Imamah
/ɪˈmɑːmə/noun
The religious and political leadership of the Muslim community, especially the institution of the imam in Shia Islam.
Did you know?In Shia Islam, Imamah refers not only to leadership but to a divinely guided line of Imams descended from Ali and recognized as authoritative interpreters of Islam.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
Proto-Semitic
*ʔ-m-m
“To lead, go before, or stand at the front”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
imām
“A leader or one who stands in front, especially in prayer”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
imāmah
“Leadership, guidance, or the office of an imam”
8th–10th Century
Arabic
al-imāmah
“The institution and authority of religious leadership in developing Islamic theological writing”
19th–20th Century
English
imamah
“The institution of imam-led religious authority, particularly in Shia Islam”