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In plain terms
Imam
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An imam is the person who leads a congregational prayer, standing at the front with worshippers following his movements. The word is also used more broadly for a community's religious leader, or a major early scholar. The two uses are related, but distinct.
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Related terms
Jama'ah
Jama'ah means a congregation: a group praying together behind one imam, rather than each person praying alone. Hadith describe praying in jama'ah as a recurring theme in the…
Salah
Salah is the ritual prayer performed by Muslims: a fixed sequence of standing, bowing, and prostration, with set recitation at each stage. Five are obligatory each day, at set…
Khutbah
A khutbah is a sermon, most often the one delivered before the Friday congregational prayer. It typically has two parts, separated by a short sitting. The word is also used for…