6 (a) Explain Muslim funeral rites and the meaning behind the rituals. [12] (b) Assess the importance of funeral rites for Muslim communities. [8] [Total: 20]

6(a) Explain Muslim funeral rites and the meaning behind the rituals. Mark according to levels of response descriptors for AO1 Knowledge and Understanding. Responses may include the following and/or other relevant information: Muslims have several traditions, all of which help to give respect to the family of the deceased and prepare the body for the future resurrection and afterlife in a clean and respectful way, in the hope of eternal life in Paradise. • The body is given a full bath (ghusul) except where this is not possible, such as in circumstances where the Muslim had died in battle. Normally members of the family carry out the bathing. This preserves modesty and prepares the body to be clean to face the afterlife, following the traditions of Muhammad (pbuh). • The body is dressed in a simple, plain cloth (kafan), which may be the cloth worn from Hajj if the deceased attended and kept their Hajj clothes. • A janaza funeral prayer is held. Four takbirs praising God are said but there is no bowing or prostrating. Adult males from the community are encouraged to attend to show solidarity and sympathy for the family of the deceased. • There is a funeral procession to the grave, which may be quiet or may include wailing, especially in South Asia. • The body is buried so that the person faces lying towards the Qibla in Mecca, in common with the focus of Islam on the heart of the religion and the direction of prayer. Handfuls of soil are symbolically thrown over the body in the grave. • Some Muslims mark their graves with headstones and periodically visit them to say du’a prayers and display flowers. Others do not mark the graves. • A period of mourning is held, varying according to different cultures. 12 6(b) Assess the importance of funeral rites for Muslim communities. Mark according to levels of response descriptors for AO2 Evaluation. In addressing AO2 Evaluation in this question, candidates need to show that they have considered different approaches and support a clear judgment and/or give a reasoned answer. Muslim funeral rites can be a focus for community solidarity. It was originally the expectation that all adult males attend funerals in a community, but for practical reasons now most families send at least one representative. The solidarity provides support for the family who are grieving, so they do not feel alone. In cases of poverty, there are community funds to help ensure the funeral arrangements can be made, providing practical support. An Imam may give a speech to reassure and comfort relatives. Special du’a prayers may be said which help to bring to mind forgiveness and ask for mercy for the loved one who has been lost. These actions can help grieving members of the community find comfort. Some communities express their sorrow through wailing, special events a certain number of days after the funeral for saying prayers and use these to help comfort each other. Some find it helpful to express their sorrow publicly whereas others aim to keep their grief quieter. Prayer at graves is a way some communities pay their respects to lost loved ones and say du’a prayers, although some Muslims disagree with this practice. 8

6 (a) Describe how Muslims observe the festival of Id-ul-Adha. [12] (b) ʻId-ul-Adha is mainly a family occasion.ʼ Discuss this statement and show that you have thought about different points of view. [8] [Total: 20]

6(a) Describe how Muslims observe the festival of Id-ul-Adha. Mark according to levels of response descriptors for AO1 Knowledge and understanding. Responses may include the following and/or other relevant information: Id-ul-Adha is known as the Id of sacrifice and occurs at the time of Hajj when pilgrims in Mecca complete the main stages of their pilgrimage. This commemorates the time when Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was tested by God to sacrifice his son Ishamel (AS) but was permitted to sacrifice a goat instead when God saw that he was about to obey and pass the test of faith. • Muslims perform ghusul, a full bath, wear clean, new clothes, often white or representative of the best in their local culture, to show they are clean and pure, respectful of the festival and looking their best before God in prayer. • They attend the Id prayers in the morning, often walking to the mosque or praying in congregation in an open space following a tradition of Muhammad (pbuh). This is done after sunrise, early in the morning, without the call to prayer being made (azan/adhan). Several salutations (takbirs) praising God including raising the hands are made during the prayer. • The Imam gives a sermon and makes a collection of Id money which will be given to the poor. Du’as often follow. • Muslims greet each other: Id Mubarak, and embrace, to celebrate the start of the festivities. • Some Muslims visit the graves of loved lost family members to remember them and read personal prayers for them, including all members of the family in Id. • Animal sacrifice is made, and the meat apportioned so that it is shared amongst the family and the poor. • Families join together and visit each other’s houses to eat, catch up with relatives and celebrate. Often children are given money or sweet foods and go out to enjoy funfairs and melas. 12 6(b) 'Id-ul-Adha is mainly a family occasion.' Discuss this statement and show you have thought about different points of view. Mark according to levels of response descriptors for AO2 Evaluation. In addressing AO2 Evaluation in this question, candidates need to show that they have considered different approaches and support a clear judgment and/or give a reasoned answer. Candidates might disagree. Id is about going to mosque to pray, making an animal sacrifice, and remembering the story of Ibrahim (AS). It is about sacrifice and Muslim beliefs, particularly about remembering all fellow Muslims around the world: the poor, who will share the meat from the sacrificed animal, and those who have completed Hajj. The social aspects of the festival, greeting others at the mosque, and celebrating in fairs and markets, suggest it is much wider than just a family affair. However, it could be argued that Id is mainly a family affair. Dinners are held within the family and children look forward to Id money. It is a time when relatives can catch up with those they have not seen for a long time. For those who visit graves of family members, this is also part of the occasion. In practical terms Muslims often organise their occasions around extended family, particularly as free mixing of men and women outside the family unit is frowned upon. Therefore, it could be said that Id is mainly a family occasion. 8 (a) To earn marks, students must describe in detail the various ways Muslims observe the festival of Id-ul-Adha, including specific rituals and practices. (b) To score marks, students must discuss the statement that 'Id-ul-Adha is mainly a family occasion,' presenting different points of view and supporting them with reasoning.

6 (a) Describe how Muslims observe the festival of Id-ul-Fitr. [12] (b) ‘The occasion of Id-ul-Fitr is the most important day of the year for Muslims.’ Do you agree? Explain your answer with reference to different points of view. [8] [Total: 20]

6(a) Describe how Muslims observe the festival of Id-ul-Fitr. Mark according to levels of response descriptors for AO1 Knowledge and understanding. Responses may include the following and/or other relevant information: Muslims celebrate Id-ul-Fitr the day after completing the Ramadan fast. As such it is a day of celebration when Muslims may partake in some or all of the following activities: • At sunset on the last day of Ramadan, many Muslims look for the sighting of the new moon and go to their local mosque to hear the announcement that it has been seen and Id will be celebrated. • Muslims get up early and perform ghusul, bathing, and wear clean new clothes which may be white after the example of the Prophet (pbuh) or colourful to represent the celebration of the best in local tradition. • A special prayer is said together in the mosque or outside in congregation, and most Muslims try to attend. Some Muslims encourage women to attend this prayer and some say that it is a tradition of Muhammad (pbuh) to organise this prayer in the open air. • Id prayer is said in the morning without the call to prayer. Two units of rakat are said including several additional Takbirs which are praises to the greatness of Allah, a means of thanking God for the festival. • A sermon follows the prayer and personal prayers and Duas for those in need. Finally, people greet each other by hugging and offering words of praise: Id Mubarak! • Muslims pay Zakat money for the poor. Some also share food with those in need. For practical reasons they may pay money to charity who will organise this for them. • Extended families gather, share food, give gifts to children such as sweets or money and try to catch up with relatives they have not seen for a while. Some use the day as an opportunity to make amends. • Some Muslims visit the graves of loved ones and make special personal prayers at their gravesides. • Cultural and social celebrations may follow in the evening. It is forbidden to fast on the day of Id. 12 6(b) ‘The occasion of Id-ul-Fitr is the most important day of the year for Muslims.’ Do you agree? Explain your answer with reference to different points of view. Mark according to levels of response descriptors for AO2 Evaluation. In addressing AO2 Evaluation in this question candidates need to show that they have considered different approaches and support a clear judgment and/or give a reasoned answer. The festival of Id-ul-Fitr can feel like the most memorable and festive day of the year for Muslims. Having completed the Ramadan fast and exerted much physical and spiritual effort, the day of Id may feel like crossing the finishing line after a race. One of the pillars of Islam has been completed and in many cases Zakat is also organised. Social and family celebrations may bring people together once a year. This can make Id feel like the most important single day. However, there are two Id festivals and not one. Some Muslims consider the Id of sacrifice, Id-ul-Adha, as ‘big’ Id or more important Id, due to Ibrahim’s sacrifice and the completion of Hajj. It could be said that Muslims think most about Judgement on the day of standing at Arafat, so this is the most important day of the year. Others may point out that although Id is a festival, God has not said that any one day is more important than another. For a Muslim who has established their daily routine of prayer to God, every day is important. They live every day as if it is their last and most important day after which they might meet their Maker. 8 (a) To earn marks, you need to describe how Muslims observe Id-ul-Fitr, detailing activities like sighting the new moon, performing ghusul, wearing new clothes, and attending special congregational prayers. (b) To earn marks, you need to state whether you agree that Id-ul-Fitr is the most important day for Muslims and explain your answer by presenting different points of view, potentially comparing it to other significant days.

6 (a) Outline the rituals Muslims perform during the Hajj pilgrimage. [12] (b) ‘The best way to renew faith is to perform Hajj.’ Discuss this statement and give reasons to support your views. [8] [Total: 20]

6(a) Outline the rituals Muslims perform during the Hajj pilgrimage. Mark according to levels of response descriptors for AO1 Knowledge and understanding. Responses may include the following and/or other relevant information: The Hajj pilgrimage includes a number of stages and rituals which may be outlined by candidates as follows: • Perform Niyyah, which means to make the intention to perform Hajj, to set out for definite purpose to obey God’s command. Without making the intention, the Hajj is not valid. • Take on the Ihram before entering the sacred area outside Mecca. This involves purifying the body by performing ghusul bathing. Men wear only two white unstitched clothes showing they are all equal: no clothes with symbols, colours or signs of wealth and difference on them are permitted. Women may wear their normal modest dress including a veil over the hair, but face veils are prohibited, following the instructions of the Prophet (pbuh). • Muslims perform Tawaf or circling of the Ka’ba seven times in an anticlockwise direction, moving inwards towards the centre on each circuit, and the pilgrims will try to touch the black stone beside the Ka’ba itself if they are able to get close enough amongst the crowds. • Next, pilgrims perform Sai’y, or running seven times between the hills Safa and Marwa, commemorating the time when Hagar desperately searched for water here and was rewarded with the Zamzam spring. Pilgrims often drink and collect Zamzam water to take away with them. • Pilgrims spend the night at Mina, camping in organised tents, after praying the midday and afternoon prayers. • The next day pilgrims perform the standing at Arafat, where they stand in the hot sun remembering that they are below the Mount of Mercy where Judgement will take place and where they believe they are forgiven for their sins. • Pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah and next day throw pebbles at Jamrat pillars representing the devil. • Pilgrims then return to Mecca to perform Tawaf and shave their hair from their heads, symbolising making a fresh start. They sacrifice an animal and share meat with the poor as part of the world-wide Id-ul- Adha celebrations. Pilgrims also recall the story of Ibrahim (AS) when he was tested to sacrifice his son Ishmael (AS), but when God saw that he was about to obey, allowed Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice a sheep in his place. 12 6(b) ‘The best way to renew faith is to perform Hajj.’ Discuss this statement and give reasons to support your views. Mark according to levels of response descriptors for AO2 Evaluation. In addressing AO2 Evaluation in this question candidates need to show that they have considered different approaches and support a clear judgment and/ or give a reasoned answer. Many Muslims feel that the Hajj pilgrimage enables them to renew their faith. During Hajj, they stand on the Plain of Arafat and remember the tradition that this is where their past sins will be forgiven. Muslims may also be strengthened by the journey and by meeting many others of different backgrounds and feeling a sense of equality whilst practicing their devotions. This can help inspire a Muslim to put aside their bad habits, return home and make a new beginning to practice Islam. Muslims might think of the Hadith in which Muhammad (pbuh) described Muslims returning from Hajj with their sins cleansed - like a new-born child. However, there are many different ways in which a Muslim can make a fresh start. It could be argued that it is more relevant to make a new beginning at home, where a Muslim spends their daily life, since it will then be easier to establish a daily routine. Within that, practising prayer five times a day might be a better way to commit to Islam and keep the mind away from evil thoughts. Not every Muslim can afford to go on the Hajj pilgrimage. If it were said that Hajj is the best way to renew their faith, poor Muslims might be excluded. It could be concluded that there are several different ways to make a fresh start in Islam and it depends upon an individual believer’s experience to determine which is best for them. 8 To earn marks, you need to outline the various rituals Muslims perform during the Hajj pilgrimage, including Niyyah, taking on Ihram (with details for men and women), and performing Tawaf (circling the Ka'ba). To earn marks, you need to discuss the statement 'The best way to renew faith is to perform Hajj,' providing reasons to support your views and considering different perspectives on how faith can be renewed.

6 (a) Outline how Muslims prepare for and perform their early morning prayers (Fajr). [12] (b) Discuss the importance of observing the five daily prayers for Muslims. [8] [Total: 20]

6(a) Outline how Muslims prepare for and perform their early morning prayers (Fajr). Mark according to levels of response descriptors for AO1 Knowledge and Understanding. Responses may include the following and/or other relevant information: Muslims get up before dawn to read fajr prayer, the early morning prayer service which is one of the five daily prayers that Muslims perform as part of their duty to follow the Five Pillars of Islam. The early morning prayer is said to have special blessings at a time when it is quiet and believers can most focus on their devotions to God. Before praying, Muslims perform ablutions called Wudu. First they wash their private parts and say their intention to make Wudu. They go through a series of actions including washing the hands, face; rinsing mouth, nose; washing arms up to elbows and feet. These actions are usually done three times each after the Sunnah of Muhammad (pbuh). Muslims then face Mecca to pray. Some prepare by saying two rakats of Sunnah prayer before the beginning of fajr. The time for fajr begins at first light and ends at sunrise. Muslims find a clean place facing Mecca or go to the mosque to read their prayers. Before praying, Muslims make niyyah, which is saying their intention to dedicate the prayer of two rak’ats fajr to Allah (only fajr has two rak’ats). They raise their hands to their ears and say Allah Akbar, God is great. They follow the Imam who recites the prayer, if in a mosque, or recite themselves if at home. They read Sura Fatiha, the opening Surah of the Qur’an, followed by another, such as Sura Duha, or another, traditionally recited at this time of day. They then bow to ruku; stand again then go down to prostrate. In this position, called sajdah, Muslims put their forehead on the ground in submission to Allah. They return to a sitting position before repeating this unit of prayer, called a rak’at. During seating position Muslims recite the Shahadah whilst raising their forefinger and complete the prayer with a du’a of Ibrahim (AS). They turn their head from side to side in the Salam. At the end of prayers they may add personal requests to Allah in the form of du’a. 12 6(b) Discuss the importance of observing the five daily prayers for Muslims. Mark according to levels of response descriptors for AO2 Evaluation. In addressing AO2 Evaluation in this question, candidates need to show that they have considered different approaches and support a clear judgment and/or give a reasoned answer. The Qur’an encourages Muslims to pray and the Hadith contains details about the Sunnah of Muhammad (pbuh) and how he performed prayers. To pray five times a day follows this Sunnah and helps to complete one of the Five Pillars of Islam which are regarded as compulsory pillars on all adult Muslims. They are therefore regarded as extremely important, an essential part of faith and practice. Even when going about daily activities, working, attending school or college, travelling and so on, a Muslims may make arrangements for prayers as they are an integral part of daily life. The dedication which Muslims put in to follow the five prayers requires a great amount of energy, time and effort, which shows how important they are. To get up early to read fajr prayers or to stay up at night for isha prayers forms a daily routine for Muslims and prayers are important for keeping God in mind throughout the day. This helps Muslims think about having good morals as they believe God is watching them and are reminded of this as they recite the Qur’an during prayers. Washing in preparation for prayers (Wudu) can accompany clearing the mind of any bad thoughts and so helps to keep Muslims on the straight and narrow throughout the day. The observance of prayers may be important at an individual level, drawing them closer to God, and at a community level, developing the strength of the Ummah by performing the daily prayers in congregation. 8 (a) To earn marks, you must outline the complete process of how Muslims prepare for and perform their early morning prayers (Fajr), including ablutions, intentions, timing, and the sequence of actions. (b) To earn marks, you need to discuss the importance of observing the five daily prayers for Muslims, explaining the spiritual, communal, and disciplinary significance of this practice.

Cambridge O Level Islamic Studies · 2068

O-Level Islamic Studies (2068) Festivals, rituals and social interactions in the lives of Muslims past paper questions

Revise O-Level Islamic Studies (2068) — Festivals, rituals and social interactions in the lives of Muslims with real Cambridge past-paper questions grouped by topic, each shown with its marking scheme. Working one topic at a time targets exactly the skill each question tests.

9 free questions from 2017–2021, each with its marking scheme. Open the full topical bank to filter by subtopic, paper, and year.

Festivals, rituals and social interactions in the lives of Muslims in O-Level Islamic Studies 2068 exams, 2020–2025

Across 2020–2025, Festivals, rituals and social interactions in the lives of Muslims accounted for 19 questions worth 380 marks in Cambridge O Level Islamic Studies (2068) papers.