Living The Muslim Life

• Ten obligatory acts


  • Salah - praying five times a day
  • Sawm - fasting during the month of ramadan
  • Hajj - pilgrimage to mecca , saudi arabia
  • Zakah - aims to be given to poor (2.5%)
  • Khums (shi'a)- tax set at 20% for causes
  • Jihad - striving in the way of Allah
  • Amr bil ma'rouf - encouraging good actions
  • Nahi anil munkar - discourage evil actions
  • Tawalla - association with good people
  • Tabarra - disassociation with evil people
• Importance of the acts


  It is a way of showing commitment and are important as faith is not only shown through words but also deeds
• Importance of the acts for Shi'a Muslims

  It enables them to connect with Allah , ease suffering and promote a better society
• Five pillars of Islam

  • Shahadah - declaration of belief which muslims are required to say
  • Salah - praying five times a day
  • Sawm - fasting during Ramadan
  • Hajj - pilgrimage
  • Zakah - aims given to help the poor
• Significance of Shahadah


  • It is the first of the five pillars so it is the basic requirement of faith
  • It is a reminder of the important commitment they have made and rewards are promised for those who put Allah and the Prophet Muhamman before anything else
  • Reciting the shahadah is important as muslims have recited it ever since the time of the prophet , they are the frist words recited into a new born babies ear , spoken during prayer , said into the ear of a dying person , to revert into islam
• Significance of Salah


  • The qur'an states that humans have been created to worship Allah
  • It is the highest form of worship . It is obligatory for all men and women and children are encouraged to do so from a young age
  • Muslims believe that they can communicate with Allah directly
  • Main purpose is to develop a personal relationship with Allah and can be seen to seek guidance and support
  • Salah can be performed in the house
  • Salah is mainly performed in the mosque which is a place dedicated to the worship of Allah. Crates unity within the ummah
  • The most important day of the week is called Jummah which is a weekly congregation that all muslims try to attend
• Significance of Sawm


  • It is compulsory
  • It happens in the month in which angel jibril visited Muhammad and revealed the qur'an
  • Fasting should bring muslims closer to Allah
  • Experiencing fasting allows muslims to know what it feels like for those who cannot afford to have food
  • Teaches self restraint
  • It reminds them of their own faults which should make them overlook the weakness of others
  • Community is brought closer
  • Fasting helps muslims spiritually and physically purer
• Laylat Al Qadr


  • The night when angel jibreel came to muhammad and asked him to read words and muhammad said he couldn't read
  • The night marks the start of Muhammads prophethood and revelation of the quran
  • Some understand the night where all their prayers are accepted
  • Others interpret it to be when angels come to support someone
• Importance of Zakah


  • Creates a harmonious society and do not forget the less fortunate
  • All wealth belongs to Allah and should be shared
  • Zakah purifies wealth and prevents greed
  • Acts of charity will be rewarded
• Importance of Hajj


  • Mecca and the ka'bah is believed to be the first place in the world that was dedicated to the worship of Allah
  • Those who are financially and physically able to go should try to go
  • It is an opportunity for sins to be forgiven
  • Brings people closer to Allah
• Greater jihad


  • Striving to resist evil within oneself
  • Striving with the soul
  • Striving with the tongue
  • Striving with the pen
• Lesser jihad


  • Striving to resist evil within the world
  • The belief where they have to protect the land and state when under attack
  • Muslims understand this by being able to defend themselves when it is necessary
  • It can only be declared if : Persecution reaches an extreme level, Religious freedoms are taken away, Islam has to be defended, Has to be authorised by a muslim leader
• Importance of jihad


  • Both greater and lesser jihad were done by Muhammad
  • The Qur'an teaches about the need to resist evil in life
  • Allah is pleased with those who aim to be themselves
• Eid-ul-adha


  • Commemorates the story of when Ibrahim has a dream where he sacrificed his son. God stops him before he does this and praises them both for their devotion
  • It reminds muslims of his obedience towards and muslims should also demonstrate similar devotion
  • Animals are sacrificed in memory and meat is shared with poor
  • New clothes are worn and families visit the mosque
• Eid-ul-fitr


  • Started by muhammad and celebrated at the end of ramadan
  • Muslims express their gratitude to allah
  • Gifts are exchanged and food
• Eid-ul-ghadeer


  • Commemorates the time where the prophet muhammed declared ali as his successor
  • They believe the family of the prophet must be followed after his death
  • Ghadeer is the pond where it took place
  • Shi'a muslims are encouraged to fast during this day
• Ashura


  • Remembers the martyrdom (suffering death ) of Prophet Muhammds grandson Hussain
  • Hussain refused to pledge allegiance to a leader named Yazid because he was going against Islam
  • Mosques are draped in black to symbolise mourning
  • Some may perform acts of self-flagellation (whipping themselves)