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      Ten Obligatory Acts: Shi'a distinctions

      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, make notes on what each act is and how it 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 does the Shahadah affirm for Muslims?

      that Muhammad created the Qur’an
      Correct answer: that Allah is one and that Muhammad is His prophet
      that prayer is the greatest duty

      Q2.
      Why is Ramadan considered sacred in Islam?

      it marks the end of Hajj
      it includes Eid ul-Adha
      Correct answer: it marks the first revelation of the Qur’an

      Q3.
      What is the purpose of performing wudu?

      to prepare the mosque for prayer
      to show respect to the imam
      Correct answer: to cleanse yourself before standing in prayer

      Q4.
      Why do Muslims perform salah five times a day?

      Correct answer: to complete one of the Five Pillars
      to please family and community
      to gain forgiveness for others’ sins

      Q5.
      Which statement about Jummah prayers is accurate?

      they are optional for all Muslims
      Correct answer: they are held on Fridays at midday
      they replace prayer during Ramadan

      Q6.
      What is the meaning of sawm in Islam?

      Correct answer: fasting during the month of Ramadan
      a prayer said before travelling
      charity given during Eid

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      'Lesser jihad' can refer to an external fought to defend Islam.

      Correct Answer: battle, Battle, struggle, war

      Q2.
      is one of the Ten Obligatory Acts and is performed five times a day.

      Correct Answer: Salah, salah

      Q3.
      What is the meaning of khums in Shi’a Islam?

      Correct answer: a tax of one fifth of certain earnings
      a fast during the holy months
      a pledge to go on pilgrimage

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

      Shahadah
      Correct answer: zakah
      Eid

      Q5.
      Why is tabarra practised by Shi’a Muslims?

      to encourage daily prayers
      to show love to family
      Correct answer: to disassociate from enemies of Allah

      Q6.
      Which of the following statements is a common misconception about Shi’a Islam?

      Shi’a Muslims don’t fast during Ramadan
      Shi’a Muslims don’t follow any of the Five Pillars
      Correct answer: Shi’a Muslims do not say the Shahadah

      To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Ten Obligatory Acts: Shi'a distinctions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...