2.1 Ten Obligatory Acts of Shi'a Islam

Question 1

What are the Five Pillars of Islam and the Ten Obligatory Acts of Shi’a Islam?

Answer 1

The Five Pillars are 5 duties that are compulsory for all Muslims. Shi’as believe in 5 EXTRA compulsory acts that make up the 10 Obligatory Acts of Shi’a Islam.

Question 2

What is the definition of Jihad?

Answer 2

The struggle of striving for Islam.
There is Lesser Jihad which is going to war for the sake of defending your faith and there is Greater Jihad which is a Muslim’s daily struggle to resist temptation.

Question 3

Who were the twelvers?

Answer 3

A group of Muslims who believe that there were 12 imams who came after Muhammad died.
The twelver were political and spiritual successors of Muhammad.

Question 4

Explain the two opposing views of Muhammad’s successors?

Answer 4

Sunnis believe that Muhammad’s close companion Abu Bakr followed the line of succession.
Shi’as believe that Muhammad’s cousin Ali was the correct successor after his death.

Question 5

Name and explain the 5 Pillars of Islam.

Answer 5

Shahadah - the declaration of Faith.
Salah - Performing the five daily prayers.
Zakah - Donating 2.5% if annual wealth to the poor.
Sawm - Fasting during the daylight hours of Ramadan.
Hajj - Making a pilgrimage to Mecca.

Question 6

What is the definition of wudu?

Answer 6

Purifying yourself prior to prayer.

Question 7

Name and explain the 10 Obligatory Acts of Shi’a Islam.

Answer 7

Salah - 5 daily prayers.
Zakah - Donating 2.5% of annual wealth to the poor.
Sawm - Fasting during Ramadan.
Hajj - Making a pilgrimage to Mecca.
Khums - Give 1/5 of your wealth to pay the descendants of Muhammad.
Jihad - The struggle of striving for Islam.
Amr-bil-Maroof - Take commandments from the Qur’an to do good.
Nahi Anil Munkar - Resist temptations.
Tawalla - Expressing love towards good, e.g. respect prophets.
Tabarra - Staying away from evil in case they are tempted by Allah.