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      Ten Obligatory Acts of Shi'a Islam

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain what the Ten Obligatory Acts are and how they compare to the Five Pillars.

      Key learning points

      1. The Ten Obligatory Acts are essential practices in Shi'a Islam.
      2. They include four of the Five Pillars.
      3. Khums is an additional duty for Shi'a Muslims.
      4. They are related to encouraging the good and forbidding the bad.

      Keywords

      • Jihad - to ‘strive’ or ‘struggle’ in the way of Islam

      • Forbid - to not allow or instruct, or order someone not to do something

      • Khums - one fifth' an additional 20% tax paid by Shi'a Muslims

      • Ten Obligatory Acts - ten duties followed by Shi’a Muslims which include four of the Five Pillars, as well as six extra practices

      Common misconception

      Shi'a Muslims do not perform the Five Pillars.

      Salah, sawm, zakah and Hajj are all part of the Ten Obligatory Acts. The Shahadah is also said by Shi'a Muslims, but as a statement of faith upon which the Obligatory Acts rest.

      Teacher tip

      Students could create a table of the Ten Obligatory Acts that are also part of the Five Pillars and make notes on what each act is, as well as how they may differ to how Sunni Muslims may practice them.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What belief is declared through the Shahadah?

      that angels are superior to humans
      that prayer must happen five times daily
      Correct answer: that God is one and Muhammad is His messenger

      Q2.
      Why does the Shahadah come first in the Five Pillars of Islam?

      it summarises all the other teachings
      Correct answer: it is the foundation for all worship
      it is a private act

      Q3.
      What does the term wudu refer to in Islamic practice?

      daily prayer cycles
      Correct answer: ritual washing before prayer
      night prayers during Ramadan

      Q4.
      How many times a day is salah performed?

      four
      Correct answer: five
      six

      Q5.
      What is sawm in the Five Pillars of Islam?

      a donation to charity
      Correct answer: fasting from dawn to dusk during Ramadan
      visiting the mosque weekly

      Q6.
      Which statement about Jummah prayers is accurate?

      Correct answer: men must attend; women may choose to
      it's held daily at sunrise
      only children are excused

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      One of the Ten Obligatory Acts is , which is a duty to give to those in need.

      Correct Answer: zakah, Zakah

      Q2.
      Khums means 'one ' and is a 20% tax paid by Shi’a Muslims.

      Correct Answer: fifth, 1/5, Fifth

      Q3.
      What does the practice of tawallah involve?

      avoiding forbidden foods
      Correct answer: showing love for Allah and the Prophet
      giving up worldly possessions

      Q4.
      Which of these is one of the Ten Obligatory Acts?

      the Shahadah
      eating halal foods
      Correct answer: jihad

      Q5.
      How many of the Five Pillars are also part of the Ten Obligatory Acts?

      two
      Correct answer: four
      five

      Q6.
      What is a common misunderstanding about Shi’a Islam?

      that they do not believe in angels
      that they pray only once a week
      Correct answer: that they do not follow the Five Pillars

      To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Ten Obligatory Acts of Shi'a Islam, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...