Imam
/ɪˈmɑːm/noun
A Muslim prayer leader, especially the leader of a mosque or the head of a Muslim community.
Did you know?In Arabic, imam is connected with the idea of being “in front,” which also underlies the religious concept of the imam as a guide or exemplar.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
Proto-Semitic
ʾ-m-m
“A root associated with going toward, facing, or being in front”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
ʾamma
“To go toward, lead, or head for a destination”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
imām
“A leader, guide, or person positioned in front”
8th–10th Century
Arabic
imām
“A leader of congregational prayer and, in some contexts, a religious or political authority”
14th Century
English
imam
“A Muslim religious leader or prayer leader”
Modern English
English
imam
“A Muslim who leads prayers, commonly the leader of a mosque”