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
Muezzin (Caller to Prayer)
The person who calls to prayer by reciting the adhan.
Qibla (Prayer Direction)
The direction toward the Kaaba in Mecca, which Muslims face during prayer.
Jumu'ah (Friday Prayer)
The weekly congregational prayer on Friday, which replaces Dhuhr.
Arba'een (The 40th Day)
The 40th day after Imam Husayn's martyrdom, marked by the world's largest pilgrimage.
Salat al-Istisqa (Rain Prayer)
A special congregational prayer performed to ask Allah for rain during drought.
Asr (Afternoon Prayer)
The third daily prayer, performed in the afternoon.