(Islam) the man who leads prayers in a mosque; for Shiites an imam is a recognized authority on Islamic theology and law and a spiritual guide
"After years of studying under his renowned teacher, the young scholar was finally appointed as the new imam to lead daily prayers at the local mosque."
One who leads the salat prayers in a mosque.
"The local imam led the congregation through the morning prayer inside the quiet mosque."
A surname, from Arabic.
"Many people mistakenly think that Imam is a religious title, but it is actually just a common surname found in communities across the region."