Machaya High School 2020 Paper II FRS Notes (4047/02)

Machaya High School

O Level Family And Religious Studies Notes
Paper Two 4047/02

CONTENTS
Introduction
Instructions
Paper II Notes

NB: These notes have been prepared based on the past exam questions as an attempt
to assist learners in how to answer questions. They shall be revised on yearly basis so
that they suit the contemporary requirements of the syllabus

Introduction
The syllabus component is Family and Religious Studies Paper II. (FRS 4047/02). It
is a set of structured paper written or examined in two hours (2hrs). Answer paper
shall be provided. A candidate should bring to the exam room a couple of good and
recommended ballpoint pens (blue or black) do not mix ink. Use one ink throughout.

Insturctions

Instructions shall require candidates to:

 Write one's name, centre number and candidate number in the spaces
provided.on the answer paper. Or answer bobooklet
 Answer four questions
 Choose one question from each secdiets

INFORMATION TO CANDIDATES
The number of Marks is given in brackets [ ] at the end of each question or part
question. You are advised to spend no longer than 40 minutes on one question.

Paper II Notes
SECTION A
INDIGENOUS RELIGION

THE IMPORTANCE OF INDIGENOUS RELIGION

Study Question: Discuss the importance of indigenous Religion today. (25)
Indigenous Religion values traditional places of worship. It provide places with cultural
significance as heritage centers for torisim; both for local and international communities. IR
creates employment for minders of these cultural centres. IR preserves history and the background
of each heritage centre and each people or nation.it gives exposure to different cultures customs
and beliefs of different ethnic groups. IR links theory and practice. It is the source o African

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morality ie unhu/ Ubuntu. It promote a string sence of self identity to indegious people. IR
preserves individual personal indigenous traditions. It values indigenous cultural ways of life and
diets.

CONCEPT OF GOD
-The belief in the existence of God is prevalent among Traditionalists in many African societies
including Zimbabwe.
-The Supreme Being “is no stranger and he looms large in the consciousness of the people.

-The notions of and beliefs about God as are expressed in his names, attributes, activities and
through the worship
Discuss the concept of God {any five points}
*1 All powerful*
-God is the one to whom absolute power and might are attributed.
-TheAfrican God is “a God of Power…the ultimate source of all power”
-In ,many African Religions, the omnipotence of God has far-reaching implications.
-It is seen as the source and the basis upon which other attributes and activities of God
are discussed.
-It is because of God’s omnipotence that he can be presenteverywhere; that he is all-knowing;
all-seeing; and can carry out his activities as he chooses.
-God’s overriding power surpasses that of any being, natural or
supernatural.
- God is who he is, and can do what he chooses because of his omnipotence.
-He is considered the ultimate cause of a person’s fortunes or misfortunes in life and death, the
determiner of the number of children born in a household and of all
events.
-In that regard, ultimate responsibility for everything that
happens from birth until death is attributed to God.
-However, this does not mean that God is held responsible for the perpetration of evil or for
unfortunate happenings it simply infers that God has allowed these situations to occur.

*2 All presant*
-God is everywhere.
- He is he one whom you meet everywhere
-He is not only the “Preexisted One”, but the one whose presence pervades the earth.
In general, the Traditionalists believe that God manifests himself to them during times of worship
and religious gatherings.
-God’s presence is strongly assumed at all major sacrifices.
-The omnipresence of God is also connected with natural occurrences such as thunder and
lightning.

*3 All knowing*
God has all wisdom and knowledge
and that even if we may know some things, it is only God who knows all.

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-No one else, apart from God,is worthy of, or is given, the attribute of Omniscience.
-Often it is because of our imperfect and incomplete knowledge that we affirm God ’ s
omniscience.
-There is a common view in West Africa which may have originated from Nigeria that
says: “No one knows tomorrow.” You can make your plans ahead but from a human point of
view you cannot tell exactly how things will turnout; in the final analysis only God knows.

*4 All-Seeing*
-God not only knows, he also sees, for nothing is hidden from him.
-G sees everything because he lives above.
-God sees whatever we do.
- This concept echoes the African belief that, ”wrong-doers cannot escape the judgment of God”.

*5 Ruler*
-The concept of God the Creator as the supreme ruler of the world is prevalent in Africa.
- In indigenous religion, the notion of sovereignty is of particular significance in the peoples’
attitude towards God.
Among the religions in Africa, God’s role as ruler is of course understood to be analogous to that
of a chief.
-As a chief, God is always thought of as one with immense authority and wisdom, and as one who
performs the functions of a judge, and maintains justice and equity.
-It is by the chief’s authority that the people in his jurisdiction are able to carry on their
day-to-day affairs or maintain their respective position.
-As such, the Traditionalists find it difficult to conceive of social life and maintain daily living
without the chief.
You can consider Creator( musiki) Healer (murapi) etc

6 omnificent*
meaning all creating ( _musiki wazvose_ )
God does not depend on anything to exist
He existed before all things
He created everything
Everything depends on his existence to exist

*RAIN MAKING CEREMONY IN IR*

Definition: - is a ritual also called mukwerera or mutoro.

Done towards the commencement of the rain season/when the rains have delayed.
Done to ask for rain from the Supreme Being.
Done by community leaders(svikiro, mhondoro, chief, manyusa)
Any of these leaders presides over the ceremony.
Contribution by the community in form of grain for beer preparation.
Brewing of beer by elderly women who have passed the menopause phase/mbonga or young girls

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who have not yet experienced menstruation.

Cleaning the environment.
Collection of bones around the area a day before
Carrying beer to the sacred place in clay pots.
Done under a big tree, Muhacha, Muchakata, Mukamba, mubvumira or in a cave
Dancing, singing and ululation by people.
Slaughtering a beast for sacrifice
Praying direct to God or to ancestors through a spirit medium.
Use of sacred objects to induce rain, like burning of leaves/combustibles producing smoke
believed to be capturing rain or inducing rain clouds.

add any other relevant points

Possible Exam Question: Describe the rain making ceremony in Indigenous Religion [25]

Study Question: Outline the role of any of the five people in Indigenous Society:
[25]
a) mhondoro, b) Chief, c) n’anga, d) mbonga, e) aunt, f) family elder

a) Mhondoro
is a spirit medium of a large clan or tribal group
He is more a family spirit medium
Is possessed by the spirit of a dead king or chief
Is above a traditional healer
He/she deals with national issues
Can predict wars like what Chaminuka did to Lobengula
Can influence events and the course of the war.
Mbuya Nehanda did during the first Chimurenga 1
Can influence the selection of leaders in a society.
Some are rainmakers
Some may assist the king in decision making.
b) Chief/She/Mambo
Is both a political and a religious leader
Normally inherits the leadership from the father
May lead in various ceremonies like mukwerera or bira
May also work in connection with spirit medium
He is the custodian of traditional rules and regulations
Makes sure that sacred places are protected
Enforces the observation of sacred days.(chisi)
Gives burial orders in the community
Makes sure that social justice is practiced and maintained
Owns and distributes land to the people

c) N’nga/sangoma

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Is a traditional healer.
Can foresee events and predict the future using bones/hakata/amathambo
Can identify witches in the family
Can identify causes of diseases
Can protect homes using magic (kugadzira musha)
Can be consulted to supply magic for protection against theft.(rukwa)
Can help barren women bear children.(kusimikira)
Has knowledge of various herbs used to treat various ailments
d) mbonga
Is an elderly women who remains a virgin after passing marriageable age
Is very important in the rainmaking ceremony
Is sent to Matonjeni to obtain information on the rainmaking ceremony
They carry the message to the chief from Matonjeni
They are involved in the brewing of beer
They carry beer in clay pots to the shrine for rainmaking ceremony.
e) Aunt (tete)
She the sister of one’s father
Is responsible for the moral developments of her brother’s children
Teaches and prepares the girl child for marriage and motherhood.
Teaches the girl child the importance of preserving her virginity till marriage
Is involved in the nduma (engagement event)
Is involved in the marriage process of the brother’s children
Advises the brother’s children during courtship
Solves marital disputes among the brother’s children.
Is involved in counselling the brother’s children and their spouses.
Is involved in the divorce process of the brother’s children,
f) Family elder
Is a religious leader at family level
He leads in local religious ceremonies
Gives guidelines on rituals like bira, kurovaguva and burials.
Is responsible for teaching youngsters on religious issues.
Is the custodian of tradition, culture customs, values and norms at community level
He forms the link between the family and ancestors.

Forms of interdependency of families in indigenous Religionr

Study Question: Describe the forms of interdependency of families in indigenous

societies. [25]
Interdependency of families is a practice whereby families rely on each other on issues
pertaining to labour. The motto of Indigenous Religion is that, “I am because we are”. A
family can only achieve its goals and aspirations when it receives support from other
families.
The forms of interdependency in Indigenous Religion are among others: nhimbe,
madzoro/majana, majangano,kuviga vafi(funerals) and sharing food,salt and fire.

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Nhimbe is done when people plough their fields, weed, harvesting or threshing
(jakwara).One family invites other families to come and assist it with the work to be done.
Other families would come in numbers. The host family is to provide food, normally sadza
and drink, which could be mahewu and some beer. The only condition is that the family
must also attend to other families’ invitation without fail, when their turn comes.
Majangano were a form of cooperation whereby two or three families join and agree to
assist each other in doing various tasks even when there was no beer. They agree on
starting time and finishing time. The people are enough to be able to do the work.
Majana/madzoro is another form of cooperation which displays interdependency of
families. Two or three families agree to take turns in herding cattle. This would give the
family off duty ample time to concentrate on their work without disturbances.

Kuviga vafi (burial of the dead)

In Indigenous Religion burial of the dead is not a single family task but a village duty. The
headman or kraal head is quickly informed about the occurrence of death.The whole
village is informed about the death and funeral arrangements. Other families converge at
the homestead of the deceased. They bring food contribution like meal meal, bread, salt
and relish. Men assist in digging the grave. Women gather stones while others prepares
the meal.They sing and mourn together

Interdependency promotes unity in the family. They foster love and cooperation as
members of different families meet and share problems, plans, goals, progress and
successes. It is a critical aspects which promotes peace building among community
members.

Describe the rain making ceremony in Indigenous Religion. [25]

Definition: - is a ritual also called mukwerera or mutoro.
Done towards the commencement of the rain season/when the rains have delayed.
Done to ask for rain from the Supreme Being.
Done by community leaders(svikiro, mhondoro, chief, manyusa or Hosana)
Any of these leaders presides over the ceremony.
Contribution by the community in form of grain for beer preparation.
Brewing of beer by elderly women who have passed the menopause phase/mbonga or
young girls who have not yet experienced menstruation.
Cleaning the environment.
Collection of bones around the area a day before
Carrying beer to the sacred place in clay pots.
Done under a big tree, Muhacha, Muchakata, Mukamba, mubvumira or in a cave
Dancing, singing and ululation by people.
Slaughtering a beast for sacrifice
Praying direct to God or to ancestors through a spirit medium.
Use of sacred objects to induce rain, like burning of leaves/combustibles producing smoke
believed to be capturing rain or inducing rain clouds.

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Credit any other relevant points.

Outline the role of any of the five people in Indigenous Society: [25]
a) mhondoro
b) Chief
c) n’anga
d) mbonga
e) aunt
f) family elder

a) Mhondoro
is a spirit medium of a large clan or tribal group
He is more a family spirit medium
Is possessed by the spirit of a dead king or chief
Is above a traditional healer
He/she deals with national issues
Can predict wars like what Chaminuka did to Lobengula
Can influence events and the course of the war.
Mbuya Nehanda did during the first Chimurenga 1
Can influence the selection of leaders in a society.
Some are rainmakers
Some may assist the king in decision making.
b) Chief/She/Mambo
Is both a political and a religious leader
Normally inherits the leadership from the father
May lead in various ceremonies like mukwerera or bira
May also work in connection with spirit medium
He is the custodian of traditional rules and regulations
Makes sure that sacred places are protected
Enforces the observation of sacred days.(chisi)
Gives burial orders in the community
Makes sure that social justice is practiced and maintained
Owns and distributes land to the people

c) N’nga/sangoma
Is a traditional healer.
Can foresee events and predict the future using bones/hakata/amathambo
Can identify witches in the family
Can identify causes of diseases
Can protect homes using magic (kugadzira musha)
Can be consulted to supply magic for protection against theft.(rukwa)
Can help barren women bear children.(kusimikira)
Has knowledge of various herbs used to treat various ailments
d) mbonga

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Is an elderly women who remains a virgin after passing marriageable age

Is very important in the rainmaking ceremony
Is sent to Matonjeni to obtain information on the rainmaking ceremony
They carry the message to the chief from Matonjeni
They are involved in the brewing of beer
They carry beer in clay pots to the shrine for rainmaking ceremony.
e) Aunt (tete)
She the brother of one’s father
Is responsible for the moral developments of her brother’s children
Teaches and prepares the girl child for marriage and motherhood.
Teaches the girl child the importance of preserving her virginity till marriage
Is involved in the nduma (engagement event)
Is involved in the marriage process of the brother’s children
Advises the brother’s children during courtship
Solves marital disputes among the brother’s children.
Is involved in counselling the brother’s children and their spouses.
Is involved in the divorce process of the brother’s children,
f) Family elder
Is a religious leader at family level
He leads in local religious ceremonies
Gives guidelines on rituals like bira, kurovaguva and burials.
Is responsible for teaching youngsters on religious issues.
Is the custodian of tradition, culture customs, values and norms at community level
He forms the link between the family and ancestors.

Ways of wealth creation in indigenous religion

Farming

Indigenous people practice farming as a way of creating wealth.they grew crops like
sorghum,maize etc.these crops were grown for food and for trade.they practice butter
trade and external trade.butter trade is when they exchange grain and clothes, jewellery
and the likes.in external trade they exchange grain and cattle,goats and sheeps with other
foreign people.

Hunting

They hunting different types of animals eg elephant which they use for meat and also
trading especially elephant horns.hunting provided meat, clothes and oil.some of these
were also used for trading while they exchange meat,skin and horn and given domestic
animals,money and grains in return

Mining

Minerals are also a source of wealth creation in Ir.these could be traded or could be
possessed to produce valuable good and objects.it can also been used for paying lobola.

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*Industries*

They practice weaving and basketry, pottery etc

It is important to note that these jobs gives someone the position in the family eg the
number of clay pots the woman makes gives her the position in the society.those who
were best train the others.some of the commodities are used for lobola, selling and trading

RITUALS IN INDIGENOUS RELIGION

a) BIRTH RITES - Consists of parental and post natal rituals. These are the rituals done to
protect the mother and the child during pregnancy. Herbs are given to the mother to
protect the child and prepare the way for safe and successful delivery of the child. At birth:
birth is announced first to the father of the child and later on to everyone else.birthrites are
officiated by the the traditional midwife. The child is shaved after birth by the grand mother.
The umbilical code is disposed. The child is bathed by the midwives. The checking of sex
is done and the baby is induced to cry. The child is presented to the ancestors. Mother's
milk is splashed on the private parts to lower libido. Giving of gifts is done.

b) PUBERTY RITES - The transition from childhood to adulthood. In some traditions

group rituals are done eg chinamwari and komba rituals. Going boys and girls are
(separately) btrained to be respnsible adults. They are taught different roles. These rituals
are conducted during winter. Proffesstional uncles and ants officiate for boys and girls
respectively. Father is notified when the girl starts to mensurate by being given sadza
without relish or sadza with relish without salt with a charcoal in the plate. He is also
notified when the boy begin to experience wet dreams.

c) MARRIAGE RITE - the lawful union of a man and a woman for the purpose of building
a family. It is the transition from the youth to adulthood and married life.exchange of
clothes (nduma) is a premarital rite of engagement done before tete (aunt) and sekuru
(Uncle). During Roora, Sadombo/ munyai is the go between who negotiate lobola
payments. Kuperekais done, kupururudzira (welcoming) the bride and mutimba (wedding)
is done in some cases. Pre-during-post marriage rites are done. Previsits to each other's
homes may be done.

d) HEALING: transition from a state of sickness to being well. A sick/ ill person/ individual
becomes well after the dispensation of healing rituals. Brewing beer to appease the
ancestors may be done. Kupira can be done using beer and snuff. Skep-goating can be
done to get rid of the problem. Excocism to cast out or chase unwanted spirits is done.
Cleansing ceremonies are done. These rituals are done by traditional healers.

e) Death rites- transition from the living to the living dead; from tge physixal to the spiritual
form. After death the body is covered, eyes and the mouth are closed. Kupeta ritual is
done by the elders. The body sleeps in its house overnight. Kugeza ritual - the body is

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washed, oiled and clothed. Relatives do body viewing and the burial proceedings are
announced. At the grave site- the marking of the grave is done by blood or totem relative.
After burial the belongings of the deceased are shared by the relatives.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT IN INDIGENOUS

RELIGION

Land

Land is sacred. It is the course of food. The dead are Barrie's in the land. The umbilical code is
disposed in the land. Land is the source of wealth. It is the source of minerals. Land sustains the
lives of the people. It is used for farming and provides material to use for building shelter. Soil is
used to make bricks and mortar to mix with cement to build and plaster houses and other
constructions.

Forests

Forets are sacred abodes of the spirits. The are sources of energy as firewood. Trees provide
building material for house construction. Grass is used for thatching. Forests provide fruits. Trees
and grass help in reducing soil erosion. Forests provide hunting grounds and materials for
manufacturing furniture. Forests are curative sources, they are porvisions of medicines eg miti,
mvura yemhango. Forests also provide vegitables and roots. Forests are respected and not to be
destroyed, if there is need to, permission to clear part of the Forest is sought and given.

Rivers, pools and Springs

These are sacred sources of water. They are the shelter of mamaids (water spurits- njuzu) who
train traditional healers. s are curative sources, they are porvisions of medicines eg mvura
yenyanza/ yechitubu. water sources are manifestations of Zane (thunderstorm). These are not to be
polluted. Use of recommended utencils eg mukombe , when fetching water is allowed. Frogs that
dwell there are manifestations of water spirits and should not be destroyed. Source of food as fish.

Mountains

Are sacred. Kings and chiefs are buried there in the caves or ninga.. Mountains are used for rain
making (mutoro) Mountains are used as religious shrines eg Njelele. They are sources o traditional
food eg mazhange in Mavhuradonha, harurwa in Bikita. Mountains are used for communicating
with Mwari. They are places of refuge in cases of war or floods.

Wildlife

Wild life is sacred eg mhondoro, snakes as shato, etc. Considered related to human being as
totems. Provide meat and skins. Source of ivory and traditional attire forvkings, spirit mediums
and traditional healers. They are sacred and should be preserved.

SECTION B

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JUDAISM

Sacred places in Judaism.

Synagogue– simply means a meeting place.

Jews meet in the synagogue for prayer
However a synagogue is used for different purposes
It can be used for weddings, as a courtroom as well as a school
Rabbis conduct public lectures in the synagogue
A place were interpretation of the Torah was carried out on the Sabbath.
It is built where there are ten Jewish men
All synagogues face Jerusalem

Jerusalem– is the most sacred city of the Jews.

They believe that Yahweh that Yahweh chose Jerusalem as his dwelling place.
The first Jewish Temple was built by Solomon in this city and Yahweh chose to dwell in it.(The
Zion Theology)

The temple in Jerusalem was Yahweh’s dwelling place.

Yahweh promised David that he would dwell in that temple forever.
The temple is a place of prayer and sacrifices.
Newly born babies are presented to God and got circumcised.
Important festivals like Pentecost are held in the Temple.
Anyone who spoke against the temple was accused of blasphemy.(Acts 7)

The Dome of rock

is believed to be the place where Abraham wanted to offer his son, Isaac, to God as a sacrifice.
Jews visit it as a place where faith started.
It stands as a place where Abraham conquered the devil

Hebron. - is the place where Abraham stayed when he first entered Canaan.
David was anointed king at Hebron’
He reigned from there for seven years
The city contains the tombs of the patriarchs

Tiberias – According to Jewish tradition after the messiah comes the resurrection will begin in
Tiberias
Was a centre of Jewish learning and spirituality
Many Jews believe that the Mishnah and the Talmud – two central JEWISH texts were
completed in Tiberias.
It is a place in the Trans-jordan.

Mt Sinai - Moses received the Law on this mountain.

This is where Moses destroyed Aaron’s idol – the golden calf.

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This is where the Mosaic covenant was ratified which became the source of Israelite point of
reference.
All prophets centred their message on the Mosaic covenant
It is connected with the Exodus tradition
Israelites stayed at this mount for quite a long period of time on their way to Canaan.
Elijah also visited this mountain and had some theophanic experiences.(1 Kings 19)

Add more relevant points

SACRED PRACTITIONERS

Possible exam question: Describe any five sacred places in Judaism.

Rabbi
- teacher of the law
- interpretates the law
-applies the law to daily life
Solves religious despite and issues
Consulted in law matters

Priests
Offering sacrifices
Burning in sense
Lead in worship
Intermediary between God and the people
Advise kings

High Priest
Judges religious issues
Decides how tithes should be used
Distributes tithes and offerings for use
Offering sacrifices
Burning in sense
Lead in worship
Intermediary between God and the people
Advise kings

Gabbi
Assist with reading
Reads the scripture
Integrates the scripture
Chooses pole who recite the blessings
Corrects mistakes in pronunciation of words
Stands nearer to the reader for easy correcting

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Elders
Assist Jewish cults/ leaders
Consulted by their communities
Provide counseling and guidance
They are advisors

Judges
Prides over tribal issues
Lead tribal worship
Lead tribal wars

Chazan
Lead congregation in prayer
Lead the choir
Conduct funeral services
Lead in charity services
Visit the sick
Teach the young the Jewish Liturgy.

Kings
Rule the nation
Leads in wars
Solve disputes
Resolve issues
Define the national policy
Define the national foreign policy
Defends the law
Defends the monarchy
Defends the tradition of the pole

RITES OF PASSAGE IN JUDAISM

STUDY TOPIC: Illustrate the rites of passage in Judaism. [25]
Rites of passage refer to initiation rites that a person undergoes in certain society or
religion. These are events which take place at significant times in one’s life. The Jewish
rites of passage may be given as birth, naming, circumcision, marriage, death and
mourning.
Birth and circumcision
In Judaism birth and circumcision (brit Milah) are closely related.
Circumcision is the only rite that derives from a commandment or mitzvah.
Circumcision is a religious obligation on Jews recalling the covenant that God made with
Abraham(Gen 17)
It takes place on the eighth day of from birth
It is usually attended by men

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The child is placed on the lap of a male friend or relative who has honour of being a
Sandek
He holds the child still while circumcision is being performed by a Mohel.
NAMING THE BABY
Boys are given their names at circumcision
The name is kept secret until the ceremony
If she is a girl the name will be given at the first public reading of the Torah at the
synagogue
Marriage
Marriage is the most elaborate ritual in Judaism like in any other religion.
Jews believe that marriage was instituted by God (Gen 1:28) when man was commanded
to be fruitful and multiply.
The Kettuba- marriage contract has some obligations on both parties/partners.
Traditionally a kettuba is written in Aramaic and signed by two witnesses.
Bar Mitzvah
Bar Mitzvah means “Son of the Mitzvot (commandments)
When a Jewish boy reaches 13 he is now bound to live by the commandments of the
Torah.
He should observe them
Read the Torah
Counted as an adult to attend the synagogue
The ceremony ends with a banquet celebrated in the home with the family and friends.
The Bat Mitzvah for girls is a recent development which started in the 20 th Century.
It is celebrated at the 12 th birth day.
It is accompanied by the reading of the Torah in the Temple on the Sabbath.
The girl has to study the portion of the prophets and read it in Hebrew.
This is also followed by a family banquet.
Death and mourning
There are few rules concerning death and mourning.
These include repugnance over delay in burying corpses
Renting of the garments by mourners
Eulogies
A meal initiating the process of reconciliation with the loss
The expectation that friends visit and console the mourners
Part of the Rabbinic liturgy during the burial is a quote from Job 1:21 “The Lord gave and
the Lord has taken”.
A priest should have no contact with the dead except his relative.(Lev 21:1-3)
In Judaism the family of the deceased is left in a state of separation.
This is a time when they are left alone to prepare for burial
This must last for two days
There follows a period of seven days, thirty days, then a year whereby family members do
not take their obligations as members of faith.

CIRCUMCISION

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Study Question: Illustrate the importance of circumcision in Judaism (25)

It seals the covenant between God and Israel. It is a symbol of identity as people of God. T shows
submission of the people to the law of God. It also promote good health. For one to attent rituals
participate and perfomone should be circumcised. This ritual is called BrDescribe which means
the covenant of circumcision. It is the standard measure that separates and distinguish Jews from
otger nations. When converting to Judaism, slaves and non Jews must be circumcised. In today's
society; circumcision has been embraced for the purpose of cleanliness, smartness, hygiene, and
health. It also reduce the transmission of asexually transimited infections and encouraged in the
campaign to reduce the spread of HIV virus and AIDS. Thus circumcision is no longer taken for
religious ourpses alone. It is also found in some cultures with cultural significance as varemba.

NATURAL RESOUCES
STUDY TOPIC :.Describe Jewish attitudes towards the Natural Environment. [25]

Definition - The Natural Environment refers to the elements of the earth/ the natural
components of the earth such as the soil, water, air, stones, vegetation and temperature.
Attitude refers to perception/feeling about something
God is the creator of the universe.(Gen 1:1)
He has absolute ownership of the earth.(Psalm 24:1)
Human being have no freedom to abuse the environment
God’s creation is sufficient and ordered
The Sabbath and prayer help men to preserve the Natural Environment
The Torah prohibits the wasteful use/consumption of resources
Trees must only be cut for specific purposes
Life must be preserved at all cost
Waste should be properly deposed.(Lev 18:5)
Judaism is against any form of pollution, land. Water, air.
The Torah prohibits the extinction of species
Causing undue pain to creatures
Man is forbidden to kill the mother bird but may take the young ones.(Deut 22:6-7)
Jews encourage planting of trees
Maintaining vegetable gardens at home
Judaism demands an economy with equitable distribution of resources

IMPORTANCE OF MARRIGE IN JUDAISM

Marriage is the most elaborate ritual in Judaism like in any other religion.
Jews believe that marriage was instituted by God (Gen 1:28) when man was commanded
to be fruitful and multiply.The man and the woman are considered two halves that make a
whole. Marriage bring new life to the family. Marriage raises and educate people to
fubctionas constructive members of the society. In marriage man controls himself
physically and focus his dedication and love towards his wife. The Kettuba- marriage
contract has some obligations on both parties/partners.Traditionally a kettuba is written in
Aramaic and signed by two witnesses. Marriage is all about being responsible and is

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regarded as an important blessing from God. It is the first institution given to Jews by God.

SECTION C
CHRISTIANITY

The role of Christianity in Education in Zimbabwe

Candidates define education as the process of learning and teaching. Candidates may
indicated the role of Christianity in both formal and non formal education.
The following can de described:
Educational institutions established by Christian churches
Schools: most boarding schools in the country belong to Churches.
For example in Masvingo province; Catholic schools.Brejena in Chivi, Gokomere in
Masvingo, Serima, Mutero, Mukaro in Gutu. Sacred Heart and Avhunga, day schools in
Mwenezi.
Teacher’ colleges: Bondolfi near Masvingo, - Catholic and Morgenister Teachers’ college
near Masvingo.- RCZ
Universities: Africa University in Mutare – United Methodist, Solusi University near
Bulawayo- SDA, ZEGU – in Bindura of ZAOGA FIF.
Apart from educational institutions candidates may give financial assisted given to
learners by Christian organisations
Carpenaum Trust offers scholarships up to degree level.
Prophetic movements of Walter Magaya and Emmanuel Makandiwa have departments
which offer assistance to learners at various levels.
For example Prophet Makandika built a classroom block at Muringazuva Primary School
in Muzarabani and also sunk a borehole at the same school.
He has several learners at The University of Zimbabwe.
Magaya gives learning materials to learners at various levels
He pays fees for several learners especially those from disadvantaged families.
Churches also teach learners long life skills like dressmaking, ZAOGA, motor mechanic-
Roman Catholic, carpentry and other trade.
Churches teach learners the importance of virginity, respect and other virtues.
Credit any relevant examples .

Revision Topic: Explain the role of Christianity in Education in Zimbabwe. (25)

The Christian perspective towards people living with disability.

Definition: Disability is a condition that prohibits someone from fully using his body parts
to perform certain tasks. It may refer to deformity in some body parts.
Christianity believes that disability is a condition that has been caused by the Devil
therefore it has to be rectified.

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There is some relic thinking inherited from Judaism that disability may be caused by sin
either of the individual or of one’s parents.
When Jesus healed the crippled man he told him not to sin anymore
When Jesus healed the lame it shows he was against disability.
Jesus also dealt with the mental disability when he healed Legion
He dealt with the visual impairment when he healed Bartimeus.
Christians today pray for some of the people living with disability
They have also established centres to deal with people living with disability
For example Capota School for the blind.
Mutemwa Leprosy centre dealing with those affected by leprosy
Candidates should indicate that Christians do not discriminate against people living with
disability.
Possible Exam Topic:
Describe the Christian perspective towards people living with disability. [25]

RITUALS IN CHRISTIANITY.

Definition - a ritual is a solemn religious ceremony consisting of s series of events performed

in a prescribed order. The rituals which should be discussed are Baptism, the Lord’s supper,
marriage and death among others.

*Baptism* comes from the Greek term “Baptizo” which means to immerse, to put under water,
to deep someone completely under water.
This is the first ritual administered to any person converted to Christianity.
It involves immersion, sprinkling of water, or pouring water over someone.
The sacrament of baptism is common across all Christian denominations.(John 3:5)
In the Catholic tradition even infants are baptised but most protestant churches only baptize those
who believe on their own, that adults only.
Baptism can be done in pools, dams or flowing rivers.
It symbolises the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ
In some churches the believer is dipped once but in others he/she is dipped three times.
*The Lord’s supper*
It is also called the Holy Communion or the Eucharist.
It involves the breaking of bread and drinking wine.
It is done on Sundays in most cases.
In other churches it is done more frequently than in others.
Some use bread without yeast, that is unfermented bread.
Others back their own bread from plain flour.
But others use common bread bought from general bakeries.
It is done to remember the suffering and death of Jesus on the cross
It is commanded from the Bible
*Marriage* - The holy matrimony
This involves the joining of two adults, one a female ,the other a male, into a permanent union to
start a family.

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It is administered by a minister of religion called a Marriage Officer witnessed by congregants

The Bride and the groom make vows to be committed to the marriage
They exchange wedding rings
The ceremony usually takes place in a church or public Hall.
They sign a certificate of marriage binding the two into a contract only to be broken by death of
either partner.
The ceremony is followed by a banquet and celebration
There is giving of gifts by relatives and friends.
*Death* .
This varies from one denomination to the next
There are no hard and fast rules to this one
There is the washing of the body
Dressing the body at times with new clothes
There is body viewing before burial
Reading the scriptures at the grave side
Burying the dead with various utensils
Women wear black cloth at funerals
There is an unspecified period of mourning.
Some candidates may include birth rituals.
Whereby children are presented in the church.
The child is blessed by the priest/pastor/ or bishop.
Parents make vows to bring up the child in a Christian way.
Congregants offer gifts to the child congratulating the parents.

Add more points

Possible Exam topic: *Describe any three rituals in Christianity. [25]*

Describe the Christian perspective towards people living with disability. [25]
Definition: Disability is a condition that prohibits someone from fully using his body parts
to perform certain tasks. It may refer to deformity in some body parts.
Christianity believes that disability is a condition that has been caused by the Devil
therefore it has to be rectified.
There is some relic thinking inherited from Judaism that disability may be caused by sin
either of the individual or of one’s parents.
When Jesus healed the crippled man he told him not to sin anymore
When Jesus healed the lame it shows he was against disability.
Jesus also dealt with the mental disability when he healed Legion
He dealt with the visual impairment when he healed Bartimeus.
Christians today pray for some of the people living with disability
They have also established centres to deal with people living with disability
For example Capota School for the blind.
Mutemwa Leprosy centre dealing with those affected by leprosy
Candidates should indicate that Christians do not discriminate against people living with

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disability.

SECTION D
ISLAM
The five pillars of Islam.*

*Shahadah* – confession of faith

That there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger.
These are the first words said to a child as soon as he/she is born
These are the words spoken to a Muslim before he dies
Or he says these words before he dies.

*Salat* – ritual prayer

Prayer is communication with Allah
Muslims pray five times a day - At dawn, mid morning mid afternoon, at sunset and in the
evening.
Muslims wash parts of their bodies before they start praying.
They prostrate as a sign of submission to Allah
They face Mecca when they pray.

*Zakat* - Almsgiving.
Muslims encourage giving to others especially the underprivileged
In some Muslim state zakat is collected and distributed by government
Not every one pays zakat
Only those who have made saving during the year.
The needy and the poor do not pay zakat.
Zakat is paid from one”s snab
The snab is idle money that a Muslim has saved throughout the year.
Muslims believe that their wealth has to be purified
By giving zakat Muslims destroy the spirit of greed creating a spirit of love and care for the needy
For Muslims paying zakat is just an obligation like prayer
One cannot be a true Muslim if he/she does not pay zakat
Those who care for the needy have a place in heaven
Zakat promotes equitable distribution of wealth in Islamic states.

*Sawm* – fasting
Fasting is going out for some time without food or drink for religious purpose.
It is done in the month of Ramadan, the nineth month on the Islamic calendar.
Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset
During the day all cafes and canteen are closed, they are only opened in the evening
During the time is spent in prayer and reading the Quran
Some Muslins read and recite the whole Quran during this period
At lunch time Muslims may spent time socialising with other Muslims
Not everyone fasts in Islam

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Pregnant women, those, sucking babies, the elderly, the sick, travellers and those at war are
exempted

*The hajj* – the pilgrimage to Mecca

Every Muslim has to visit Mecca at least once in his/her lifetime
During the hajj all Muslim wear the same type of cloth
These are clothe which will be used to wrap their bodies for burial
In Mecca all Muslims encircle the Ka’aba, seven times, in an anticlockwise direction making the
Shahadah
After that they run between the two hills seven times
They take the long journey to Mt Arafat
They pass through Mina where they perform the ceremony of the stoning of the devil
Lastly they go and stand at Arafat listening to broadcasts on loud speakers
After the long day sacrifices are meet whose meat is canned for distribution to poor Muslims in
different parts of the world

Possible exam question:

*Describe the five pillars of Islam. [25]*

MUHAMMAD THE PROPHET

STUDY QUESTION: Assess the importance of Muhammad in the Islamic religion.
[25]

He is the founder of the religion

Without him there is no Islamic
He is the one who got the revelation from Allah
His revelations were later put together to form the Quran, which is the Islamic Holy text
He is the seal of all prophecy
He struggled against odds to conquer the Meccans who wanted to destroy Islam at its
infants
The battles of Badr, Uhud and Trench can be mentioned as key events that saved Islam
His final push on Mecca established Islam in Saudi Arabia
His destruction of the idols in Mecca redefined the religious barometer of the people of
Mecca
He rededicated the Kaaba to Allah
His endurance during persecution gave other Muslims courage to fight for the survival and
establishment of Islam
His sayings- the hadiths and his deeds-the sunna form the guiding principles of Islam for
Islamic conduct
Credit any other aspects displayed by by Muhammad which mad Islam a popular religion

NEW BORN BABIES

STUDY TOPIC: Describe rituals done to a new born baby in Islam. [25]
The rituals of a new born baby begins with congratulations from relatives, friends and

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neighbours
They bring sweets and other goodies to the family
This creates an atmosphere of love and compassion among members and families
Prayers are made to Allah to bless the child
Two prayers are also done to the baby’s ears – the Adhan and the Iqama, one to the right
ear and the other to the left ear
The Shahadah is spoken into the child’s ears
Before the child hears anything she must know that “There is no god but Allah and
Muhammad is his prophet
This is done immediately after the child has been bathed.
Tahneek
This is chewing of date or something sweet
It is applied to the palate of the child
The purpose is to make the mouth and the jwas of the child active
It also strengthens the veins and muscles of the child
A pious and God-fearing scholar or a venerable Saint may be invited to perform Tahneek.
Shaving the hair
It is done on the seventh day from birth
The child is given money equal to the weight of his/her hair
Naming ceremony
The child is given a proper name not an evil one
Names of grandfathers may be given to baby boys
Circumcision
is performed to boys
it is done on the seventh day
a qualified surgeon is called upon to do the task

*Ways in which lslam diet promote good health*

The prohibition of alcohol safeguards people from liver cirrhosis and diseases associated with
alcohol consumption

-eating pork is prohibited bcz pork is associated with swine flu

-the prohibition of consuming blood safeguards health because the blood of animals contains
disease-causing microbes

Overeating is not allowed. It causes obesity

Fasting promotes good health as it fights against an unhealthy living like obesity.. It also helps in
maintaining good weight in believers

The definition of religious practitioners

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Religious practitioners are people who do special duties in a religion. There are a number of
religious practitioners in Islam, and these are as follows:

Mufti
The mufti is an Islamic scholar who is qualified to issue religious verdicts. The Quran and the
Sunnah gave guidelines for all issues. However, some issues which come up from time to time
were not specifically addressed by these texts. These are modern issues like human or animal
cloning, banking and so on. The rulings for these issues are issued by muftis who infer them, and
extract them from the Quran and the Sunnah.
The role of a mufti
A mufti plays the following roles:
- issuing religious verdicts
- answering religious questions
-guiding the community and advising it on matters pertaining to unity, good behavior and so on
- carrying out research in order to arrive at verdicts
- writing researches and books of verdicts
- In Saudi Arabia, the Grand Mufti usually delivers the sermon on the day of Arafah (the 9th day
of Zul Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar).

Shaykh alternatively written as Sheikh

A Shaykh is a religious scholar. This is someone who is well-versed in Islam. Traditionally
Shaykhs were trained and qualified by studying under experts in mosques, and institutions of
learning. In addition to traditional learning, people are now learning in universities where they
study different areas of specialization in Islamic disciplines. After qualification, these people can
assume the role of a Shaykh.
The roles of a Shaykh
The following are the roles of a Shaykh:
Teaching Islam
Advicing people and counsel them
Inviting people to the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah
Prohibiting evil and encourage good
To be good examples or role models
Giving khutbas (These are sermons which are delivered on Fridays during the afternoon prayer)
Providing Islamic solutions to modern problems

Imaam alternatively spelt as Imam

The Imaam is the person who leads Muslims in prayer during the five daily prayers. This Imaam
must be someone who is well-versed with the rules of prayer. He should have memorized some

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parts of the Quran or the whole of it because the Quran is recited in prayers. In some prayers it is
recited loudly so that those who are praying the Imaam can hear it.
The roles of an Imaam
The Imaam has the following roles:
Leading the five daily prayers
Leading the Taraweh prayers in the month of Ramadan (The Taraweh prayer is a prayer consisting
of twenty units and it is performed in Ramadan. The Imaams usually complete the recital of the
whole Quran during this prayer in Ramadan).
Teaching Islam
Leading the community
Guiding the community

Khateeb alternatively spelt as Khatib

The Khateeb is the person who delivers the Friday sermon. This sermon is delivered before the
afternoon prayer on Friday. This prayer is known as Jumuah in Arabic, and it is an important
prayer where the Muslim community gathers in mosques, and listens to words of advice, and
reminders about their religion from the Khateebs. The Khateeb can be the resident Imaam of a
mosque or he can be a totally different person.
The duties of a Khateeb
delivering the Friday sermon
choosing an appropriate Islamic topic which addresses issues arising in the community
leading the Friday prayer
providing Islamic solutions to the problems of the community

Muezzin
The Muezzin is the person who calls out the azaan (the call to prayer) to inform the Muslims about
the time of prayer. The azaan consists of phrases which praise Allah, and these are as follows:
Allah is the Greatest,Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest
I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, I bear witness that there is none
worthy of worship except Allah;
I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger Allah,I bear witness that Muhammad is the
Messenger Allah;
Come to prayer, come to prayer;
Come to prosperity, come to prosperity;
Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest;
There is none worthy of worship except Allah
The roles of the muezzin
-Calling out the azaan at the fixed times.
- having specific and particular knowledge about the times of prayer, sunset and sunrise because

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they are linked to prayer, and if the prayer is performed before its time or after time, it will be
invalid.
-being punctual in calling the azaan

SOCIAL RESPONSIBLITY
Muslims contribute to Social responsibility by
Taking care of the elderly. Providing home basses care for the sick. Donating food for the poor.
Muslims pay fees for the poor. The plant trees to promote the flourishing of vegetation and the
environment beautiful. They put a tape outside their home for the use of many especially those
passing by. They build shops for the people.the build schools eg Belvedere. They givecsocial
support during natural disasters eg floods, earthquakes etc by donating food, clothing and building
houses for the affected/ victims. They give social support during pandemics eg HIV and AIDS,
Covid 19 etc by supporting Government programs in the fight of the pandemic. Muslims build
infrastructure as roads. They construct Hospitals and clinics and provide free medication..
Muslims assist people living with disabilities. They also donate and drill boreholes fore the
people.

Islamic teachings promote that promote good health

a) Halaul - eating properly slaughtered meat. Avoid blood that contain diseases.
Halaul meats are free from contamination from other types of meats. Muslims eat
meat slaughtered by other Muslims. They eat health food.

b) Cleanliness -Muslims are extremely smart.they thoroughly bath and wash their
clothes. They stay in clean environments. Men are not allowed to have sex with
women during mensuration. Allah is pure and likes cleanliness.

c) fasting- done to discipline one's body. It is frequently done to clean toxics from the
body. It is done from sunrise to sunset in the month of Ramadan. It is obligatory to all
except the sick, the pregnant women and the travelling.

d) Taking Alcohol is prohibited

e) circumcision - done for health reasons

f) Water- Musilims take a lot of water

g) execises- Muslims recommend the doing excesses. A Muslim should be fit. They encourage
waking up early for exercises.

O Level FRS PAPER II NOTES. 2020. By Mr Chibaya