Pakistan International School Jeddah English Section

Academic Year: 2022–2023

Islamiyat 0493
Notes and Guidelines

Student Name/ID

Class/ Section

Chapter 8 The Articles of Faith and the Pillars of Islam

Topics Fasting (Sawm)

2022-23 -PISJES ©All Rights Reserved Page 1 of 15

 Chapter 8: Fasting (Sawm)

Generic Guidelines

 These notes are consisted of outlines OR the complete answer.

 Outlines are based on the IGCSE requirements with the reference of past paper question
and guidelines with examiner report for the relevant topics.

 These notes will serve the students as a mind map, in order to form a well-developed
answer.

 Students are required to use the given key points to develop the response in their own
words.

 For some topics notes are given in complete paragraph form to give idea how to develop
the answer.

 References are also included within the notes to help students memorize

Observances and Benefits of Fasting

Guidelines to Attempt the Question

There are types of questions related to the observance of fasting and the benefits of fasting.
It required a comprehensive detail about each step of observing fast or benefits of fasting.
Answer must be supported by the references of Quranic verses or hadith.

Page 2 of 15
2022-23 -PISJES ©All Rights Reserved
 Chapter 8: Fasting (Sawm)
Observances of Fasting

Part „a‟ (10 Marks Question)

Students are required to recall, select and present relevant facts from the main elements of the faith
and history of Islam in part a.
Past Paper Questions and Examiner Report

(a) Give Description of the way in which fasting is carried out among Muslims.
[May-June04]
(a) Describe how Muslims observe the fast of Ramadan and how this month should be spent.
[May/June 2019]
(a) Give Description of the way in which fasting is carried out among Muslims.

Examiner Report
In this answer a lot of responses focused on how the month of Ramadan should be spent but not on
how it is observed. Some candidates only wrote very briefly about suhoor and niyat. The best
responses were able to respond to both parts of the question and provide a well-balanced answer.

Marking Scheme:
Some of the guidelines of how Muslims should observe the fast of Ramadan and how they
should spend this holy month are as follows:
• Intention (niyah) to observe the fast must be made after suhur has been taken before the break of
dawn and the fast must end at sunset promptly.
Candidates can quote the supplication made for the intention of the fast and can say that it is Sunna
to break the fast with dates or water; supplication recited at the time of opening the fast can also be
given
• Whilst fasting Muslims are conscious of keeping their minds and body clean, staying away from
gossiping, back biting and fighting etc.
• spending more time in the recitation of the Qur‟an and remembrance of God, prayer and supplication
• being charitable and generous, zakat is given by many Muslims in the month of Ramadan
• maintaining cordial relations with all, reconciling differences etc
• reflecting on their spiritual and moral conduct

Good answers will describe the sequence of observances with accurate details and may give
quotations.

Page 3 of 15
2022-23 -PISJES ©All Rights Reserved
 Chapter 8: Fasting (Sawm)

Observances of Fasting
Outline
Introduction of fasting (Refer to page 6 or Textbook Page: 278)
Method/Observance of Fasting
 making intention -The Niyyah (In heart) before fajar prayer
 sahoor (meal before dawn)” reference Take Sahoor as there is a blessing in it.”
 fast to be observed from dawn to dusk
 ensuring good acts during fasting by abstaining from evil thoughts, words, actions, and things
which make the fast void. reference whoever does not give up forged speech and evil
actions, Allah does not require his hunger and thirst (i.e Allah will not accept his fasting)
 ensuring punctuality in prayers, spend time in recitation of Quran and making dua

Acts that Invalidate Fast

 deliberately eating, drinking or smoking
 to keep anything in the mouth that melts, such as sugar
 bleeding from teeth (only if blood goes into the throat and taste is felt)
 swallowing something which is not used as an article of food or drink, or as medicine
 intentional vomiting
 entering of water in the throat while gargling
 marital relations

Sunnah acts

 Method of breaking fast: It is sunnah to break the fast right after hearing Azaan with date or
water (as early as possible after sunset). Prophet (SAW) said “If one of you is fasting, he should
break his fast with dates. If dates are not available than with water.” (Ahmed)
 Supplications at the time of breaking the fast.

“The thirst is gone; the veins are moistened and the reward is confirmed if Allah wills”

 Tarawih Prayer: These special prayers involve reading long portions of the Qur'an, as well as
performing from 2 to 20 rakahs after fardh of isha prayer in Ramadan.
 Observe Itikaf: A person may commence I‟tikaaf after sunset of 20th of Ramadan, and end it
when the moon for Eid is sighted.
 Seeking Layalatut Qadr (night of power): Muslims worship last ten days, to seek Layalatul
Qadr, following Prophet (SAW)‟s sunnah
 Another encouraging act in Ramadan is paying zakat to achieve higher rewards in the blessed
month
 Revision of Quran is also a sunnah act. Muslims recite and review Quran for higher reward.

Refer to Textbook Page 280-281 for details

Page 4 of 15
2022-23 -PISJES ©All Rights Reserved
 Chapter 8: Fasting (Sawm)

Importance/ Significance and Benefits of Fasting

Guidelines to Attempt the Question
Question related to Importance and benefits of Fasting required a comprehensive detail about
benefits of fasting for individual and community. Answer must be supported by the references of
Quranic verses or hadith.
Outline
 Introduction of Fasting
 Benefits of Fasting for Individual
 Benefits of Fasting for Community
 Conclusion

Past Paper Questions and Marking Scheme
Part „a‟ (10 Marks Question)
Students are required to recall, select and present relevant facts from the main elements of the
faith and history of Islam in part „a‟.

(a) Fasting in Ramadan benefits Muslims in many ways. Write about the major benefits of
fasting in Ramadan. [10] May/June 2021
Mark Scheme
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 empathize 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. Prophet (SAW) said‟ “Indeed, there is a gate
of Paradise called Ar-Rayyan, through which only those who fasted will enter on the day of
Resurrection.” When Muslims fast together it creates unity and goodwill, they not only come closer
as a community but get closer to God as well.

Page 5 of 15
2022-23 -PISJES ©All Rights Reserved
 Chapter 8: Fasting (Sawm)

Following is the sequence to attempt the question related to the

Benefits of Fasting
Introduction of Fasting (Sawm)
 Fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam. It became obligatory in the 2nd year of Hijrah.
 Fasting is an act of Ibadah which is obligatory on every sane, healthy adult Muslims.
 Fasting literally means to abstain from something to stay away.
 Fasting in Islam means abstention from food, drink and marital relations from dawn until sunset
with the intention of getting closer to Allah. Allah says, “Fasting has been prescribed to you
as it was prescribed for those before you so that you may restrain against sins.” (2:183).
 It trains a Muslims to sacrifice his wealth, his time, his physical and mental energies and his
comforts in the way of Allah.
 Allah forgives sins of those who observe fasting.

Benefits of Fasting for Individual

 Fasting helps in gaining Taqwa (Fear and love of Allah). Allah legislated fasting for gaining
Taqwa through the following verse of the Holy Qur‟an.
"O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it has been prescribed upon
those before you, so that you may attain Taqwa." (2:183)

 Fasting helps Muslims get closer to Allah. This is achieved by reciting and reflecting on the
Qur'an during night and day, attending the Taraweeh prayers, remembering Allah, sitting in
circles of knowledge and, for those who can, perform Umrah and observe I‟tikaaf in the last ten
days of Ramadan.

 Fasting helps to be more charitable. Ibn Abbas (RA) said, "The Prophet (SAW) was the most
charitable amongst the people, and he used to be more so in the Holy month of Ramadan
(Bukhari). The Prophet (SAW) said, "He who gives food for a fasting person to break his fast,
he will receive the same reward as him, without nothing being reduced from the fasting
person's reward." (Tirmidhi)

 Spiritually Benefit. Fasting refreshes, the soul and cheers it up from its lethargic state, while
excessive eating makes it blind and dark just as excessive water destroys crops. Excessive
eating makes a man dull and deprives a man from the power of thinking. I‟tikaf further enhances
the spiritual contentment and taqwa.

 Fasting greatly Contributes to the Preservation of Health.

The great American physician Dr. Dewey said: "Take the food away from a sick man‟s
stomach, and then you have begun to starve not the sick man but the disease.
The digestive organs are given some rest, later to work with double energy. Spiritual progress
depends on a healthy mind, which again depends on a healthy body. Therefore, the value of
fasting for preservation of health is very important. Some other health benefits are;
it boosts cognitive performance, protect from obesity and associated chronic diseases, reduce
inflammation, improve overall fitness, decrease the risk of metabolic diseases and benefit cancer
patients too.

Page 6 of 15
2022-23 -PISJES ©All Rights Reserved
 Chapter 8: Fasting (Sawm)
Psychological Benefits of Fasting
 “Oh you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you,
that you may develop self-restraint” (Qur‟ān 2:183)

 Psychologically it is proven that a person who has control over his hunger can have control over his
desires as well. Developmental psychologists believe that self-restraint, one aspect of emotional
intelligence, plays a more substantial role in long-term life success than even (IQ) Intelligence
quotient.
 Fasting improved mood, lower stress and anxiety, increases alertness, improves attention, memory,
and sleep quality. Islam commands fasting upon us with a clear indication of the benefits we may
attain, self-restraint, which consequently leads to greater consciousness of God, and better focus
during our worship of God.
 Fasting Removes false sense of Prestige and Pride. A hungry man finds himself weak and
naturally turns towards one who is strong. Hunger thus makes a man modest and turns his mind
towards the Almighty Allah for help.

Benefits of Fasting for Community

 Fasting helps in sensing the unity of the Muslim Ummah. In this month, the usual activities of
Ramadan that are common to all believers, such as fasting during the same month, waiting for the
time to break the fast in the evening, congregational Tarawih Prayers observed in the mosque
after breaking the fast, and getting up at night to have the pre-dawn meal (sehri) before
beginning the fast all foster the brotherhood and affection among the believers. In particular, the
Night of Power (Layalatut Qadr) and the Eid celebration (Eid al-Fitr) at the end of Ramadan
strengthen the social ties among believers.

 Fasting Teaches Sympathy for the hungry.

Fasting is the only thing which gives a sense of pangs of a hungry man in the mind. Thus, this sense
creates a spirit of kindness to the poor and the distressed. It also gives rise to the thought of how the
people will feel hunger and thirst on the resurrection day.

 Fasting Teaches Moral and Self-discipline

Fasting accustoms a man to face the hardships of life and increases his power of resistance. It also
makes people punctual as they follow the accurate time of Sahoor and fatoor and pray on time.

 Economic benefits
Rich people spend very generously on the poor to win Allah‟s pleasures. Their generosity helps the
poor receive sufficient funds to meet their needs, at least for a part of the year. After Ramadan, on
Eid-ul-Fitr, every Muslim is obliged to pay the Sadaqa-tul-Fitr for every member of his family.
Zakat is also paid in this month for higher reward. Charity is also greatly done for greater reward
which is 70 times more than in other months. “Fidya” is paid by individuals who cannot fulfill the
obligation of fasting due to illness or old age. Business opportunities can also be found in food
sales, Eid baskets/gift hampers and garments etc

Page 7 of 15
2022-23 -PISJES ©All Rights Reserved
 Chapter 8: Fasting (Sawm)

Past Paper Question and Marking Scheme

(a) Write about the practice of fasting in Ramadan and the moral benefits that a Muslim gain
from fasting in this month. [10 May/June 2015

Mark Scheme

Candidates can launch into their answer by saying how Muslims have breakfast, sehri, before
dawn, they abstain from food, drink etc. during daylight hours and that they break their fast at
sunset. Details like Muslims make the formal intention to fast, that they refrain from smoking,
marital relations, etc. could all be given. How they endeavor to spend the day piously could be
brought into the answer to develop it and candidates could raise the point that during the fast
Muslims should live their life as normal making no concessions for lack of food or drink. For the
second part of this question, they need to write about the moral benefits that fasting in this month
brings to Muslims. They could say that they become aware of the plight of the less fortunate ones in
society and strive to help them, charity is given more in this month than any other as every Muslim
wants to please their Lord as much as possible and care and concern for all in society is
heightened thus improving the moral fibre of individuals and society at large. It could also be said
that Muslims spend more time in ibada in this month and so feel closer to God. Parts of the answer
may not be equally strong, the answer should be read as a whole and a global mark should be
given.

Past Paper Questions and Marking Scheme

(a) Write about the moral, social and economic benefits of a Muslim fasting. [10]
May/June 2018
Examiner Report
Here candidates were asked to write about the moral, social and economic benefits of fasting for a
Muslim. The instruction was clear yet many candidates did not write about all three areas they
were asked to cover so could not get the marks they aspired for. In order to get the higher marks
they needed to write about the moral, social and economic benefits of fasting in more or less equal
measure. A few candidates wrote a lot about the social benefits and touched upon the economic
benefits of fasting. Other wrote about the moral benefits and briefly wrote about the social benefits.
Not many were confident writing about the economic benefits of fasting.
Mark Scheme
Fasting is an obligation upon Muslims that needs to be fulfilled and, in turn, has several benefits. It
builds Taqwa in a Muslim. It does so by teaching sincerity to a Muslim and helps a person live by
the rules of his/her faith; fasting teaches individuals to control and discipline their primal desires
and morally strengthens them; it teaches self-control, enabling individuals to resist temptations,
thus strengthening the moral core of a Muslim. Fasting creates a sense of awareness to the plight
of others and takes away selfishness, and thereby improves social relations, building an
atmosphere of virtue, peace and brotherhood. Many people give zakat in the month of Ramadan
and a lot of Sadaqah is given in this month as well, which improves the economic fibre of the
community. Candidates could give other benefits than those given. All valid responses to be
credited.

Page 8 of 15
2022-23 -PISJES ©All Rights Reserved
 Chapter 8: Fasting (Sawm)
Benefits of Fasting and Importance
Moral Benefits:
• develops self-control and self-restraint
• builds up character by teaching self-control and self-restrain
• strengthens our willpower provides training in patience
• reduces desire and improves moral conduct
• develop feeling of humbleness “Fasting has been prescribed to you as it was prescribed for
those before you so that you may restrain against sins.”

Social Benefits
• awakens sympathy for the poor
• renews brotherly ties
• makes aware of condition of poverty
• leads to sympathy, compassion and helping the others
• develops feeling of unity and brotherhood (opening fast together)
• promotes brotherly ties between poor and rich

Physical Benefits
• prevents health problems
• gives rest to stomach and digestive organs
• helps body get rid of toxics, fat and cholesterol
• decreases the risk of metabolic diseases.
Improve mental health and wellbeing and improve overall fitness.
Economic Benefits
• old and permanently ill compensate for missed fasts by spending on poor
• Rich people spend very generously on the poor to win Allah‟s pleasures.
• After Ramadan, on Eid-ul-Fitr, every Muslim is obliged to pay the Sadaqa-tul-Fitr for every
member of his family.
• Zakat is also paid in this month for higher reward.
• Charity is also greatly done for greater reward which is 70 times more than in other months.
• “Fidya” is paid by individuals who cannot fulfill the obligation of fasting due to illness or old age.
Business opportunities can also be found in food sales, Eid baskets/gift hampers and garments
etc
Spiritual Benefits:
• brings closer to Allah and makes Muslims obedient to Allah in fulfilling obligations
• builds Taqwa and protects from evil; “Fasting is a shield and protection from the fire and
from committing sins.” (Agreed)
• reward of all good deeds is multiplied by 10 times to 700 times except fasting for which Allah
says; “Fasting is for my sake and I will reward it myself”.
• previous sins of a person are forgiven; Prophet (SAW) said “Whoever fast in the month of
Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous
sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih Bukhari)
 It will lead Muslims to Paradise; The Prophet (saw) said, “Indeed, there is a gate of Paradise
called Ar-Rayyan, through which only those who fasted will enter on the day of
Resurrection.” No one else will enter it along with them.
 it will be said, “Where are those who fasted, that they may enter?” When the last of them
enter, it will be closed and no one else will go through it‟. [Bukhari]
 Every fasting day carries a Muslim closer to this Paradise.

Page 9 of 15
2022-23 -PISJES ©All Rights Reserved
 Chapter 8: Fasting (Sawm)
Muslims Exempted from fasting in Islam
Part „a‟ (10 Marks Question)
Students are required to recall, select and present relevant facts from the main elements of the
faith and history of Islam in part „a
Past Paper Questions and Examiner Report
(a) (a) Outline the features of the Ramadan fast, and identify which Muslims are
exempted from fasting during this month. [10] {May/June-12}
Examiner Report This was a popular question. The good answers gave ample coverage to the
features outlined in the mark scheme and also included details about the need to make up for
fasts missed for no good reason, together with fine details about those exempted from fasting.
It was important for candidates to focus on the features of Ramadan rather than its advantages.
Marking Scheme: Candidates could simply say that the features of the Ramadan fast are:
taking sehri before dawn and abstaining from eating, drinking, smoking and marital relations
during daylight hours. They could add that the fast is broken at sunset. such as making the
intention to fast before sehri, breaking the fast with a date and water and attending tarawih
prayers. Sitting in I‟tikaaf in the last days of Ramadan could also be mentioned and the need
to carry on life as normal during the fast could be given. A list of Muslims who are exempt from
fasting would include pregnant women, children, insane people, the sick and the very old,
travelers and menstruating women etc. Please note that the marks are not to be divided equally
between the two parts of the answer.

Page 10 of 15
2022-23 -PISJES ©All Rights Reserved
 Chapter 8: Fasting (Sawm)

Muslims Exempted from fasting in Islam

Guidelines to Attempt the Question

Questions related to Muslims exempted from fasting in Islam required a comprehensive detail about
how must be observed and reasons that makes people exempted from fasting. Conditions and the
references of Quranic verses or hadith that must be included. Following is suggested outline of this
topic for a well-developed response.

Outline

Introduction
 Importance of fasting

Features of Ramadan
 Mention how moon is sighted, sunnah acts of fasting, performance of Tarawee prayer, Itikaf,
revision of Quran, importance of Laylatul Qadar
 payment of charity, Zakat, fidya and Sadaqa tul Fitr for reward

People who are completely exempted from fasting

 People who are not required to fast in Ramadan, or on any other occasion – (List of the
people who are completely exempted from fasting and list of the people who must make
up fast)

People who are temporarily exempted from fasting

 The Prophet (SAW) said about the traveller; “If you wish you may fast, and you may
not fast if you wish.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
 “[Fast] on a certain number of days. But whoever of you is ill, or on a journey, shall
fast instead the same number of days later on.” [Qur‟an, 2:184]

Substitution of Fasting
 Mention details about Fidya, Qadah and Kaffara

Conclusion
 Allah is Merciful and He does not want to over burden us, that is why He made it easy for
Muslims and kept higher reward the Prophet Muhammad reportedly said, "When the
month of Ramadan starts, the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of hell are
closed and the devils are chained." And “Fasting is for Me, and I will reward it”.
[Bukhari]
People Exempted from Fasting During Ramadan

Page 11 of 15
2022-23 -PISJES ©All Rights Reserved
 Chapter 8: Fasting (Sawm)
Muslims Exempted from fasting During Ramadan
Introduction of fasting

Fasting is important during Ramadan as it allows Muslim to devote themselves to their faith, get
closer to Allah and learn patience and compassion. It‟s also one of the Five Pillars of Islam which are
the foundation of how Muslims live their lives. Allah SWT says in Quran "O you who believe, fasting
is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may develop God-
consciousness." (Quran 2:183). This shows the importance of fasting and fulfillment of this
obligation. However, Allah is „Raheem‟ He made this obligation easier for the Muslims in various
difficult situation. Allah says in Quran, "Allah intends ease for you, not hardship, so that you may
complete the prescribed period" (Al-Baqarah 2:185)

Features of Ramadan
 The start of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the new crescent moon by religious
leaders. The month of Ramadan usually lasts between 29 to 30 days, depending on when the new
crescent moon is sighted.
 Muslims observe fasts following sunnah from dawn to dusk. During fasting they take sehri before
dawn and abstain from every forbidden act and get indulge in worshipping Allah by various ways
like offer five daily prayers on time and revising Quran. The fast is broken at sunset, in iftar with a
date and water, and they attend Taraweeh prayer, observe itekaf and seek Laylatul Qadr in the
last ten days of Ramadan. These worships bring Muslims closer to Allah.
 Muslims pay Zakat and charity for higher reward. Sadaqa tul Fitr and Fidya and kafara also
support the vulnerable people of the society in Ramadan. Hence, Ramadan is a blessing for
Muslim Umma that no other nation had ever got.
.
People who are completely exempted
The mentally ill
Individuals who are mentally ill, which affects their cognition as a whole, are not required to fast in
Ramadan, or on any other occasion. They are automatically exempted.

Children who have not reached puberty

Fasting is not obligatory for children who have not yet reached puberty. Once they do, then it
becomes mandatory.

Chronic illness
 A person who is suffering a chronic illness with little or no hope of recovery, and one who is
permanently unable to fast such as a frail, elderly person, need not fast and are not required to
fast later.
 What they are required to do is to give compensation in the form of feeding a poor person for
every day when they did not fast.
 In the early days of Islam, when fasting was made a duty, Muslims were given the choice of either
to fast or to feed one poor person for the day. Thus, Allah made the feeding of a poor person
equal to fasting. This remains the case when exemption is permanent.

People in old age: Individuals facing weakness due to very old age are essentially exempted from
fasting. As with old age comes weakness, fatal illnesses, loss of mental capabilities and extreme
fragility, hence, such old people are exempted from fasting so they can offer Fidya in place of fasting.

Page 12 of 15
2022-23 -PISJES ©All Rights Reserved
 People who are Temporarily Exempted Chapter 8: Fasting (Sawm)

Travelers
Travelers are also exempted from fasting as someone asked the Prophet (Peace be upon him)
about fasting during travel. He answered: “If you wish you may fast and you may not fast if you
wish.” [Bukhari and Muslim] The Prophet (peace be upon him) said „It is not an act of
righteousness to fast when travelling. Al-Bukhari, their duration and distance of the journey
should be such that it falls under the category where prayers are shortened. „
In Quran Allah says;[Fast] on a certain number of days. But whoever of you is ill, or on a
journey, shall fast instead the same number of days later on.‟ (2:184) The Prophet (SAW)
started his travel to Makkah fasting, but when he reached al-Kadid he broke his fast, and so did his
Companions.‟ Bukhari

Menstruation
When a woman is in her menstrual period, or having postnatal bleeding, she must not fast. In fact, if
she fasts, her fast is invalid. Abu Sa'id al-Khudri mentions that the Prophet (peace be upon him)
clearly stated that a woman in menstruation may neither pray nor fast. She is required to
compensate by fasting later on. 'Aishah said: „It happened to us and we were ordered to fast later
in compensation, but not to compensate for missed prayers.

Pregnant and lactating mothers

A woman who is pregnant or lactating mother and fears for herself or her child as a result of fasting,
may not fast. Both pregnant and lactating women must compensate for not fasting by fasting a
similar number of days later on, or they can feed a poor person for each day they do not fast.
Anas reported that the Prophet (pbuh) said
„Allah has reduced a traveler‟s prayer by half and exempted him from fasting, and He has
exempted pregnant and breastfeeding women from fasting.‟ [Ahmad]

Substitutes for Missed Fasts

The difference between Fidya, Kaffarah and Qadah Fasts

Fidya (Compensation) Qadah (Making up for missed Kaffarah ( Expiation)

What is Fidya?
Fidya is required for fasts missed
out of necessity, where the
person is unable to make up for
the fast afterwards.
Who must give Fidya?
People permanent suffering from
long term illness or unable to fast
due to old age or any other
genuine reason and are not able
to make up the fasts after
Ramadan.
How to Pay?
Amount paid for each missed fast
is equivalent to feeding one
person.
fast)
What is Qadah?
Eating, drinking or marital relation
after dawn on the mistaken
assumption that it is not dawn yet.
Who must keep fast?
A person who is exempted from
fasting due to valid reasons
(illness,pregnancy, mensuration
etc)
How to keep Qadah fast?
Left fasts during Ramadan must
be replace it compensating by
fasting later any time before the
next Ramadan.
What is Kaffarah?
Kaffarah is an expiation that must be
paid in compensation for breaking the
fast by engaging in marital relation.
Who will pay the kaffarah?
A person who deliberately miss or
break a fast without a valid reason.
Kaffarah applies to only the Sawm
of Ramadan.
How to Pay?
Kaffarah can be given in following
ways – Slave can be set free If a
person unable to do this then 60 days
continuous fasting If a person unable
to do this then feeding of 60 people.

Page 13 of 15
2022-23 -PISJES ©All Rights Reserved
 Chapter 8: Fasting (Sawm)

Part „b‟ (4 Marks Questions)

Students are required to demonstrate understanding of their significance in the teachings of Islam
and in the lives of Muslims in part „b‟
Past Paper Question and Marking Scheme
(b) Explain why the Night of Power (Layla-tul-Qadr) is so important for Muslims. [4]
May/ June -2021

Marking Scheme/ Key Points

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.

For Detail Answer Refer to the Textbook Page 284.

Past Paper Question and Marking Scheme

(c) What advantages does the fast of Ramadan bring to the Muslim community? [4]
Examiner Report

It was important that candidates focused on the community. The question was not about the
personal spiritual benefits of Ramadan. One way of answering the question could have been to
move on from the individual to the community but the link was rarely made. Those who did read
and understand the question answered this part very well often getting to the top level.

Marking Scheme/ Key Points

Here once again we are looking for evaluation and marks should be given for all valid points made e.g.
 it unifies the community,
 makes the rich realize the hardships of those less fortunate,
 zakat is normally given in this month,
 the charity given in this month earns the better off the respect of the poor.
 the economy flourishes as money is circulated etc.
 and the community prospers.
For Detail Answer Refer to the Textbook Page 280.

Page 14 of 15
2022-23 -PISJES ©All Rights Reserved
 Chapter 8: Fasting (Sawm)

Past Paper Question and Marking Scheme

(b) Briefly reflect upon the importance of any one of the remaining three Pillars in the life of
a Muslim. [4]
Marking Scheme/ Key Points
 As the question clearly states any one Pillar besides salat and sawm has to be chosen and its
importance in the life of a Muslim has to be discussed.
 if e.g., the candidate chooses to write about hajj then it could be brought out that its
performance shows obedience to God‟s command.
 Candidates could write about the social, economic, political and spiritual benefits of hajj.
 All valid answers are to be credited.

Past Paper Question and Examiner Report and Marking Scheme

(b) What, in your opinion, is the greatest reward of fasting? Support your answer by
giving reasons for your choice. [4] May/ June-2018
Examiner Report:
They had to choose the greatest reward of fasting in their opinion and the question clearly asked
them to give reasons for their choice. It was not enough to say that fasting will secure an
individual paradise. This would at best be a Level 1 response. If paradise, in the candidate‟s
opinion, was the greatest reward they needed to back their view by saying e.g.by fasting one is
fulfilling a Pillar of Islam, showing obedience to God etc. and as a reward can aspire to gain
paradise.
Marking Scheme:
 Any one reward which is the most significant in the opinion of the candidate needs to be
chosen and written about with understanding and evaluation.
 an example should be given to support their answer, e.g., by fasting the general health of an
individual improves as the digestive system is given a rest.
 fasting helps a person to lose weight, get rid of toxins from the body, etc.

Past Paper Question and Examiner Report and Marking Scheme

(b) What is the purpose of fasting during the month of Ramadan? [4] May/June
2019
Examiner Report
Most candidates were able to provide good evaluative responses to this question.
Marking Scheme/ Key Points

 Candidates need to write their own reasons for why they think God has made fasting
obligatory on Muslims in Ramadan and all valid responses should be credited.
 the responses need to be evaluative.
 Candidates could say that fasting in Ramadan teaches Muslim‟s sincerity and discipline,
creates unity and brotherhood and brings a Muslim closer to God.

Page 15 of 15
2022-23 -PISJES ©All Rights Reserved