers could say that it is a compulsory charity and the term zakat means
purification and by giving zakat a Muslim purifies a person’s wealth and frees
their heart from the love of wealth. Great reward is promised to those who
fulfil this Pillar.
Zakat helps to set up social and economic stability in a society as the funds
enable the needy and deserving recipients towards economic independence.
Zakat is due if one’s assets equal or exceed the nisab for one whole year. The
nisab was set by the Prophet (pbuh) the Qur’an does not specify which types
of wealth are taxable nor does it specify the percentage. The rates are
determined from the sunnah of the Prophet which state that the amount of
zakat on capital assets such as money is 2.5 % and varies up to 25%
depending on the type of goods.
Examples of recipients of zakat are Muslim converts, the poor, zakat
collectors, prisoners of war, people in debt, travellers and to people and
organisations that are engaged in services to Islam.
Examples of who cannot receive zakat are non-Muslims, a giver’s husband,
wife, children, grandparents and grandchildren. It cannot be paid to the
descendants of the Prophet (pbuh), to those who meet the threshold of nisab
or the deceased. Zakat cannot be used to pay servant’s wages or as burial
expenses.
There are many benefits for the giver of zakat. One of the most important
benefits is the fulfilment of the obligation of giving zakat and earning God’s
pleasure. Zakat also purifies wealth and may be a means of gaining God’s
protection from problems. Giving zakat washes away one’s sins and it
teaches Muslims about the laws of God as one has to know the rules of zakat
before one is able to pay it. Also, there are broader advantages to society of
zakat being given as it distributes wealth and fixes the monetary imbalance in
society and creates a more caring society.
A detailed and well-developed answer should include who is liable to pay
zakat, who the recipients of zakat are, who it cannot be paid to and what the
benefits of giving zakat are.
© UCLES 2021 Page 16 of 17
0493/21 Cambridge IGCSE – Mark Scheme May/June 2021
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Question Answer Marks
5(b) In your opinion, what is the most important benefit of giving zakat? Give 4
reasons to support your answer.
Use the AO2 Marking Grid
Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant
information must be credited.
Candidates can choose any reason, which in their opinion, is the most
important benefit of giving zakat. They could say it is the fulfilment of a Pillar
of Islam and since God has made it compulsory for those who have the
means to fulfil it, it is essential that it be given as a Muslim will be questioned
about it on the Day of Judgment. Non-payment of zakat can result in
punishment in the grave.
Another reason could be that it creates brotherhood in society, helps the
needy and in turn results is economic prosperity and peace within
communities.
© UCLES 2021 Page 17 of 17
