The Ten Obligatory Acts in Islam

This section explains the ten obligatory acts of Islam. The Ten Obligatory Acts are a set of key practices that are followed by Twelver Shi’a Muslims. These acts build upon the Five Pillars of Islam and include additional duties that are unique to Shi’a tradition. While all Muslims, both Sunni and Shi’a, are expected to adhere to the Five Pillars, the distinction of the Ten Obligatory Acts lies in the additional practices followed by Shi’a Muslims.

These ten acts help to guide Shi’a Muslims in their faith, their relationship with Allah, and their responsibilities within the Muslim community. They combine elements of worship, personal conduct, and social responsibility.

1. Salah (Prayer)

As in Sunni Islam, Salah, or prayer, is a fundamental act of worship for Shi’a Muslims. It is obligatory to pray five times a day, and these prayers are essential in maintaining a close relationship with Allah. The practice involves a series of prescribed physical movements and recitations, including praises of Allah and requests for guidance and forgiveness. For Shi’a Muslims, the prayers are often combined into three distinct time slots, rather than the five individual prayer times followed in Sunni Islam.

2. Zakah (Charitable Giving)

Zakah is the act of giving a fixed percentage of one’s wealth to those in need, typically 2.5% of savings annually. This is a central tenet of both Sunni and Shi’a Islam, designed to purify one’s wealth and assist the poor. In addition to its importance in fostering compassion and reducing inequality, Zakah is seen as an obligation to help maintain the social welfare of the Muslim community.

3. Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan)

Sawm, the fast during the month of Ramadan, is a key act of worship and self-discipline. Shi’a Muslims, like all Muslims, abstain from eating, drinking, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset throughout Ramadan. The fast is not only a physical act of self-restraint but also a time for deep spiritual reflection, prayer, and community bonding. Fasting teaches empathy for those who are less fortunate and encourages personal growth and discipline.

4. Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah)

Hajj is the pilgrimage to Makkah that every Muslim must undertake at least once in their lifetime, provided they are physically and financially able. This act of worship involves a series of rituals that commemorate the actions of Prophet Ibrahim and his family. The pilgrimage serves as an important act of unity among Muslims worldwide, as it brings people from different cultures and backgrounds together in worship.

5. Jihad (Struggle in the Path of Allah)

Jihad is the struggle to maintain and uphold the teachings of Islam. It is a multifaceted concept, including both the greater and lesser jihad. The greater jihad refers to each individual Muslim’s internal struggle to lead a good and pious life, following the Five Pillars of Islam and avoiding sin. The lesser jihad refers to the struggle to defend Islam and its followers from external threats, and may include armed conflict in cases of defence. Jihad is often misunderstood and misrepresented, but in its essence, it is about striving to live a righteous life and defending the faith when necessary.

6. Khums (Annual Tax)

Khums is a unique practice for Shi’a Muslims. It involves an annual tax of 20% on any profit or surplus income, which is paid after essential expenses have been deducted. The collected funds are then divided into two parts: half is allocated to religious scholars and institutions that support Islamic education, while the other half is given to those who are direct descendants of the Prophet Muhammad, particularly those who are in need.

7. Amr-bil-Ma’ruf (Enjoining what is good)

Amr-bil-Ma’ruf refers to the obligation to encourage others to do what is good and morally upright, according to the teachings of Islam and Shari'ah law. This includes promoting values such as kindness, honesty, charity, and respect for others. By encouraging people to follow righteous paths, Muslims can contribute to building a stronger, more compassionate society.

8. Nahi Anil Munkar (Forbidding what is wrong)

Nahi Anil Munkar is the opposite of Amr-bil-Ma’ruf; it involves discouraging people from engaging in sinful or immoral behaviour. This can include actions such as lying, cheating, stealing, or hurting others. It is considered a responsibility of Muslims to protect the community from harmful behaviour by advising others and intervening when necessary, in accordance with Islamic teachings.

9. Tawallah (Loving and Supporting the Righteous)

Tawallah refers to showing love and allegiance to Allah and to those who follow Him, including the Prophet Muhammad and his family, particularly the Imams, who are considered by Shi’a Muslims to be the rightful leaders of the Muslim community. This love extends to those who follow the path of righteousness and justice. It represents a deep connection to both the spiritual and ethical principles of Islam.

10. Tabarra (Disassociation from God’s Enemies)

Tabarra is the act of disassociating oneself from those who oppose Allah’s teachings and those who act in ways contrary to Islam. Shi’a Muslims believe it is important to reject the actions and influence of those who have been seen as enemies of Islam, both historically and in contemporary times. This practice is seen as a way of maintaining purity in belief and strengthening the bond with Allah and His chosen representatives.

“Enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong”.
— Qur'an 9:71

These Ten Obligatory Acts form the framework for the lives of Twelver Shi’a Muslims. They guide Muslims in their daily lives, ensuring that their actions align with their faith, encourage positive social conduct, and uphold the principles of justice, charity, and righteousness. Each act serves to strengthen the individual's relationship with Allah while promoting a sense of responsibility to the wider Muslim community and the world at large.