As we approach the end of the Islamic year 1447, it’s a good time to review the past year. I suggest a small subject, ‘your relationship with the Imam’. This might have been the person who called the Azan in your ears at birth, who blessed you with a beautiful name on the seventh day, when you were five years old, who started your journey of the Quran. Perhaps he did your Nikkah, married you to your sweetheart. He will possibly lead your parents’ or relatives’ funeral prayer. So, he’s responsible for great milestones of your life: hatch, patch and dispatch.
Lessons from fifty years of service
I have been an Imam since I was 15 years old, a voluntary one, back in the seventies, when there were only a handful of Imams. As a serious student of the Quran, I relished the privilege of leading the prayers, an opportunity to gather to worship, make a commitment and devotion to our Lord. Since 1990, when I founded the Karimia Masjid in Nottingham, I have worked with two dozen competent Imams, whom I employed. A rollercoaster for my own development and theirs.
I have developed leadership training programs, supervising and monitoring others, running the Quran school effectively and engaging with the congregation. Over these years, I have learnt that there are three types of people: a few who really care about Imams, adore them, support them; a majority who are respectful towards them but have no personal contact, they listen to their sermons and sometimes praise and other times criticise them; then a third group who are negative and dismissive of their Imam. Which one are you?
What is the role of a good Imam?
The greatest Imam ever was our beloved master, the leader of humanity, Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Imam is not merely a prayer leader, but someone responsible for helping us with our journey towards Allah. The Majestic Quran says, “The Day We call the communities along with their leaders, some will be given their book in the right hand and will happily read it; they will not be treated unjustly in the least” (Al-Isra:71). The leader here is interpreted as the Imam, the spiritual guide. On judgment day, Allah may ask you regarding your relationship with your prayer leader.
How have I treated my Imam?
I think you need to have high expectations of your Imam: a man of character, trustworthy, honest and truthful. He has our best interests at heart and wants to bring us closer to our lord. However, we must recognise that the Imam is a human being who will not always live up to that high standard and will make mistakes. When he does make a mistake, we must be willing to forgive him and let him off the hook, and not make a mountain out of a mole hill.
A lot of the time, Imams feel that their work is not being valued by the members of the mosque and the committees who are responsible for paying their salary. I believe in high standards all around; however, it is easy to expect them, but are we prepared to support them? I know many Imams are barely paid the minimum wage, yet expected to serve us 24/7. Many people think: “The Imam should do more”. Few ask: “What can I do to help the Imam succeed?”
What attitudes should you develop?
Most people only notice an Imam when there is a problem. They forget that he teaches their children, comforts the bereaved, resolves disputes, visits the sick, prepares sermons, counsels families, and leads worship. So, be grateful. Ask: How often have I thanked my Imam for serving my family and community? Many congregants are quick to criticise but slow to appreciate. Do you judge an Imam by one mistake, or by years of service? A Masjid belongs to the whole community. The Imam is not merely an employee but the custodian of sacred knowledge and a successor to the prophetic mission. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The scholars are the heirs of the Prophets.” Do you respect him?
Conclusion
An Imam is neither a saint nor a hired religious functionary; he’s not the priest. He is a fellow traveller on the journey to Allah, entrusted with guiding the community. The health of a Masjid depends not only on the quality of its Imam but also on the quality of its congregation.
Communities receive the Imams they support, encourage, and pray for. If we want better Imams, we must first become better congregants. As the year comes to an end, take a moment to think about your Imam. Have you been a source of encouragement or discouragement? Have you helped him carry the burden of serving the community, or added to it? On the Day of Judgement, when communities are called with their leaders, what story will your Imam tell about you? Be ever ready to support the Imam.
Please let me know what you think of your Imam. How do you support him? What else would you like him to do for your community? What can you do for his Continuous Professional Development?
