imam

American  

[ih-mahm] / ɪˈmɑm /

Also imaum

noun

Islam.

1. the officiating priest of a mosque.

2. the title for a Muslim religious leader or chief.

3. one of a succession of seven or twelve religious leaders, believed to be divinely inspired, of the Shiʿites.

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imam British  

/ ɪˈmɑːm, ɪˈmɑːm, ɪˈmɔːm /

noun

1. a leader of congregational prayer in a mosque

2. a caliph, as leader of a Muslim community

3. an honorific title applied to eminent doctors of Islam, such as the founders of the orthodox schools

4. any of a succession of either seven or twelve religious leaders of the Shiites, regarded by their followers as divinely inspired

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• imamship
  noun

Etymology

Origin of imam

First recorded in 1605–15, imam is from the Arabic word imām leader, guide

Explanation

An imam is a Muslim religious leader. If you’re curious about a mosque, go talk to the imam, the person who leads the prayers. For a Sunni Muslim, the imam is a religious leader who provides community service and sometimes counseling. To a Shi'a Muslim, an imam is even more important—he is one of the central religious figures. Shi'a believe that God has chosen the imam to be a "perfect example" to everyone else and that an imam is free from sin. The literal meaning of imam in Arabic is "one who proceeds," from amma, "to go before."

Example Sentences

“We lost three pillars of our community,” the imam, or leader of the mosque, Taha Hassane, said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

Its imam regularly participated in interfaith prayers alongside the pastor of a local Protestant church.

From Barron's • May 19, 2026

She told her the imam would give her advice.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

After 9/11, Enchassi felt a calling to become an imam.

From Slate • Apr. 19, 2026

The imam delivers the weekly Friday sermon, speaks every Sunday, and gives lectures regularly.

From "Amina's Voice" by Hena Khan