The Role of the Imam in a Sunni Mosque
The Arabic word imam means 'in the front.' This describes the main purpose of the imam in a Sunni mosque. The imam is the man [all imams are male] who stands in front of the lines of worshippers, leading them in the recital of the set prayers, or salah.

An imam has no special training, and he is not ordained as a holy man or priest. There are no priests in Islam, all Muslims being regarded as equal in the sight of Allah. Basically, an imam is an educated man who is chosen by the congregation because he is regarded as a good Muslim and because of his knowledge of Islam and the Qur'an.

Apart from leading the prayers, imams often take on other tasks, as the religious leaders of the local Muslim communities. They often act as the khatib, the person who preaches the Friday sermon [the khutbah ]. They will teach about Islam to people of all ages, but particularly to the children who need to learn to read the Qur'an in the original Arabic.

Imams sometimes perform religious ceremonies, and they will give people religious advice. Some imams also visit Muslims who are in prison. In small mosques the imam may take on these religious responsibilities as well as another job, such as the caretaker of the mosque; in big mosques the imam is usually employed full time.

The following interview with Imam Abdul Jalid Sajid, the Imam and Director of the Brighton Islamic centre and Mosque, gives an insight into his work:
Imam, could you tell us about your upbringing?

I was born and grew up in rural Pakistan...My family wanted me to enter government administration so I went to a school where both religious and secular traditions were taught. I then studied Arabic, including Islam studies, at Punjab University. From there I went to Dacca University to study both Journalism and Political Science. I became a journalist and also taught Political Studies at a Christian College. In 1974 I was appointed as a full-time lecturer in Political Studies at Punjab University. It was from there that I came to Britain to do a doctorate.

From this background how did you become an imam?

I had no intention of becoming an imam. Having the qualifications, I was often asked to give sermons at the Friday prayers wherever I happened to be. When I came to Britain in 1976 to study at the LSE, I joined the Islamic Society and discovered that there was no one qualified to give the khutbah [the formal Arabic sermon]. So I gave it every Friday. While doing my studies I also edited a Muslim newsletter and taught children, again because there was no one else. In 1977, at the request of the Brighton Student Group, I started to travel to Brighton every Friday to lead the prayer and give the sermon. All of this was on a voluntary basis. Then, in 1980, two years after my wife joined me, I was appointed as the full-time Imam and Director here and gave up the idea of a lectureship. There was a great need in Brighton and I felt that God was calling me to do this work.

Apart from leading the Friday prayers, what do you do as an imam?

A tremendous amount! Amongst other things, I organise many activities: educational and religious programmes at the mosque, financial and building projects, an Islamic school for children each evening and midweek classes for other groups. I visit many schools in the area, and speak to many non-Muslim groups. I am also the authorised Muslim prison and hospital chaplain for Sussex.

What is your aim as an imam in a non-Muslim society?

Muslims are a part of British society, which has to realise that it is a multi-faith and multi-cultural society. We must play a full part in this society, always displaying sensitivity, mutual respect and tolerance. Therefore, apart from helping my own community become better Muslims, I see my role as making Islam understood better among non-Muslims, and helping Muslims understand better other religions and ideas. I have spoken in churches and synagogues in the area and this has been reciprocated.

Taken from RE Today, Spring 1988, p.9