Imam (Prayer Leader)
The person who leads the congregational prayer at the mosque.
Imam (Arabic: إمام) means "leader" or "role model" and in the context of prayer refers to the person who leads the congregational prayer (salah) at the mosque. The imam stands at the front and the worshippers follow his movements.
Any adult Muslim with sufficient knowledge of the prayer and the Quran can serve as imam. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "The one who has the most knowledge of Allah's Book should lead the prayer. If they are equal in this, then the one who has the most knowledge of the sunnah."
In many mosques, the imam is a full-time employed religious leader who also teaches, counsels and delivers sermons (khutbah). Imams play an important role in the Muslim community as religious guides and bridge-builders.
Related terms
Witr (Odd-Numbered Prayer)
A strongly recommended prayer with an odd number of rak'ah, prayed after Isha.
Hujjah (Proof/Divine Authority)
Allah's proof over humanity — a title for the Prophet and the twelve Imams.
Ziyarat al-Jami'ah al-Kabirah
A comprehensive visitation prayer to all twelve Imams, taught by Imam Ali al-Hadi.
Ziyarah (Visitation Prayer)
Visitation and greeting to the Prophet, the Imams, and holy persons at their graves.
Ziyarat Ashura (Ashura Visitation Prayer)
A powerful visitation prayer to Imam Husayn, recited daily by many Shia Muslims.
Eid al-Ghadir (The Ghadir Festival)
Shia festival commemorating the Prophet's appointment of Imam Ali as his successor.