Glossary Term - Imam

Glossary Term - Imam

An imam is a prayer leader, and can also refer to a community leader, especially one connected to the Prophet’s family. Al-Nuwayri goes into depth discussing imams and their needed qualifications, one of which being Quraysh blood. Additionally, he states, “As for the condition of being knowledgeable about the rules of prayer, alms giving, holy war, judgement, God’s law, and the estates with which the imams are entrusted, it is not possible for the imam to give these matters their due unless he is learned.” Throughout Islamic history and into modern day, imams serve as community leaders. For modern Sunni Muslims, anyone can study to become an Imam and lead prayer, although for Shia Muslims, imams are infallible leaders that must be descended from the Prophet. Although the details aren’t always consistent, imams are consistently important figures of authority in Muslim communities. Like many items in this exhibit, this term is connected to the culture of scholarship with Islam, and is especially connected to the Madrasa as Madrasas are the sights that would educate imams in some communities.

Berkey. Al-Nuwayri.

Arabic