Religious Studies (Living the Muslim Life

Ten Obligatory Acts are mainly for Shia's
Five Pillars of Islam are mainly for Sunni's

Nature and Purpose of the Acts
Purpose: 
- To guide of how they should live their lives
- Allow them to get closer to Allah
- To help Muslims achieve Paradise
- To unite all Shi'a Muslims and give meaning to their lives

The Ten Obligatory Acts                                            Nahi Anil Munkar - Forbidding what is evil
Salah - Prayer 5 times a day                                     Tawalla - Expressing love what is good
Sawm - Fasting during daylight (Ramadam)             Tabarra - Moving away from evil
Zakah - Donating 2.5% of wealth to needy
Hajj - Pilgramage
Khums - Annual Taxation
Jihad - Striving to overcome evil
Amr-bil-Maroof - Instructs Shi'a's to behave

It is the first pillar of Islam - Shows acceptance of Allah and Muhammad

Nature of Shahadah
It is the basic statement of Islamic faith and Muslims consider thatv anyone cannot recite this is not a Muslim.
It demonstrates loyalty to Allah.

Role of the Shahadah today
- Recited out loud in front of witnesses to profess the Muslim faith
- Said before death to demonstrate a commitment to religion of Islam
- Whispered into the ears of newborn babies, so its the first thing they hear
- Recited throughout the day to remind Muslims of Islamic beliefs of Islam

Salah is the second pillar of Islam and it is to pray 5 times a day.

Naturen, History and Purpose of Salah
Nature = Salah demonstrates unity
History = Prophets of Allah performed it daily and it was commanded by Muhammad
Purpose = Brings Muslims closer to Allah

Divergent Understandings
Shia'
- Combine 5 prayers into 3
- Raise hands at end of prayers
- Touch foreheads directly to the floor
Sunni
- 5 Daily Prayers
- Move head from right to left
- May rest their head on a piece of wood

It is the fasting for Muslims and is the fourth pillar of Islam.
Main period of fasting is during through Ramadan

Quote
'O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you...' (Surah 2:183)

Significance of Sawm
- One of the 5 Pillars
- Learn to self-discipline
- Gives Muslims to appreciate what Allah has given
- Helps to appreciate the Quran's being
- Brings Muslim community closer

Forbidden from Sawm
- No Food
- No Smoking
- No Sexual Activity
- No bad thoughts or deeds

Zakah is the third pillar of Islam and is to give money to charity.

Zakah
It is an Obligatory giving.
It involves giving 2.5% to the poor.
It shows the idea of charitable actions.

Imporance of Zakah for Sunni Muslims 
- One of the 5 Pillars = Duty
- Wealth is believed to be gifte
- Sign of Unity and supports Umah
- Helps those who need it the most

Khums is a religious tax

Khums 
It is one of the Ten Obligatory Acts.
It is paying 20% of income - half to Ummah and to the poor.
The form of giving is mentioned in the Qu'ran.

Importance of Khums to Shi'a Muslims
- Gives special recognition to Muhammad
- Used to help the poor
- One of the Ten Obligatory Acts

It is the fifth pillar of Islam and is the annual pilgramage of Makkah

It is a holy journey where most Muslims are expected to make.
It is intended to get Muslims to get closer to Allah.

Benefits of Hajj
- Shows commitment to Allah
- Strengthens Ummah
- To ask forgiveness

Challenges of Hajj
- May be unfit or physically unstable
- May be a difficult experience due to the amount of people

Jihad means 'struggle' and has its origin in the Qu'ran.

Greater Jihad
Inner struggle to be a better muslim by:
- Studying Qur'an
- Doing good deeds
- Attending Mosque regularly

Lesser Jihad
Outer struggle to defend Islam
- Fought for a just cause
- Fought as a last resort
- Aims to restore peace and freedom