The Ten Obligatory Acts of Shi'a Islam
The Ten Obligatory Acts of Shi’a Islam
#Salah (Prayer)
- Represents direct link between the worshipper and Allah.
- Prayers performed five times a day at specific times.
- Each prayer comprises units called rak’ahs.
- Focuses on submission (Islam means ‘submission’) and commitment to Allah.
#Sawm (Fasting)
- Obligation during the month of Ramadan.
- From dawn to sunset, eating, drinking, smoking and sexual activity is forbidden.
- Expresses sympathy for those less fortunate and deepens appreciation for Allah’s gifts.
- Promotes physical and spiritual purity.
#Zakat (Charitable Giving)
- Means ‘purification’ and ‘growth’.
- Fixed percentage of income given to the poor and needy.
- Helps to establish economic justice in society.
#Khums (Wealth tax)
- 20% tax on any profit earned.
- Divided into two: one part to Islamic religious leaders, the other to charity.
- Fosters a senses of responsibility towards the less fortunate.
#Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca)
- A once in a lifetime journey to Mecca during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah.
- Shows solidarity with Muslims worldwide and fosters a sense of equality.
#Jihad (Struggle)
- Greater Jihad: the struggle against evil within oneself.
- Lesser Jihad: the struggle against evil in society.
- Does not necessarily mean ‘holy war’; instead, represents striving to be a good Muslim.
#Amr-Bil-Maroof (Enjoining Good)
- Duty to encourage others to do what is right according to Islam.
- Promotes a virtuous society.
#Nahi Anil Munkar (Forbidding Evil)
- Duty to discourage others from doing what is wrong according to Islam.
- Contributes to the maintenance of a moral and just society.
#Tawalla (Love for the family of Prophet)
- To show love towards the Prophet Muhammad and his family.
- Acknowledges their examples and follows their ways.
#Tabarra (Disassociation)
- Keeping away from the enemies of the Prophet Muhammad and Allah.
- Protects the principles of Islam, upholds justice.