Wer ist Imam? (Kopie 2)

"Imam" is an Arabic term and means "leader", "administrative authority" or "president". To distinguish between the political and religious role, the term is used differently in the various Islamic cultures.

According to the Islamic belief, prophet Muhammed was the first imam in regard to religious and political leadership. He received the task to perform the prayers by the arch angel Gabriel himself (Ibn Hisham, 1987, 278-282). After the expansion of Islam imams, who knew to recite the Qur'an, were installed in the various administrative areas. From this time we know that the wifes of prophet Muhammed, Salama and Aisha, functioned as imams for the female members of the community and therefore held the prayers.

Until the arrival in power of the Abbaside Caliphate, in the 8th century A.D., the political and religious leadership was represented by the caliph. Under the Abbasides the two positions got seperated and the caliphs ceased to perform the prayers in the mosques. Prior, imams didn't get payed a salary, their work at the mosques and the madrasas was voluntary.

Regardless of the changeful history of Islam the imams maintained their strong influence over the people. Therein lies the explanation for the influence of the imams on politics. The mutual instrumentalisation of politics and imams was always an inherent part of Islamic culture.

 The theological literature of Islam deliver a precise description of what is expected of an imam. The most important are his profound knowledge of the Qur'an, the ability to read the Qur'an in Arabic and strong recitorical qualities as a prayer leader. Moreover, the picture of imams as role models of Islam is being highlighted. Therefore, a life according to Muslim ethics and morals is being expected of them.