Practices - EduqasThe Ten Obligatory Acts (Shi’a Islam)

The Ten Obligatory Acts are followed by Shi’a Muslims. These combine four of the Five Pillars of Islam with jihad, which applies to all Muslims. It is the final five obligatory acts that distinguish Shi’a and Sunni practice.

1. Salah – committing to daily prayers.
2. Sawm – fasting from just before dawn until sunset.
3. Zakah – giving a proportion of your wealth to help the poor.
4. Hajj – pilgrimage to Makkah.
5. Jihad – the struggle to keep belief in Allah and follow his rules, to follow the Five Pillars of Islam successfully and to defend Islam.
6. Khums – 20 per cent annual tax. This tax is paid on any profit earned by Shi’a Muslims. The money is split between charities supporting Islamic education and anyone who is descended from Muhammad who is in need.
7. Amr-bil-Maroof – encouraging people to do what is good: Enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong (Qur’an 9:71). Maruf is anything that has been approved in Shariah Law.
8. Nahil Anril Munkar – forbidding evil by discouraging people from doing what is wrong.
9. Tawalia – showing love. This includes both love for God and love for those who follow him.
10. Tabarra – disassociation. Shi’a Muslims should not associate with God’s enemies.

Salah – differences between Sunni and Shi’a Islam

There are also some differences between Sunni and Shi’a practices in relation to Salah.

Shi’a Muslims combine some prayers, such as the midday and afternoon prayers. Therefore, they may only pray three times a day. Sunni Muslims only combine prayers if they have a good reason to, for example if they are travelling.

Shi’a Muslims also often use natural elements when praying. For example, some place a piece of clay at the spot where their head will rest.

Additionally, the movements that Sunni and Shi’a Muslims make during prayer can differ. For example, Shi’a Muslims pray with their hands by their sides, whereas Sunni Muslims pray with their hands either folded or by their sides.