Roles & Significance of Islamic Leaders in Mosques (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note

The Imam

• Imam in Arabic means “stand in front of”

• In the mosque, an Imam is a Muslim religious figure who stands in front of worshippers to lead the communal prayer

  • The Imam is also a leader in the local community

• The role of the Imam is wide-ranging and includes:

  • Leading daily prayer

  • Preaching the sermon at the Jum’ah (Friday) prayer

  • Teaching people about the Qur’an and the true meaning of Islam

  • Interpreting the Qur’an and giving spiritual advice to Muslims

  • Officiating at weddings and funerals

  • Visiting the sick

  • Organising and leading community events, such as youth groups

• In Shi’a Islam, the title is given to a line of descendants of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) 

  • There are 12 descendants who are believed to be inspired human beings.

The mu’ezzin

• The mu’ezzin is the official who proclaims the call to prayer (adhan) daily and to the Jum’ah Friday public worship services

• The mu’ezzin will use set words for the adhan

  • Translated into English, it contains the following phrases, some of which are repeated several times:

    • Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest

    • I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah

    • I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah

    • Hurry to the prayer

    • Hurry to salvation

• The mu’ezzin is a servant of the mosque and is chosen for the honour of saying these words because of:

  • His good character as a Muslim

His quality of voice and ability to recite the words of the adhan clearly