A'mal (Acts of Worship)
Specific acts of worship and rituals for particular days and occasions.
A'mal (Arabic: أعمال, plural of 'amal) means "actions" or "deeds" and in Shia Islam refers to the specific acts of worship, prayers, and rituals that are recommended for particular days, nights, and occasions throughout the Islamic year. A'mal is a central part of Shia worship practice.
Mafatih al-Jinan by Shaykh Abbas al-Qummi is the primary source for a'mal and contains detailed guidelines for: daily a'mal (morning and evening), weekly a'mal (specific actions for each day of the week), monthly a'mal (for each Islamic month), and a'mal for special occasions (Laylat al-Qadr, Eid, Mab'ath, Nisf Sha'ban, etc.).
Typical a'mal include: ghusl, fasting, specific prayers (salawat), recitation of particular surahs or du'as, ziyarat, sadaqah (charity), and dhikr. For example, a'mal for Thursday evening include: ghusl, two rak'ah prayer, recitation of Du'a Kumayl, and salawat. A'mal for the 15th of Sha'ban include: ghusl, fasting, specific prayers, Ziyarat al-Jami'ah, and celebration of Imam al-Mahdi's birthday.
Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said: "Allah has special moments of mercy (nafahat) throughout the year — expose yourselves to them" (Al-Kafi, vol. 2). A'mal is the practical way to take advantage of these moments of mercy. For Shia Muslims, the a'mal calendar is a rich spiritual guide that ensures every day, week, and month has its unique worship character. Shia communities follow the a'mal calendar and arrange communal programs on the most important days.
Related terms
Dhul-Hijjah (The Month of Pilgrimage)
The twelfth and last month of the Islamic calendar, in which Hajj and Eid al-Adha take place.
Ziyarah (Visitation Prayer)
Visitation and greeting to the Prophet, the Imams, and holy persons at their graves.
Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Decree)
The most sacred night in Islam, when the Quran was revealed.
Jam' bayn al-Salatayn (Combining Prayers)
The Shia practice of praying Dhuhr and Asr together, and Maghrib and Isha together.
Qabd (Folding the Arms in Prayer)
The practice of folding the arms over the chest or below the navel during the standing position in prayer.
Salat al-Istikhara (Guidance Prayer)
A prayer where one asks Allah for guidance to make the right decision.