A'mal (Acts of Worship)

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.