Shi'a Islam & the Ten Obligatory Acts (WJEC Eduqas GCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note
Exam code: C120
Salat
What are the Ten Obligatory Acts?
Obligatory means something that must be done
The Ten Obligatory Acts are the most important duties of a Shi’a Muslim
They are based on the teachings of the Qur’an, the Hadith and the work of Shi’a scholars
The Ten Obligatory Acts are:
Salah (prayer): The performance of five daily prayers at prescribed times
Sawm (fasting): Fasting from just before dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan
Hajj (pilgrimage): The pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah, required for those who are able to undertake it at least once in their lifetime
Zakah (charitable giving): The act of giving a certain proportion of one's wealth to help the poor and needy
Khums (wealth tax): A 20 per cent tax on one's annual profit or savings, with the funds split between Islamic education and those descended from Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
Jihad (struggle): A personal struggle to live a good life and defend Islam, not necessarily a holy war
Amr-bil-Maroof (enjoining good): The duty to encourage others to do what is right according to Islamic law
Nahi Anil Munkar (forbidding evil): The duty to discourage others from doing what is wrong
Tawalla (affection/love): Showing love for Allah, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and the Prophet’s family
Tabarra (disassociation): Disassociating from the enemies of God
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What is the history and purpose of the Ten Obligatory Acts?
The Ten Obligatory Acts were given by the Twelvers or the Twelve Imams
These were the people whom Shi’a Muslims believe were chosen by Allah to lead the faith after the death of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
Ali Talib, the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) cousin and son-in-law, was his successor and established the Ten Obligatory Acts as important practices for all Shi’a Muslims
The Ten Obligatory Acts are important because they:
Guide the way all Shi’a Muslims practise their Muslim faith and live their lives
Show Shi’a Muslims’ commitment to Islam in both words and actions
Bring followers closer to Allah
Unite all Shi’a Muslims as a community
Purify the heart
Ease the suffering of the poor
Help to establish a better and fairer society
Are a way for Shi’a Muslims to achieve a good afterlife after they die
“God has promised the believers, both men and women, Gardens graced with flowing streams where they will remain” (Qur’an, Surah 9:72)
Khums
What is Khums, and why is it important?
Khums is unique to Shi’a Islam, and it is the action of giving away 20 per cent of their surplus income after expenses
Traditionally, half goes to religious leaders (Imams) and the other half to the poor and community projects
It supports religious education, welfare and the spread of Islam
The order to give Khums is taken directly from the Qur’an
“Know that whatever you gain, one-fifth of it belongs to Allah, the Messenger, the near relatives, the orphans, the needy and the traveller” (Qur’an 8:41)
Hajj
What is Hajj, and why is it important?
Muslims must perform Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia) at least once in their lifetime if physically and financially able
Hajj strengthens faith, obedience and community
It reminds Muslims of the sacrifices of Ibrahim (Abraham) and Isma’il
The importance of performing Hajj is mentioned in the Qur’an
“Proclaim to the people the Hajj. They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel” (Qur’an 22:27)
“Pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to Allah by people who can undertake it” (Qur’an 3:97)
Jihad
What is Jihad, and why is it important?
Jihad, or struggle, is divided into two distinct types:
Greater Jihad is the personal struggle to live a good and faithful life
Lesser Jihad is the physical struggle to defend Islam when attacked
The Greater Jihad is the most significant for Muslims because it applies to every Muslim every day
Jihad teaches Muslims to resist temptation, perform good deeds and promote justice
The importance of Jihad is written in the Qur’an and in the Hadiths
“Strive for Allah with the striving due to Him” (Qur’an 22:78)
The Prophet (pbuh) said: “The greatest Jihad is to battle your own soul, to fight the evil within yourself” (Hadith)
Amr-bil-Maroof
What is Amr-bil-Maroof, and why is it important?
Amr-bil-Maroof means to encourage good actions
Muslims should promote good behaviour and encourage others to follow Allah’s commands
This creates a moral society based on justice and kindness
The importance of doing good deeds is directed in the Qur’an
“Let there arise out of you a group inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right” (Qur’an 3:104)
Tawalia
What is the significance of Tawalia?
Tawalia means love for the good and faithful
This means that Muslims should show love and loyalty towards the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), his family (Ahl al-Bayt) and righteous people
It deepens devotion and reinforces good values
The importance of Tawalia is instructed in the Qur’an
“Say: ‘I ask no reward of you except love for my near relatives’” (Qur’an 42:23)
Tabarra
What is the significance of Tabarra?
Tabarra means to avoid the enemies of God
Muslims should distance themselves from evildoers or those who oppose Allah and his chosen leaders
This encourages moral courage and integrity
This helps Shi’a Muslims stay loyal to their true faith and avoid corruption
The importance of Tabarra is written in the Qur’an
“You will not find people who believe in Allah and the Last Day having affection for those who oppose Allah and His Messenger” (Qur’an 58:22)
Worked Example
Explain two reasons why the Ten Obligatory Acts are important for Shi’a Muslims
[5 marks]
Answer:
One reason the Ten Obligatory Acts are important for Shi’a Muslims is that they show complete submission and obedience to Allah. Each act is seen as a command from Allah, helping Muslims to live righteous lives. By praying (Salah), fasting (Sawm) and giving to others (Zakah and Khums), Shi’a Muslims demonstrate their faith and discipline. This reflects the Qur’anic teaching: “Be steadfast in prayer, practise regular charity … ” (Qur’an 2:43), which shows that following these duties strengthens a Muslim’s relationship with Allah
The Ten Obligatory Acts also help create a just and caring community (ummah). Acts such as Amr-bil-Maroof (encouraging good) and Nahi Anil Munkar (forbidding evil) promote justice and equality, ensuring society follows Allah’s moral guidance. This supports the Qur’anic teaching: “The believers, men and women, are protectors of one another; they enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong” (Qur’an 9:71). By living out these acts, Shi’a Muslims work towards a fair and compassionate society that reflects Allah’s will [5 marks]
Examiner Tips and Tricks
For this section, know what makes the Ten Obligatory Acts unique
Remember that these are specific to Shi’a Islam, while Sunni Muslims focus on the Five Pillars instead
Explain that the Ten Acts combine worship, charity and moral behaviour, showing complete submission (Islam) to Allah
Make sure you can name all ten confidently, and you’ll often need to identify or refer to two or three in short questions
Use Qur’an or Hadith references where possible
Even short quotes strengthen your answer and show higher-level understanding
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