Roles & Significance of Islamic Leaders in Mosques (Cambridge International IGCSE Religious Studies)

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.

Exam Hint The Imamate is a Shi’a Muslim belief that all Imams should be spiritual descendants of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). In the context of describing the role of the Imam in the operation of the mosque, you don’t need to describe the history of this belief. However, you will need to study it later in your revision. See the section The Development of Islam for more detail.

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

Worked Example State two roles of an Imam in a mosque

[2 marks]

Final answer: Answer:

One role is to lead the daily prayer [1 mark]

Another role is to preach the sermon at Jum’ah prayer [1 mark]