Imam

In this context, imams may lead Islamic prayers, serve as community leaders, and provide religious guidance.

Shias consider the term to be only applicable to the members and descendants of the Ahl al-Bayt, the family of the Islamic prophet Muhammad.

It is especially used for a jurist (faqīh) and often for the founders of the four Sunni madhhabs or schools of jurisprudence (fiqh), as well as an authority on Quranic exegesis (tafsīr), such as Al-Tabari or Ibn Kathir.

[2] Imams are appointed by the state to work at mosques and they are required to be graduates of an İmam Hatip high school or have a university degree in theology.

Twelver and Ismaili Shi'a believe that these imams are chosen by God to be perfect examples for the faithful and to lead all humanity in all aspects of life.

[38] In the Zaidi Shiite sect, imams were secular as well as spiritual leaders who held power in Yemen for more than a thousand years.

Saudi leaders were also referred to as "Imams", until that term was retired by Ibn Saud to be replaced by "king".

Several Iranian places and institutions are named "Imam Khomeini", including a city, an international airport, a hospital, and a university.