Imam

Imam (Arabic, “leader”) term used in Islam to denote a religious leader. In the Sunnite branch of Islam any devout Muslim may perform the services of imam in leading public worship. In the Shi'te branch the imam is a caliph, or ruler, and must be appointed by God in the line of descent from Muhammad. The term is also applied by some Muslims to any religious teacher or scholar.

See also: Islam.