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2 (a) Give three groups of people who are exempt from fasting in Ramadan - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 2 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 2
2 (a) Give three groups of people who are exempt from fasting in Ramadan. 1 ........................................................................................... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:2 (a) Give three groups of people who are exempt from fasting in Ramadan - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 2 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Give three groups of people who are exempt from fasting in Ramadan.
Answer
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Children - Those who have not yet reached puberty are exempt from fasting, as they are not held accountable for religious obligations.
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The elderly - Older individuals who may have health issues or difficulty fasting are exempt to ensure their well-being.
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Pregnant and nursing women - Mothers who are pregnant or breastfeeding may be exempt from fasting if it poses a risk to their health or that of their baby.
Step 2
Name three places that Muslims visit during the Hajj pilgrimage.
Answer
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Kaaba - Located in the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, it is the most sacred site in Islam and Muslims circumambulate it during Hajj.
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Mina - This is where pilgrims spend the night in tents as part of the Hajj rituals, performing prayers and seeking forgiveness.
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Arafat - Pilgrims gather here on the Day of Arafah for prayer and supplication, which is considered the pinnacle of the Hajj experience.
Step 3
Outline the purpose of the khutba.
Answer
The khutba serves several purposes:
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Education - It provides opportunities for the community to learn about Islamic teachings and moral values.
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Guidance - The khutba offers practical advice applicable to daily life and helps reinforce community bonds.
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Spiritual reflection - It encourages individuals to reflect on their faith and relationship with Allah, fostering a sense of community.
Step 4
Explain the importance of du'a prayers in the life of a Muslim.
Answer
Du'a prayers hold significant importance for Muslims:
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Personal connection - Du'a allows Muslims to communicate directly with Allah, expressing their needs, desires, and concerns.
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Spiritual development - Engaging in du'a fosters a deeper understanding of faith and increases reliance on Allah.
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Community upliftment - Muslims are encouraged to pray for others, promoting a sense of unity and compassion within the Ummah.
Step 5
Discuss the statement: 'The best way for a Muslim to prepare for the afterlife is to perform Hajj.'
Answer
The statement can be explored from various perspectives:
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Centrality of Hajj - As one of the Five Pillars of Islam, Hajj is a fundamental obligation and reflects commitment to faith. Completing Hajj is believed to cleanse one’s sins and prepare the soul for the afterlife.
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Alternative views - While Hajj is important, some may argue that daily prayers, charity, and good deeds are equally crucial for spiritual preparation. These practices build moral character and develop a strong relationship with Allah.
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Sources of wisdom - The Quran and Hadith emphasize the importance of sincere actions and intentions over rituals alone, suggesting that while Hajj is significant, it is the quality of faith and actions that truly prepare a Muslim for the afterlife.