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GCSE · Islam

RS.IP10 Umrah and Exemption from the Obligation of Hajj

AQA 8062 · Calculators not allowed · about 50 minutes

Total Marks

Name: _______________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / ______

Answer ALL questions. Show all your working.

Which one of the following best describes Umrah, in the context of Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah?

A a required pilgrimage that must be performed once in a lifetime during the month of Dhul Hijjah
B a lesser pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of year and shares some rites with Hajj
C the ritual fasting period that prepares Muslims for Hajj
D the formal declaration of faith made at the Kaaba

(Total for Question 1 is 1 mark)

Define the term 'Umrah' as it is used in Islamic practice, naming the context of pilgrimage to Makkah.

(Total for Question 2 is 1 mark)

Outline three circumstances in which a Muslim may be exempted from the obligation to perform Hajj. Name the context as grounds for exemption.

(Total for Question 3 is 3 marks)

Give two ways in which performing Umrah is different from performing Hajj, stating the pilgrimage context in each difference.

(Total for Question 4 is 2 marks)

Explain two similarities between the rites performed during Umrah and some of the rites performed during Hajj. Name the pilgrimage context in your answer.

(Total for Question 5 is 4 marks)

Explain two reasons why some Muslims choose to perform Umrah when they are unable to complete Hajj. Refer to Muslim belief and practice in your answer.

(Total for Question 6 is 5 marks)

Give one reason why a Muslim who is exempt from Hajj might still try to visit Makkah for Umrah, naming the pilgrimage context.

(Total for Question 7 is 1 mark)

State two practical differences for a pilgrim between performing Umrah and attempting Hajj when they are in poor health, naming the context of health and pilgrimage.

(Total for Question 8 is 1 mark)

Give three reasons why performing Umrah might still be considered valuable even when a Muslim cannot perform Hajj. Name the pilgrimage context in each reason.

(Total for Question 9 is 3 marks)

Explain two ways that being exempt from Hajj for reasons such as illness or poverty might affect a Muslim's religious life and practice. Refer to the context of exemption in each point.

(Total for Question 10 is 4 marks)

Explain two contrasting Muslim beliefs about whether Umrah is an adequate substitute for Hajj. Refer to the Qur'an or a hadith in one of your points and name the religious source used.

(Total for Question 11 is 5 marks)

Evaluate the view that Umrah is just as important as Hajj for Muslims. In your answer you should give reasoned arguments to support this statement, give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view, refer to religious arguments, reach a justified conclusion. Up to 3 marks are available for SPaG, making this question worth 15 marks in total.

(Total for Question 12 is 15 marks)

Mark scheme · RS.IP10 Umrah and Exemption from the Obligation of Hajj

Question 1

B1 selecting option B, Umrah is a lesser pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of year and shares some rites with Hajj, cao
Answer: B

Question 2

B1 a short, non-obligatory pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed at any time of year and includes some rites similar to Hajj, oe
Answer: A short, non-obligatory pilgrimage to Makkah that can be done any time and includes some rites similar to Hajj, such as entering ihram, tawaf and sa'i.

Question 3

B1 ill health or a medical condition that makes travel or the rites unsafe or impossible, oe
B1 insufficient financial means to afford the journey and necessary expenses without causing hardship, oe
B1 lack of a safe route or lack of a suitable companion, for example a woman who has no safe travel companion, oe
Answer: Any three: ill health/medical inability; not having enough money without causing hardship; lack of a safe route or suitable companion for a woman.

Question 4

B1 Umrah can be performed at any time of year, whereas Hajj takes place on specific days in the month of Dhul Hijjah, oe
B1 Umrah is not obligatory for those who are able, whereas Hajj is obligatory once in a lifetime for those who are able, oe
Answer: Umrah can be performed any time, Hajj takes place in Dhul Hijjah. Umrah is voluntary, Hajj is obligatory for those who meet the conditions for ability.

Question 5

B1 similarity 1: both include entering the state of ihram with associated rules of dress and behaviour, oe
B1 development: explain that ihram requires ritual purity, simple dress and avoidance of certain actions, showing commitment to God in both pilgrimages, oe
B1 similarity 2: both normally include tawaf, circling the Kaaba, as an act of worship, oe
B1 development: explain that tawaf symbolises devotion and unity before God and is performed in both Umrah and during parts of Hajj, oe
Answer: Both include entering ihram, with its rules of dress and behaviour, and both include tawaf, circling the Kaaba as an act of worship; developments should explain the religious meaning of these rites.

Question 6

B1 reason 1: Umrah allows a Muslim to visit the holy sites such as the Kaaba and the Masjid al Haram and gain spiritual benefit even if Hajj is not possible, oe
B1 development: visiting these sites can bring feelings of closeness to Allah, repentance and renewal of faith, and so offers some of the spiritual aims of Hajj, oe
B1 reason 2: Umrah is shorter, less costly and can be performed at any time, making it a practical option for those with limited means or health constraints, oe
B1 development: this practical accessibility means Muslims can still fulfil a personal desire to worship at Makkah and seek blessings even if full Hajj is deferred, oe
B1 additional development: performing Umrah can be an act of hope and intention to perform Hajj later when circumstances allow, oe
Answer: E.g. Umrah gives access to holy sites and spiritual benefits when Hajj is not possible; it is shorter and less costly so usable by those with limited means or health issues, and can express an intention to complete Hajj later.

Question 7

B1 to seek spiritual reward and closeness to Allah by visiting the holy sites even when Hajj cannot be performed, oe
Answer: To seek spiritual reward and closeness to Allah by visiting the holy sites even when Hajj is not possible.

Question 8

B1 Umrah is shorter and less physically demanding than Hajj, oe
Answer: Umrah is shorter and less physically demanding than Hajj.

Question 9

B1 it provides an opportunity for repentance and forgiveness, oe
B1 it allows a Muslim to experience worship at the Kaaba and the Masjid al Haram, oe
B1 it can strengthen faith and resolve to perform Hajj when able, oe
Answer: Any three: opportunity for repentance; experience of worship at the Kaaba; strengthens faith and intention to perform Hajj later.

Question 10

B1 point 1: an exemption may lead a Muslim to focus on other forms of worship such as increased prayer, charity and fasting, oe
B1 development: explain that these acts can compensate spiritually and maintain religious commitment despite inability to perform Hajj, oe
B1 point 2: an exemption may cause feelings of sadness or regret but also acceptance, relying on the principle that God does not require what is impossible, oe
B1 development: explain that this acceptance is rooted in belief in Allah's mercy and justice and may lead to hope to perform Hajj later, oe
Answer: E.g. focusing on other worship like prayer and charity to maintain spiritual life; mixed emotions of sadness and acceptance grounded in belief in Allah's mercy and the limits of obligation.

Question 11

B1 belief 1: some Muslims believe Umrah is not an adequate substitute because Hajj includes unique rites and a specific time in Dhul Hijjah commanded in hadith and tradition, oe
B1 development: explain that Hajj includes standing at Arafat and rites with particular spiritual status which Umrah does not replicate, oe
B1 belief 2: other Muslims believe Umrah has great value and can provide significant spiritual benefit when Hajj is impossible, oe
B1 development: explain that Umrah is praised in hadith and is a meritorious act of worship that brings forgiveness and closeness to Allah, oe
B1 for the required reference: a clear reference to a Qur'anic verse or hadith is given accurately by book/source name, for example a hadith about the merits of visiting the Kaaba or general Qur'anic teaching on pilgrimage and supplication, oe
Answer: Contrast: some say Umrah cannot replace Hajj because Hajj includes unique, time-bound rites such as standing at Arafat; others say Umrah is highly meritorious and brings spiritual benefit when Hajj is not possible, with a hadith or Qur'anic reference offered to support the second view.

Question 12

Level 4 (10-12): A well-developed response that evaluates the view from both perspectives, uses religious arguments and evidence accurately, and reaches a justified conclusion. Arguments are balanced and show a clear understanding of the significance of both Umrah and Hajj.
Level 3 (7-9): A clear response that gives arguments for and against the view with some use of religious evidence, and reaches a reasonable conclusion.
Level 2 (4-6): A limited response that offers some reasoned points for or against the view, but with limited balance or weak use of religious evidence; conclusion may be implicit.
Level 1 (1-3): A brief response with simple assertions for or against the view and little or no use of religious evidence or reasoning.
Level 0 (0): No relevant material.
Indicative content:
- Arguments that Umrah is as important: it allows access to holy sites and can produce genuine spiritual renewal, repentance and closeness to Allah; for those who cannot afford or are unable to do Hajj, Umrah provides a meaningful form of pilgrimage.
- Arguments that Hajj is more important: Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and has unique, obligatory status and specific rites such as standing at Arafat that carry special spiritual significance which Umrah does not replicate.
- Religious evidence for Hajj's unique status: the emphasis in hadith and the long prophetic tradition about the importance of performing Hajj when able; Hajj is explicitly required once for those who are able in many classical juristic sources.
- Religious evidence for Umrah's value: hadith praising visitation to the Kaaba and the reward of lesser pilgrimage, and the practice of the Prophet in performing Umrah at times indicating its merit.
- Consideration of practical and ethical issues: the role of ability, health and finance in determining obligations, and the importance of intention (niyyah) in acts of worship.
- Balanced conclusion might weigh the theological obligation and unique rites of Hajj against the genuine spiritual worth of Umrah, concluding that Hajj holds a higher obligatory status but Umrah can be of great personal importance and spiritual benefit.

Umrah and Exemption from the Obligation of Hajj - Worksheets, Questions and Revision