Islam is not merely a set of beliefs — it is a complete code of life. It offers guidance for every aspect of human existence: spiritual, moral, social, and economic. The framework of the religion is exquisitely balanced between beliefs and deeds, embodied in two core categories — Usool-e-Deen (Roots of Religion) and Furoo-e-Deen (Branches of Religion). 

• Usool-e-Deen speaks of what a Muslim believes — like believing in Tawheed (Oneness of Allah), Adl (Justice), Nubuwwah (Prophethood), Imamat, and Qiyamat (Day of Judgment).
• Furoo-e-Deen, by contrast, details what a Muslim does — the practical and moral obligations that follow from those beliefs. 

The term “Furoo” refers to branches, illustrating how these acts branch out from the deep roots of faith. If Usool-e-Deen is the root system of a tree, Furoo-e-Deen is the outward structure providing fruit, shade, and beauty — the expression of a living, practicing Islam.

Understanding Furoo-e-Deen

                            Furoo-e-Deen represents the practical side of Islam — the duties that express a Muslim’s devotion to Allah and responsibility toward others. These acts strengthen a believer’s relationship with the Creator while nurturing social justice, discipline, and compassion.

There are ten principal branches (Furoo) of Shia Islam, and each one is an essential part of a Muslim’s moral and spiritual life. They all contribute to a proper and righteous path of living.

Ten Branches of Islam (Furoo-e-Deen)

1. Salat (Prayer).

                         Salat is the foundation of Islamic practice — recited five times a day. It is a direct link between the believer and Allah, promoting spiritual self-discipline and awareness.

“Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing.”

(Qur’an 29:45)

Through Salat, a Muslim cleanses the heart, builds self-control, and continually renews consciousness of Allah’s presence.

2. Sawm (Fasting).

                      Sawm or fasting is practiced in the sacred month of Ramadan. Muslims fast from dawn to sunset and refrain from food, drink, and worldly desires, learning self-discipline, compassion, and righteousness.

Fasting cleanses both body and soul, instilling patience and sympathy for the poor. It is not abstinence of the body, but a spiritual withdrawal from sin and excess. 

3. Hajj (Pilgrimage).

                            Hajj is a journey to Mecca — a duty for all Muslims who can afford it and are physically fit, at least once in a lifetime. It is a reflection of unity, humility, and submission to Allah.

During Hajj, millions wear plain white clothing, equal in the eyes of their Creator. The rites re-create the tradition of Prophet Ibrahim (a.s.) and reinforce the idea of universal brotherhood of Islam.

4. Zakat (Charity).

                        Zakat is a mandatory charity, intended to purify wealth and reduce social inequality. It ensures that the wealth of society circulates among all classes, creating balance and compassion.

Zakat nurtures generosity and social responsibility. It is often used to assist the poor, orphans, and those in need, thereby maintaining the moral and economic health of the community.

5. Khums (One-Fifth Tax).

                            Khums is literally “one-fifth.” It is the duty to give 20% of some types of savings and earnings for the good of society. Khums cares for the poor, keeps the mosques, and finances religious studies.

In Shia Islam, Khums is specifically highlighted as a tool of economic justice and religious viability. It makes sure that wealth supports the benefit of both faith and society.

6. Jihad (Striving in the Way of Allah).

                              Jihad means to exert effort or to struggle in the path of Allah. It is not war; in fact, it implies all efforts to maintain truth, justice, and righteousness.

There are two types of Jihad:

• Greater Jihad: Inner struggle against one’s ego, desires, and sins.
• Lesser Jihad: Physical protection from oppression or injustice when needed.

Therefore, Jihad represents self-reform, fortitude, and devotion to uprightness.

7. Amr bil Ma’ruf (Enjoining Good).

                                 Amr bil Ma’ruf is the responsibility of exhorting good action and virtue. It implies encouraging righteousness

 — assisting others to do what is right in individual, social, and spiritual life.

A Muslim is to encourage goodness through good advice, example, and enticement so that virtue can flourish in society.

8. Nahi anil Munkar (Forbidding Evil).

                         This is a corollary to the former. Nahi anil Munkar imposes upon Muslims the duty to deter evil deeds and shield society from injustice, corruption, and immorality.

By performing this duty, a believer assists in upholding moral order and justice, preventing evil from dominating. 

This principle shows Islam’s serious concern for humanity’s moral well-being.  

9. Tawalla (Love for the Family of the Prophet).   

                         Tawalla is loving, respecting, and obeying the Prophet Muhammad (S.a.w) and his Ahlul Bayt (A.s) — the immaculate family who are the personifications of purity and righteousness.

This affection isn’t merely emotional but also practical — by emulating their teachings and lifestyle, a Muslim remains in touch with divine guidance and ethical righteousness.

10. Tabarra (Disassociation from the Enemies of the Prophet’s Family).

                                 Tabarra is about dissociating from oppression and falsehood — keeping away from those who are against truth, morality, or the Prophet’s family. It maintains a believer’s allegiance to righteousness and justice.

Tabarra strengthens one’s moral foundation against oppression and corruption, instructing Muslims to side with truth even when it is challenging.