Concise Dictionary of Religion | ||
IMAM:
the person who leads WORSHIP in ISLAM. This office must not be confused with that of a PRIEST because anyone of sound mind and good character may lead worship. Among the SHI'A, however, an Imam must be a descendent of MUHAMMAD through his daughter FATIMA, while in India and Pakistan Imams are expected to be great scholars.
Concise Dictionary of Religion | ||