Islam:The role and function of an Imam in a Sunni Mosque Essay

The role and function of an Imam in a Sunni Mosque The word Imam is an Arabic word which means 'Upfront'. As with many ancient words relating with faith the word carries a great deal of meaning and, depending of usage in text as well as speech, can take on numerous different meanings. In Sunni Islam the term Imam is used principally as a title and has minimal importance in theology. The congregational prayer performed in Mosque is lead by the Imam who stands in front of the lines of worship leading them in recital of prayer. The meaning of the word Imam is related to this role. In the standard interpretation being Imam is not a profession nor is it a qualification. The Imam is only Imam as long as he is leading prayer. He is not ordained as a holy man and should treated like any other member of the Muslim community. There are no priests or monks in Islam, all Muslims are regarded as equal. Any respected Muslim who is normally well-trained in leading prayer, As Salat, can be an imam. In general, it is the person with the most knowledge of Islam, pious, has the ability to recite the Qur?an properly and is the most respected and learned person in the assembly who is offered the honour of being Imam. Some Imams are specially trained at Islamic colleges called Dar-al-uloom, where students follow a seven year course in Arabic and Islamic Studies. Often the imam will have an advanced education, and will be very knowledgeable about Sharia , the Islamic law set down in the Qur?an and further writings. This helps the imam who works in a pastoral capacity to counsel members of the mosque. The congregation, in mosque prayer, must follow... ...mam is only human and no different than any other member of the congregation. Many people are misinterpreted about the role and function of the Imam, they believe that his job is primarily to carry out the task of leading the congregation to prayer which is a very significant and important task yet the Imam does much more The Imam is often relied on by the community for advice and guidance when needed. However of course the Imam doesn?t have all of the answers which is why he often refers to The Qur?an, The Hadith or The Sunnah. An Imam is not just a village hafiz , they have to deal with immigration and visa problems, marriage problems, all sorts of counselling and reconciliation, visiting of hospitals and prisons, education , organise social programmes, dawah programmes and much more. He is thought of as a pillar of the community Islam:The role and function of an Imam in a Sunni Mosque Essay The role and function of an Imam in a Sunni Mosque The word Imam is an Arabic word which means 'Upfront'. As with many ancient words relating with faith the word carries a great deal of meaning and, depending of usage in text as well as speech, can take on numerous different meanings. In Sunni Islam the term Imam is used principally as a title and has minimal importance in theology. The congregational prayer performed in Mosque is lead by the Imam who stands in front of the lines of worship leading them in recital of prayer. The meaning of the word Imam is related to this role. In the standard interpretation being Imam is not a profession nor is it a qualification. The Imam is only Imam as long as he is leading prayer. He is not ordained as a holy man and should treated like any other member of the Muslim community. There are no priests or monks in Islam, all Muslims are regarded as equal. Any respected Muslim who is normally well-trained in leading prayer, As Salat, can be an imam. In general, it is the person with the most knowledge of Islam, pious, has the ability to recite the Qur?an properly and is the most respected and learned person in the assembly who is offered the honour of being Imam. Some Imams are specially trained at Islamic colleges called Dar-al-uloom, where students follow a seven year course in Arabic and Islamic Studies. Often the imam will have an advanced education, and will be very knowledgeable about Sharia , the Islamic law set down in the Qur?an and further writings. This helps the imam who works in a pastoral capacity to counsel members of the mosque. The congregation, in mosque prayer, must follow... ...mam is only human and no different than any other member of the congregation. Many people are misinterpreted about the role and function of the Imam, they believe that his job is primarily to carry out the task of leading the congregation to prayer which is a very significant and important task yet the Imam does much more The Imam is often relied on by the community for advice and guidance when needed. However of course the Imam doesn?t have all of the answers which is why he often refers to The Qur?an, The Hadith or The Sunnah. An Imam is not just a village hafiz , they have to deal with immigration and visa problems, marriage problems, all sorts of counselling and reconciliation, visiting of hospitals and prisons, education , organise social programmes, dawah programmes and much more. He is thought of as a pillar of the community