Mosque is the house of Allah and a place where Muslims perform Salat (prayer) five times a day. Allah (SWT) says: “And (He revealed) that the mosques are for Allah, so do not invoke with Allah anyone.” (Surah Al-Jinn: 18). According to a Hadith, Mosque is the most beloved place to Allah (SWT). Abu Hurairah (Ra) narrated that The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, ‘The dearest parts on the face of the earth to Allah are its mosques, and the most hated parts to Allah are its markets.’ (Sahih Muslim). Mosques also serve as an educational centre for Muslims. It is a place for spiritual, social, and cultural life, acting as a centre for Muslim community. An Islamic religious leader who leads prayers in a Mosque and serves as a community guide is called Imam.

The word Imam derived from the Arabic root word ‘Amma’ which means to lead or to guide. This word came several times in The Quran. In verse 124 of Surah Baqarah, Allah (SWT) mentioned Ibrahim (AS) as Imam. He (SWT) says: “...I will make thee an Imam to the Nations.” In another Ayah, Allah (SWT) says: “And We appointed, from among them, Imams (leaders) giving guidance according to My command…” (Sura Sajdah: 24). In verse 71 of Surah Israa, Allah (SWT) says: “Beware of the day We will call every people with their Imams (leaders)...”

Imam literally refers to a person who stands in front and leads the people. According to Islamic terminology, an individual who leads the congregational prayers five times in a mosque, providing both spiritual and practical guidance and Instruction to the Muslim community is called Imam.

Imams’ role in Islamic society is very much significant. They play as a counsellor in society, providing religious support throughout a person’s life, from before birth to after death. As the Messenger of Allah himself was an Imam, he used to lead the prayers and He (PBUH) established the status of Imam. The Messenger of Allah mentioned Imam as a Damin (guarantor/responsible) due to the weighty responsibilities associated with his respective roles in leading the congregational prayers. An Imam works as a guarantor because he takes on the responsibility for the correctness and completeness of the prayer for all those praying behind him. He recites Surah Al-Fatihah and other Surahs and his recitation is considered sufficient for those praying behind him and he ensures all the essential elements, conditions, and corrects the number of Raka’ts (units of prayer). Abu Hurayrah (Ra) narrated that The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, The Imam is Damin (guarantor/responsible) and the Mu'adhdhin (Who calls Adhan) is trusted, O Allah, guide the Imams and forgive the Mu'adhdhins. (Abu Dawood: 517). If a Muqtadi (who is following Imam in congregational prayer) makes a mistake in an obligatory (Wajib) act in prayer, that mistake does not affect the Imam or the rest of the congregation. Muqtadee (who is performing prayer behind an Imam and following Imam in the prayer) should not perform the Sajdah Sahu (prostration of forgetfulness), and the Imam should not perform it on his behalf. On the other hand, if Imam makes a mistake, he should perform the Sajdah Sahu (prostration of forgetfulness) and the person following Imam in prayer must also perform the Sajdah Sahu with the Imam, even if the Muqtadi did not commit any error. Therefore, The Messenger of Allah mentioned Imam as Damin or guarantor. According to another Hadith, The Messenger of Allah mentioned Imams as a shield. Abu Hurayrah (Ra) narrated that The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, Imam of Muslims is a shield for them... (Sunan Abu Dawood: 2757).

The Messenger of Allah ordered Muslims to follow Imam in every step of the prayers. It is the core principle of Islam that it is obligatory upon every Muqdadee (who performs prayer behind an Imam and follows him) to follow Imam in every step of the Salat (prayer). If a Muslim does not follow the Imam in congregational prayer, his prayer in invalid. Abu Hurayra (Ra) narrated that The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “The imam is appointed only to be followed, so when he says the takbir, say it also; and when he recites, listen silently.” (Abu Dawud: 604).

A Hadith says that Imam will stand on a hill of musk with a great honour. Abdullah Ibn Umar (Ra) reported that The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Three will be on mounds of musk on the day of resurrection: a slave who fulfils Allah’s right and the right of his patron (master), a man who leads people in prayer to their satisfaction, and a man who calls people to the five times of prayer every day and night.” (Jami Tirmidhi: 1986).

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The writer is Khatib of Baitush Shafiq Mosque and Principal of Baitul Hikmah Academy, Gazipur