Imams, who lead religious rituals in mosques, play a crucial role in Muslim social life. They lead prayers, oversee religious affairs in their communities, teach Islamic principles and Arabic to students, and officiate at ceremonies related to Muslim life, such as marriages (nikāḥ) and funerals. This has been the tradition since the earliest days of Islam.
The fundamental qualities required for an imam are religious knowledge and piety. Islam holds knowledge (ʿilm) and God-consciousness (taqwā) in the highest regard. Piety, in an Islamic sense, means adhering to what Allah has commanded and abstaining from what He has prohibited. Islam encourages all forms of knowledge, butparticularly emphasizes deep religious understanding. The Quran reminds us:
“It is only those who have knowledge among His servants who fear Allah most.” (Quran 35:28)
A well-known prophetic tradition states: “The scholars are the inheritors of the prophets.”
Thus, in addition to the previously mentioned qualities, imams are expected to embody the completeness of Islamic faith. They must possess extensive knowledge of the Quran, Hadith, Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), theology (ʿaqīdah), and spirituality (taṣawwuf).
In contemporary times, many countries have established specialized educational institutions for training imams. One of the most prominent among them is Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt. To become an imam in any mosque in Egypt, completing a degree from Al-Azhar is mandatory. Graduates receive the title Azhari, signifying their scholarly credentials. The curriculum includes Quranic exegesis (tafsīr), Hadith sciences, Quranic recitation, memorization, Arabic grammar, rhetoric, spirituality, and Islamic preaching methods. Once these scholars assume the role of imams, they bear the responsibility of imparting correct Islamic knowledge to the community.
Historically, scholars would travel across different regions to spread Islamic teachings. Yemeni scholars exemplify this tradition, having traveled worldwide to convey the true essence of Islam and contribute to religious scholarship and culture in various regions. In Indian Ocean coastal regions such as South India, Islamic advancements were significantly influenced by Yemeni scholars and Sayyids (descendants of the Prophet ﷺ).
In many Islamic countries, mosques and imams function under the supervision of Awqaf ministries. On significant occasions such as Friday prayers, Eid festivals, and other Islamic events, imams deliver religious sermons to the faithful.
Many Muslim-majority countries also have a position known as the Grand Mufti, who serves as the highest religious authority. The Grand Mufti provides spiritual leadership and issues official religious verdicts (fatāwā). His rulings guide other imams in shaping the religious framework of their communities.
The Role of Imams in Preserving Islamic Teachings
The primary duty of imams is to convey Islam as it was taught by the Prophet ﷺ, without distortion. However, in some cases, when imams deviate from the correct path, their followers may also drift away from authentic Islamic teachings, leading to practices that conflict with the traditional values of the Muslim community.
A notable example is Malcolm X, the African-Americancivil rights leader. Initially, he was a member of the Nation of Islam, a movement led by Elijah Muhammad that promoted a distorted version of Islam. However, after performing Hajj in Mecca, he discovered true Islamic teachings and became an advocate for authentic Islam.
Imams in the Digital Era
In the digital age, many imams use various online platforms to spread Islamic teachings. While this has been beneficial in making religious knowledge more accessible, it also presents challenges. Some individuals, lacking proper Islamic education and Arabic proficiency, misuse social media to propagate incorrect interpretations of the Quran and incite hostility toward other religions.
Thus, both Muslims seeking religious guidance and non-Muslims evaluating Islam should exercise caution in choosing online sources. It is crucial to follow qualified and knowledgeable imams to ensure a proper understanding of Islam.
