1. The Ten obligatory acts (Shia Islam)1
Salah
Praying 5 times a day 2
Sawm
Fasting during Ramadan 3
Hajj
Pilgrimage to Mecca 4
Zakah
Alms given 5
Khums
Tax set at 20% for causes decided by Shia leaders 6
Jihad
Striving in the way of Allah 7
Amrbil ma’roof
Encouraging good actions 8
Nahi anil munkar
Discouraging evil actions 9
Tawalla
Association with good people eg those who follow the ahl al -bayt 10
Tabarra
Dissociation with evil people
These are demonstrated in actions and behaviour in every day life eg praying regularly, helping those in need and encouraging other Muslims to do so too. They can be a guide for how to go to heaven.
“God has promised the believers…gardens graced with flowing streams where they will remain”) Qur’an
Based on Qur’an, Hadith, early Shia scholars
These are important as they show faith in action not just words
Religion and Ethics : Islam: Living the Muslim life

2. The Shahadah- declaration of faith
Declaration of faith, one of 5 Pillars- sums up Islam:
"There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger." 
A Shia may add “Ali is the friend of God”
Tawhid- 1 God, only worship him, trust in anything else is shirk
Risalah- Muhammad delivered final message
Important because:
1st Pillar
Declaration of faith (said if converting to Islam)
Testimony- a reminder of their commitments as a Muslim
Rewards (heaven) promised to those who put Allah and the prophet before everything
It is said regularly:
Recited since the time of Muhammad
First words a new-born baby hears
At the burial service
“Whoever obeys God and the messenger will be among those he has blessed” Qur’an
Religion and Ethics : Islam: Living the Muslim life

3. Religion and Ethics : Islam: Living the Muslim life
Salah-prayer
Prayer, daily prayers, second of 5 Pillars, worship as the purpose of human creation
Existed since Muhammad who showed Muslims how to pray, way of communicating with Allah
“Keep up regular prayer for prayer is obligatory for the believers at prescribed times”
5 times a day at set times
Wudu/ablutions before
Facing Mecca (Ka’bah),the direction is called qiblah
Rak’ah – movements- sajdah is prostration
Said in Arabic taken form Qur;an , Sunnah, Hadith
Shi Muslims may use small brick – turbah- heads touching something natural- we come from earth and will return to it
Mosque
Home
Dedicated space
Make home a spiritual place
unity
Trains children to pray
Hadith – 27 times better
Less distractions
Jummah prayer- imam will give sermon/talk
Religion and Ethics : Islam: Living the Muslim life

4. Religion and Ethics : Islam: Living the Muslim life
Sawm- Fasting
During month of Ramadan all healthy men/women go without food/drink in daylight hours
“Fasting is prescribed for you…it was in the month of Ramadan that the Qur’an was revealed times” Qur’an
Compulsory for all Muslims
Qur'an revealed in this month
Brings you closer to Allah
Appreciate what poor people suffer
Teaches self restraint
Create unity
Night of Power- Laylat al- Qadr
Angel Jibril visits Muhammad- reveals Allah's word.
Some Muslims spend last days of Ramadan in I’tikaf (seclusion in mosque- praying, studying)
Some believe all prayers accepted this night or angels will support you
Muhammad advised followers to seek Laylat al Qadr on one of odd nights towards end of month – 21st, 23rd,25th,27th,29th
Those not required to fast: sick, travellers on long journeys, elderly, young children, pregnant/breastfeeding women.
They can make up fast later or donate money.
“The night of glory is better than a thousand months..” Qur’an
Religion and Ethics : Islam: Living the Muslim life

5. Zakah and Khums- charity
Pillar of Islam- compulsory. Means “purification” . 2.5% of savings/wealth
Given by those who meet nisab (amount needed for own basic needs)
Sadaqah – voluntary charity
“Those who pay zakah are counted among successful believers” Qur’an
Used for:
Helping poor
Helping those in debt
Helping travellers
Ransom for prisoners of war
Other things to help society eg mosques, schools
Khums: “Know that one fifth of your battle gains belongs to God and the Messenger” Qur’an
Khums: Shia Muslims give 1/5 (20%) of savings. Believe failure to give means money is not pure. The prophet suggested it is better to give rather than receive: “the upper hand is better than the lower hand” Hadith
Important because:
Islam means “peace”- helps create a harmonious (peaceful)society
Form of worship
Those who give will be rewarded (heaven)
Qur’an praises those who pay
If misuse wealth can turn away from God
Religion and Ethics : Islam: Living the Muslim life

6. Religion and Ethics : Islam: Living the Muslim life
Hajj - pilgrimage
One of 5 Pillars ,Mecca, holiest place, Muhammad lived/preached here. Ka’bah 1st place Allah worshipped.
“Proclaim the pilgrimage to all people” Qur’an
Must do IF can afford, healthy, safe
Wear white ihram (all equal)
Tawaf – 7x Kab’ah
Walk between hills
3.Mina
4. Arafat – pray
5.Collect pebbles
6. Stoning pillars ( against evil)
7. Animal sacrificed
8.Tawaf
Why important:
History of Ismal – Ibrahim chosen by Allah, how Ibrahim established Ka’bah
Unity
Sins forgiven
Fresh start
Focus on Allah
Story of Hagar’s search for water
5 Pillars
Religion and Ethics : Islam: Living the Muslim life

7. Religion and Ethics : Islam: Living the Muslim life
Jihad- “struggle”
Referred to in Qur’an and Hadith, one of Shia 10 obligatory acts
“Be mindful of God…and strive for his cause, so you may prosper” Qur’an
“A man came to the prophet and asked for his permission to go on jihad. The prophet asked are your parents alive? He replied “Yes”. The prophet said “then your Jihad is with them” Hadith
Greater/inner jihad: striving to be better person, resist evil- help poor, do not let anger get to you
Important because:
Both jihads were performed by Muhammad
The Qur’an teaches about the need to be against evil in oneself and within society
Allah is pleased by those who aim to be better people
Lesser jihad (Striving with the sword) - resisting evil through military /physical ways eg defending land or places of worship. Muhammad fought against those who wanted to end Islam. BUT strict conditions:
Persecution
Religious freedom
Being attacked/defending land/religion
Authorized by a Muslim leader
Not target civilians eg women, kids
Not harm crops
Not to convert others
Most Muslims say nothing can justify terrorism – lesser jihad does not permit terrorism. Islam means “peace”
Religion and Ethics : Islam: Living the Muslim life

8. Celebrations and commemorations (festivals)
Who
What
Why
Id-ul-Adha
All
End of Hajj, animals sacrifice, meat to family and to poor, new clothes, go to mosque
Recall story of Ibrahim and Isma’il, reminder to be devoted to Allah, unity of community
Id-ul-Fitr
Started by Muhammad, end of Ramadan, new clothes, mosque, sermon ( talk), money to less fortunate
thanks for fasting/ blessings, recall poor- community
Id-ul-Ghadeer
Shia
Fasting on the day, gather at mosque, recite poetry, speeches about importance of event
Recalls Muhammad declaring Ali as leader. Ghadeer is the pond where this took place
Ashura
Mosque every night , mosques draped in black- mourning, pilgrims visit Karbala to shrine of Hussain, . Some whip themselves to express grief. Some donate blood instead.
Martyrdom of Muhammad’s grandson Imam Hussain and family in Karbala
Why festivals are important: inspire people, unite the ummah, show commitment to Allah, increase faith.
Religion and Ethics : Islam: Living the Muslim life