living the muslim life Flashcards
(17 cards)
What are the 10 Obligatory Acts of Shia Islam
The Ten Obligatory Acts are central practices in Twelver Shi’a Islam that guide the religious and moral life of Shi’a Muslims. These acts are similar to the six beliefs in Sunni Islam but with additional duties, reflecting specific beliefs in Shi’a tradition.
What is Salah (Prayer)
Shi’a Muslims perform five daily prayers , just as in Sunni Islam, although they may combine some prayers, praying three times a day instead of five. Prayer is a direct form of communication with Allah and a reminder of their faith.
Surah 4:103 ‘set up regular prayers; for such prayers are enjoined on believers at stated times.’
what is Sawm
(Fasting)
Observed primarily during the month of Ramadan, fasting is a demonstration of devotion, self-discipline, and empathy for the less fortunate. Like Sunni Muslims, Shi’a Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn to sunset.
“Fasting is prescribed to you… so that you may learn self-restraint” Surah 2:183
what is Zakah
(Charitable Giving)
A portion of income, typically 2.5%, is given to those in need. Zakah purifies wealth and promotes social justice, emphasizing the duty to care for the poor within the community.
“whatever you give in charity…will earn multiple rewards” surah 30 Qur’an
What is Khums
(One-Fifth Tax)
Khums is an additional form of charity unique to Shi’a Islam. It requires Muslims to give 20% of their surplus income annually, which is distributed to religious scholars, community welfare, and those in need.
“know that one fifth… belong to God and the Messengar to close relatives and orphans, to the needy and travellers “
What is Hajj
(Pilgrimage)
Like Sunni Muslims, Shi’a Muslims are required to perform the pilgrimage to Mecca once in their lifetime if they are physically and financially able. Hajj symbolizes unity and obedience to Allah.
“Pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to God by people who are able”
what is Jihad
(Struggle)
In Shi’a Islam, jihad is an essential moral duty involving both internal (personal spiritual growth) and external (promoting justice) efforts. The concept of jihad as a struggle to uphold faith and morality is emphasized.
In the Qur’an it says: **‘those who suffer and struggle in God’s cause have the highest rank.’
what is Amr-bil-Ma’ruf
(Encouraging Good)
This act encourages Muslims to promote righteousness and moral behavior within themselves and society, acting according to Islamic teachings.
what is Nahi Anil Munkar
(Forbidding Evil)
Complementing Amr-bil-Ma’ruf, this act involves discouraging wrong and immoral behavior in oneself and others, promoting a just society aligned with Islamic values.
what is Tawalla
(Expressing Love for Good)
Tawalla means showing love and loyalty to Allah, the Prophet Muhammad, his family (Ahl al-Bayt), and righteous Muslims. It encourages devotion to those who uphold Islamic values.
what is Tabarra?
(Expressing Disassociation from Evil)
Tabarra involves distancing oneself from the enemies of Islam, including those who act against the teachings of the Prophet and his family. It is a rejection of all that is considered evil.
Purpose and Influence of The Ten Obligatory Acts?
The Ten Obligatory Acts guide Shi’a Muslims in living a life aligned with Islamic teachings, shaping their daily actions, relationships, and decisions. They promote social justice, compassion, and loyalty within the Muslim community and **demonstrate a commitment to personal and communal ethics.
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what are the two main celebrations in the Muslim calendar?
Eid al-Udha and Eid al-Fitr
What is Eid al-Udha?
a commemoration of the day on which Ibrahim offered to sacrifice his son Ismail to God. In order to celebrate Ibrahim’s obedience to God, Muslims used to sacrifice a goat. Often this ceremony took place while on hajj. Today, most Muslims aren’t able to sacrifice an animal. They might have a meal together as a family and make a large donation to charity.
What is Eid Al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is the celebration of the end of Ramadan. Muslims believe that fasting during Ramadan brings forgiveness for sins committed during the year . As such, Eid is a festival of rebirth. In many respects it is similar to the Christian celebration of Easter: a celebration of regeneration after a long period of fasting.
What is the importance of Laylat al-Qadr?
During the month of Ramadan a very special event is commemorated.
This was the night that Muhammad first received the revelation of the Qur’an, when meditating in cave Hira. He was visited by the angel Jibril who instructed him to ‘recite’.
All Muslims try to attend the mosque on Laylat al-Qadr
It is believed that acts of goodwill and prayer on this night can bring many rewards.
Shi’a Muslims believe it is very significant as there is a hadith from Ali which states that this is the night Allah decreed that Ali and his descendants would be imams.
The Qur’an says that this night is better than a thousand months (Qur’an 97:3)
what is the shahada
The Shahadah is the fundamental declaration of faith in Islam, stating
“There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the prophet of God”.
It’s the first of the Five Pillars of Islam and is considered the foundation upon which all other aspects of Islamic belief and practice are built.
Said Regularly:
Muslims recite the Shahadah multiple times daily, including during their prayers and on important occasions like birth and death.
