The Ten Obligatory Acts of Shi'a Islam

The Ten Obligatory Acts of Shi’a Islam

Shahada (Declaration of Faith)

  • The Shahada is staple to Shi’a Islam just like in Sunni belief, expressing the faith declaration: “There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the messenger of Allah”.
  • However, Shi’as add a further declaration regarding Ali, Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law: “Ali is the Wali (Guardian) of Allah”.

Salat (Prayer)

  • Salat is the act of performing ritual prayers in the proper way five times per day.
  • These prayers maintain a direct link to Allah and are conducted at dawn, midday, afternoon, sunset, and night.
  • The nature of these prayers, with its various postures of standing, prostrating, and sitting, is the same as in Sunni Islam.

Zakat (Charity)

  • Zakat, similar to in Sunni Islam, involves giving a certain portion of one’s wealth to charity.
  • Typically it’s about 2.5% of a person’s total savings and wealth that goes beyond a minimum amount, known as nisab.
  • This practise asserts that all comes from Allah and ultimately belongs to Him.
  • It is aimed at helping the less fortunate within the community.

Sawm (Fasting)

  • Sawm signifies fasting during the month of Ramadan, from dawn until sunset.
  • Adherents abstain from eating, drinking, and certain other activities during this duration.
  • This period is seen as a time for worship, devotion and contemplation.

Hajj (Pilgrimage)

  • The Hajj is a pilgrimage to Mecca that a faithful Shi’a Muslim should make at least once in their lifetime, provided they have sufficient means and health.
  • Important rituals comprise the Tawaf, circling the Ka’ba seven times, and the Sa’i, a run between the hills of Safa and Marwa.

Khums (One Fifth)

  • Khums is a special annual taxation that Shi’a Muslims pay.
  • It is 20% of a person’s excess earning after all expenses have been covered.
  • Half of this tax goes to religious leaders and the other half to charity.

Jihad (Struggle)

  • Jihad in Shi’a Islam refers to both the inner spiritual struggle against evil, and the outer physical struggle against enemies of Islam.
  • This act is seen as a means to maintain the righteousness and justice of the Islamic community.

Amr-bil-Maroof (Enjoining Good)

  • Amr-bil-Maroof is the encouragement of virtuous acts within the community.
  • This involves guiding and encouraging others to behave in morally good ways and promoting good conduct.

Nahi Anil Munkar (Forbidding Evil)

  • Nahi Anil Munkar means discouraging and preventing immoral and wrong behaviours.
  • This is considered a fundamental responsibility to help maintain the moral fibre of the society.

Tawalla (Loving What is Good) and Tabarra (Distancing From What is Evil)

  • Tawalla implies expressing love for all that is good, and those who are righteous, especially the family and followers of the Prophet Muhammad.
  • Tabarra, on the other hand, means disassociating oneself from evil, and from those who oppose Allah and his Prophet.