Practices in Islam: the Ten Obligatory Acts (Shi'a) including Salah, Sawm, Zakah, Khums, Hajj

What you'll learn

This topic examines the Ten Obligatory Acts (Usul ad-Din) practised by Shi'a Muslims, with particular focus on Salah (prayer), Sawm (fasting), Zakah (almsgiving), Khums (one-fifth tax) and Hajj (pilgrimage). Understanding these practices is essential for WJEC GCSE Religious Education papers, where questions test both factual knowledge and the ability to evaluate their significance in Muslim life.

Key terms and definitions

Salah — the five daily prayers performed at set times, one of the Five Pillars and part of the Ten Obligatory Acts for Shi'a Muslims

Sawm — fasting from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan, abstaining from food, drink and other physical needs

Zakah — compulsory charity payment of 2.5% of wealth above a certain threshold (nisab), given annually to help those in need

Khums — one-fifth tax paid by Shi'a Muslims on annual surplus income, half for descendants of Prophet Muhammad and half for religious scholars

Hajj — pilgrimage to Makkah that every Muslim must undertake at least once if physically and financially able

Usul ad-Din — the foundations of faith in Shi'a Islam, including the Ten Obligatory Acts

Ummah — the worldwide community of Muslims

Wudu — ritual washing performed before prayer to achieve spiritual purity

Core concepts

The Ten Obligatory Acts in Shi'a Islam

Shi'a Muslims follow Ten Obligatory Acts rather than the Five Pillars recognised by Sunni Muslims, though there is significant overlap. The ten are:

1. Salah (prayer)
2. Sawm (fasting)
3. Zakah (almsgiving)
4. Khums (one-fifth tax)
5. Hajj (pilgrimage)
6. Jihad (struggle in Allah's cause)
7. Amr-bil-Ma'ruf (encouraging good)
8. Nahi Anil Munkar (discouraging evil)
9. Tawalla (loving the family of the Prophet)
10. Tabarra (disassociating from enemies of the Prophet's family)

These acts combine both physical worship and moral conduct. For WJEC examinations, focus primarily falls on the first five acts, particularly those shared with Sunni practice but with distinct Shi'a interpretations.

Salah (Prayer)

Salah represents the direct communication between a Muslim and Allah. Shi'a Muslims perform the same five daily prayers as Sunni Muslims but often combine them into three prayer times:

• Fajr (dawn prayer) — performed separately
• Dhuhr and Asr (midday and afternoon) — may be combined
• Maghrib and Isha (sunset and night) — may be combined

Preparation for Salah:

• Muslims must perform wudu (ablution), washing hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, head and feet three times
• Prayer must be performed facing the Qiblah (direction of the Ka'bah in Makkah)
• A clean prayer mat or space is required
• Women typically cover their hair and body; men dress modestly

The structure of Salah:

Each prayer consists of units called rak'ah. Fajr has 2 rak'ah, Dhuhr has 4, Asr has 4, Maghrib has 3, and Isha has 4. Each rak'ah includes:

1. Standing upright (Qiyam) and reciting Surah Al-Fatihah from the Qur'an
2. Bowing (Ruku) while praising Allah
3. Prostration (Sujud) with forehead touching the ground — Shi'a Muslims place their forehead on a tablet of clay (often from Karbala)
4. Sitting position between and after prostrations

Significance for Shi'a Muslims:

• Demonstrates obedience and submission to Allah
• Maintains spiritual discipline and connection with Allah throughout the day
• Reinforces Muslim identity and membership of the ummah
• The use of clay tablets in prostration connects Shi'a Muslims to the martyrdom of Imam Hussain at Karbala

Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan)

Sawm occurs during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. From dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib), Muslims abstain from:

• Food and drink
• Smoking
• Sexual relations
• Negative thoughts and behaviour

Rules and exemptions:

• Pre-pubescent children are not required to fast
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women may postpone fasts
• The elderly, chronically ill, and those travelling may be exempt
• Menstruating women do not fast but must make up missed days later
• Fasts broken deliberately must be compensated with 60 days of fasting or feeding 60 poor people

The daily routine:

• Suhur — pre-dawn meal eaten before fasting begins
• Throughout the day: work, prayer and reading the Qur'an continue
• Iftar — breaking the fast at sunset, traditionally with dates and water, followed by a larger meal

Significance for Shi'a Muslims:

• Develops taqwa (God-consciousness and self-discipline)
• Builds empathy for those experiencing poverty and hunger
• Strengthens the ummah through shared experience
• Commemorates the revelation of the Qur'an to Prophet Muhammad
• For Shi'a Muslims specifically, Ramadan includes remembrance of Imam Ali, who was martyred during this month

Zakah (Almsgiving)

Zakah is compulsory charity calculated at 2.5% of wealth held for one lunar year above the nisab (minimum threshold). The nisab is equivalent to approximately 85 grams of gold or 595 grams of silver.

What Zakah is paid on:

• Cash savings
• Gold and silver
• Business stock and profits
• Agricultural produce (different rates apply)
• Livestock

Recipients of Zakah:

The Qur'an (9:60) specifies eight categories:

• The poor and needy
• Those who collect and distribute Zakah
• New Muslims or those whose hearts need reconciling to Islam
• Those in slavery or bondage
• Those in debt
• Those striving in Allah's cause
• Travellers in need

Significance:

• Purifies wealth and the soul from greed and selfishness
• Redistributes wealth, reducing inequality in Muslim society
• Recognises that wealth ultimately belongs to Allah
• Strengthens community bonds and supports vulnerable members

Khums (One-Fifth Tax)

Khums is distinctive to Shi'a Islam and means "one-fifth". Shi'a Muslims pay 20% of their annual surplus income after deducting living expenses.

What Khums applies to:

• Profit from business or trade
• Earned income after household expenses
• Treasure or minerals found
• Wealth acquired through halal (permissible) or mixed means

Distribution of Khums:

The payment is divided equally:

• Sahm-e-Imam (share of the Imam) — 50% for the descendants of Prophet Muhammad (Sayyids) who may be in need
• Sahm-e-Sadaat (share of the Sayyids) — 50% for religious scholars, maintenance of mosques, Islamic schools and religious propagation

Significance for Shi'a Muslims:

• Fulfils religious obligation specific to Shi'a practice
• Supports the Ahl al-Bayt (family of the Prophet), particularly important in Shi'a theology
• Funds religious education and institutions
• Maintains connection to the Imamate through supporting religious leadership

Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah)

Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, occurring during Dhul-Hijjah (the twelfth Islamic month). Every Muslim who is physically able and can afford it must perform Hajj at least once.

Conditions for Hajj to be obligatory:

• Muslim must be of sound mind and past puberty
• Physically capable of undertaking the journey
• Financially able, with surplus funds after dependents are provided for
• The route must be safe

Key rituals of Hajj:

1. Ihram — entering a state of spiritual purity; men wear two white seamless cloths, women dress modestly in white
2. Tawaf — circling the Ka'bah seven times anti-clockwise
3. Sa'i — walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, commemorating Hajar's search for water
4. Standing at Arafat — spending afternoon on the plain of Arafat in prayer (9th Dhul-Hijjah), the most important Hajj ritual
5. Muzdalifah — collecting pebbles and spending the night under the stars
6. Rami — throwing pebbles at three pillars representing Shaytan (Satan)
7. Sacrifice (Qurbani) — animal sacrifice commemorating Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son
8. Tawaf al-Ifadah — final circling of the Ka'bah

Shi'a variations:

• Shi'a pilgrims may combine some prayers differently
• After completing Hajj, many Shi'a Muslims visit Karbala in Iraq, site of Imam Hussain's martyrdom
• Ziyarat (visiting holy sites) holds special significance for Shi'a Muslims

Significance:

• Fulfils a fundamental obligation to Allah
• Re-enacts actions of Prophet Ibrahim and his family
• Unites Muslims from across the world in equality (all wear simple clothing)
• Offers spiritual renewal and forgiveness of sins
• Demonstrates submission to Allah's will

Worked examples

Example 1: Four-mark question

Question: "Explain two reasons why Salah is important for Shi'a Muslims."

Model answer:

One reason why Salah is important is that it maintains a constant connection between the Muslim and Allah throughout the day. The five daily prayers create a rhythm of worship that reminds Shi'a Muslims of their dependence on Allah and keeps them spiritually focused.

Another reason is that Salah reinforces Muslim identity and unity with the worldwide ummah. When Shi'a Muslims pray facing Makkah at the same prescribed times as Muslims worldwide, they feel connected to the global community. The use of the clay tablet (turbah) from Karbala during prostration specifically connects Shi'a Muslims to the sacrifice of Imam Hussain and their distinct religious identity.

Examiner note: Each reason scores 2 marks (1 for identification, 1 for development). The answer demonstrates specific Shi'a practices (turbah) alongside broader Islamic understanding.

Example 2: Twelve-mark AO2 evaluation question

Question: "Zakah is the most important of the Ten Obligatory Acts." Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.)

Model answer structure:

Arguments supporting the statement:

Zakah could be considered most important because it directly addresses poverty and social justice, putting faith into practical action. Without Zakah, Muslim societies would lack the systematic wealth redistribution that supports vulnerable members. The Qur'an emphasises care for the poor repeatedly, suggesting charitable giving is central to Islamic practice.

Furthermore, Zakah purifies both wealth and the soul, addressing both material and spiritual needs. This dual function makes it uniquely important among the obligatory acts.

Arguments against the statement:

However, Salah could be considered more important as it is performed five times daily, making it the most frequent obligatory act. Prayer represents direct communication with Allah and is the foundation of a Muslim's spiritual life. Without Salah, a Muslim's relationship with Allah would be severely weakened.

Additionally, for Shi'a Muslims specifically, acts like Tawalla (love for the Prophet's family) define their distinct identity and theological position. This makes these particular obligatory acts especially significant.

Evaluation:

While Zakah is undoubtedly important for creating a just society, ranking obligatory acts against each other misunderstands Islamic practice. The Ten Obligatory Acts work together as an integrated system - Salah provides spiritual foundation, Zakah and Khums ensure social justice, while Hajj unites the ummah. Each serves a different purpose in creating a complete Muslim life.

Examiner note: Top level answers (10-12 marks) must present developed arguments on both sides, use religious terminology accurately, and reach a justified conclusion. Reference to sacred texts or religious teachings strengthens evaluation.

Example 3: Five-mark question

Question: "Explain the difference between Zakah and Khums."

Model answer:

Zakah is practised by all Muslims (both Sunni and Shi'a) and requires payment of 2.5% of wealth above the nisab threshold that has been held for one year. It is given to the poor, needy and other categories specified in the Qur'an.

Khums, however, is specific to Shi'a Islam and requires payment of 20% (one-fifth) of annual surplus income. Unlike Zakah, half of Khums goes to support descendants of Prophet Muhammad (Sayyids) and the other half supports religious scholars and institutions. This reflects the Shi'a emphasis on the Ahl al-Bayt (Prophet's family) and maintaining religious leadership through scholars.

Both are compulsory charitable payments that purify wealth, but Khums has a higher rate, different calculation basis, and distinct recipients that reflect specifically Shi'a theological priorities.

Examiner note: Five marks require detailed explanation showing clear understanding of both practices and their theological significance within Shi'a Islam.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Mistake: Confusing the Five Pillars (Sunni) with the Ten Obligatory Acts (Shi'a), or stating that Shi'a Muslims don't follow the Five Pillars. Correction: Shi'a Muslims observe Salah, Sawm, Zakah, and Hajj like Sunnis, but these form part of the broader Ten Obligatory Acts. Shahadah for Shi'a includes testimony about Ali's leadership, and they add Khums alongside Zakah. Make clear which tradition you're discussing.

• Mistake: Describing Hajj rituals without explaining their significance or merely listing them without detail. Correction: For higher marks, link rituals to their historical origins (e.g., Sa'i commemorates Hajar) and explain spiritual significance (e.g., Standing at Arafat represents equality before Allah and Day of Judgement).

• Mistake: Stating Khums is "20% tax on all income" without explaining it applies to surplus income after expenses. Correction: Specify that Khums is calculated on profit or surplus remaining after necessary living expenses are deducted, not gross income.

• Mistake: Writing about Islamic practices without including specific Shi'a elements when the question asks specifically about Shi'a Muslims. Correction: Include distinctive Shi'a features: turbah (clay tablet) in Salah, Khums as separate from Zakah, importance of Karbala and Ahl al-Bayt, visiting holy sites (Ziyarat), and the complete list of Ten Obligatory Acts.

• Mistake: Claiming all Muslims fast identically without recognising variations in interpretation. Correction: While core Sawm practices are shared, acknowledge that timing calculations or rulings on specific situations may vary. Focus on common practice but be aware of diversity.

• Mistake: Providing no religious terminology or only using English translations. Correction: Use Arabic terms (Salah, Zakah, Khums, Hajj, rak'ah, wudu) alongside explanations. This demonstrates precise knowledge and scores higher marks for specialist vocabulary.

Exam technique for the Ten Obligatory Acts in Shi'a Islam

Command word strategies:

• "Describe" (2-4 marks) — State facts clearly with supporting detail. For example, describe what happens during wudu or how Zakah is calculated. Two developed points typically score full marks.

• "Explain" (4-5 marks) — Go beyond description to show why or how. Use connecting words: "This is important because...", "This leads to...", "The reason for this is...". Link practices to beliefs about Allah, the Qur'an, or the Prophet's family.

• "Discuss" or "Evaluate" (12-15 marks) — Present arguments on different sides of the statement. Structure with clear paragraphs for each viewpoint. Use evidence from religious texts or teachings. Reach a justified conclusion that weighs the arguments. Top marks require nuanced evaluation, not fence-sitting.

Marks-per-point patterns:

For 4-mark questions, two developed points (2+2) work best. Each point needs identification plus explanation. For 5-mark questions, aim for two well-developed points with specific religious knowledge. For 12-15 mark evaluation questions, ensure at least three developed arguments on each side, plus a substantial conclusion that doesn't simply repeat points.

Shi'a-specific content:

When questions specify Shi'a Islam, include distinctive elements: the Ten Obligatory Acts framework, Khums, turbah in prayer, emphasis on Ahl al-Bayt, and differences in practice or theology from Sunni Islam. Examiners expect recognition of diversity within Islam.

Quick revision summary

Shi'a Muslims follow Ten Obligatory Acts including Salah (five daily prayers with clay tablet prostration), Sawm (Ramadan fasting), Zakah (2.5% charitable payment), Khums (20% surplus income tax supporting Prophet's descendants and scholars), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah). These practices demonstrate submission to Allah, support the ummah, and express Shi'a identity through distinctive elements like Khums and reverence for Ahl al-Bayt. Acts combine worship, social justice, and moral conduct. Understanding both shared Islamic practices and specific Shi'a features is essential for WJEC examination success.