Ten Obligatory Acts of Shi’a Islam (Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B): Revision Notes

Ten obligatory acts of Shi'a Islam

Introduction

The Ten Obligatory Acts represent fundamental duties that all Shi'a Muslims must fulfil in their religious lives. These acts are particularly significant for Shi'a Muslims, though it's worth noting that Sunni Muslims focus primarily on the Five Pillars of Islam. Interestingly, four of the Five Pillars are also included within these Ten Obligatory Acts, showing how these practices form essential beliefs for all Muslims, whilst providing additional guidance specifically for the Shi'a community.

Nature and purpose of the acts

The Ten Obligatory Acts serve as comprehensive duties that every Shi'a Muslim must perform throughout their lifetime. These acts have been established to serve several crucial purposes in the spiritual and practical lives of believers:

The acts function as a guide for how Shi'a Muslims should conduct themselves in their daily lives, providing clear direction on both spiritual and moral matters. They create a pathway for believers to develop a closer relationship with Allah through the performance of actions that demonstrate devotion and obedience.

Furthermore, these acts are designed to help Muslims achieve the ultimate reward of paradise after death by following Allah's rules and commandments faithfully. They ensure that believers continually focus their actions and intentions towards Allah, maintaining spiritual awareness throughout their lives.

Finally, the acts serve to unite all Shi'a Muslims under a common set of practices, creating meaning and shared identity within their religious community.

Historical development

The Ten Obligatory Acts have a rich historical foundation that connects directly to the early development of Shi'a Islam. Originally, these acts were established by 'the Twelvers', a group of early Shi'a Muslims who believed they were chosen by Allah to provide leadership following the death of the Prophet Muhammad. The Twelvers are also known as 'the twelve Imams', emphasising their role as spiritual guides for the community.

Following Muhammad's death, Shi'a Muslims believed that Ali Talib, who was both Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, should have been the rightful successor to the Prophet. Ali Talib played a crucial role in the development and establishment of these obligatory acts.

Over time, the Ten Obligatory Acts became firmly established as the foundational practices of Islam specifically for Shi'a Muslims, providing a comprehensive framework for religious life that extends beyond the original Five Pillars.

The ten obligatory acts explained

1. Salah - daily prayer

Salah involves compulsory prayer five times each day. However, Shi'a Muslims have the flexibility to combine some of these prayer times, meaning they can pray three times rather than five separate occasions. This practice demonstrates the importance of regular communication with Allah whilst accommodating practical considerations.

2. Sawm - fasting during Ramadan

Sawm requires Muslims to fast during daylight hours throughout the ninth Islamic month of Ramadan. This practice involves abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn to sunset, promoting spiritual discipline and empathy for those less fortunate.

3. Zakah - charitable giving

Zakah involves donating 2.5 per cent of one's wealth to help those in need. This obligatory act ensures that wealth is distributed fairly within the community and that the less fortunate receive support from those who are more prosperous.

4. Hajj - pilgrimage to Makkah

Hajj represents the pilgrimage to Makkah that every Muslim should attempt to make at least once during their lifetime, provided they have the physical and financial means to do so. This journey represents spiritual purification and unity with Muslims worldwide.

5. Khums - additional taxation

Khums was historically an obligation for Muslims serving in the army to pay one-fifth of the spoils of war to support the community. In contemporary times, this money is given to descendants of Muhammad and Shi'a Muslims in need, as well as to Shi'a Islamic leaders to support religious activities.

6. Jihad - striving against evil

Jihad involves striving to overcome evil in various forms, including defending individuals from harm, engaging in holy war when necessary, and personal struggles to resist daily temptations and maintain righteous behaviour.

7. Amr-bil-Maroof - commanding good

Amr-bil-Maroof represents a commandment found in the Qur'an that instructs Shi'a Muslims on how they should act and behave towards others, promoting righteousness and moral conduct within the community.

8. Nahi Anil Munkar - forbidding evil

Nahi Anil Munkar emphasises the need to resist temptation and avoid sinning against Allah. This act requires Muslims to actively oppose evil and wrong-doing, both in their personal lives and within their communities.

9. Tawalla - expressing love for good

Tawalla involves expressing love towards what is good and following the examples set by the prophets. This act encourages Muslims to align themselves with righteousness and seek positive role models in their spiritual development.

10. Tabarra - moving away from evil

Tabarra requires moving away from evil influences, including staying away from those who choose to turn away from Allah. This act emphasises the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences that support spiritual growth.

Qur'anic foundation

The Ten Obligatory Acts find their scriptural basis in the Qur'an, demonstrating their divine authority. A key verse that supports these practices states:

This verse clearly establishes the importance of enjoining good and forbidding evil (reflected in acts 7 and 8), establishing prayer (Salah), giving zakah, and obeying Allah - all central elements of the Ten Obligatory Acts. The verse emphasises that believers who follow these practices will receive Allah's mercy, highlighting their spiritual significance.