Imam in Islam a torch bearer
Imam has a pivotal role in Islam. In Islamic faith and practice, the figure of the imam stands tall as a guiding light, illuminating the path of righteousness and spiritual enlightenment. Derived from Arabic, meaning leadership or guidance.
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| The Imam is delivering a speech in Friday prayer. Image credit to Alena Darmel: www.pexels.com/photo/8164718 |
This succession to the Imam was transferred from the last Messenger, Hazrat Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). As inheritors of this sacred duty, imams are entrusted with preserving the purity of Islamic teachings and guiding Muslims through the challenges of contemporary life.
However, the imam's role extends far beyond the mosque walls. They are not confined to leading prayers or delivering sermons alone. He actively engages with communities, addressing social issues.
These days,the imam acts as a beacon of authentic knowledge. Provides correct interpretations of Islamic texts and guides individuals away from misconceptions and misinterpretations.
Moreover, the imam assumes a vital role in preserving and transmitting the rich Islamic heritage to future generations. Through his teachings and mentorship, he cultivates love for the Quran, the Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad), and the scholarly works of the Islamic tradition.
This article will explore the multifaceted dimensions of the imam's role as torchbearer. Will also discuss the responsibilities, his impact on Muslim individuals and communities. The qualities that define an exemplary imam.
Imam in Islam a torch bearer. There are many religions worldwide, like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Confucianism, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity, ISLAM, Neopaganism, Raëlism, Serer, Shinto, Baha'i and Zoroastrianism as per Wikipedia.
The "Imam in Islam a torch bearer" even though all of these religions have varied doctrines, levels of faith in Allah, moral codes, and modes of preaching and prayer. Around 85% of people on the planet identify as religious.
What is Religion?
The Latin word religio is where the word "religion" in English first appeared. It is defined as a "tie up" or "dread" of God. Most religions hold that God should be worshiped.Islam as a religion
Statistics indicate that there are between 1.3 billion and 1.6 billion Muslims worldwide, making Islam the second-largest religion in the world. In the seventh century, Saudi Arabia where Islam first emerged. It continues to be the world's predominant religion.
Sunni or Shia Muslims make up the majority. There are also some smaller sub-groups inside it. There are 2.6 million American Muslims, according to research by the Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies. (Thanks to compellingtruth .org)
Islam is significant
world religion that was introduced by the Prophet MUHAMMAD(PBUH). Islam means "surrendering to Allah" in Arabic. It illuminates Islam's core religious principle. Muslims are those who follow Islam. It is believed that Allah alone is the world's creator, sustainer, and restorer. (Thanks to britannics.com).
Imam in religion Islam
The only religion that still exists in its original shape today is Islam. There have been 1444 years since the publication of the holy book, and the words of the holy prophet MUHAMMAD (PBUH) have not changed. We shall be successful in this life and the hereafter if we fervently follow the precepts established by the founder of this faith.
The Holy Prophet encouraged his followers to choose an AMEER, LEADER, GUIDE, or IMAM and follow his instructions when traveling in groups.
Therefore, the appointment of IMAM is essential in all areas of life. The nomination of an Imam who would conduct the mosque's prayers should be given special consideration since "Imam in Islam a torch bearer ."
Status of Imam
The Imam in the community is an honourable, respected member. One who leads Salah. In Islam, Imam has a pivotal role as Bishop, Father, Preacher, Pastor, Priest, Clergyman, Pandit, Lama and Rebbe in other religions.As per a well-known dictionary, "the prayer leader of a masjid is called Imam."
According to Wikipedia The IMAM is a position of authority in Islam. Imam is most frequently used to refer to a masjid's worship leader among Sunni Muslims. Imams may conduct Islamic prayer sessions, act as spiritual leaders, and give religious instruction in this context.
Because "imam in Islam a torch bearer" anybody who has received the necessary theological education can become one, according to Sunnis. The Imams are the only truly infallible leaders of the Islamic society after the Prophet, according to the majority of Shia Muslims.
Shias believe that the name solely applies to the members and ancestors of the Ahl al-Bayt, the Islamic prophet MUHAMMAD's (PBUH) family. Twelver Shiaism recognises 14 infallible, 12 of
whom are Imams, with Imam Mahdi serving as
the final one and will return at the end of times. Thanks to
Wikipedia.
A
candidate for IMAM is chosen by the
community if they are thought to be knowledgeable, pious, honest,
reliable, and wise. The Imam should be able to correctly and beautifully recite
the Quran and should know and understand it. Thanks to
learnreligions.com.
The Holy Prophet said "There will be three persons on the mounds of musk, one (amongst those) will be the one who would have been the IMAM of a tribe and those (i.e. the people of the tribe) would have been pleased with him. (Tirmizi, vol. 3, pp. 397, Hadees 1993)
It is narrated that an IMAM will get a reward equivalent to the reward of all those following him in Salah. (Nasa’i, pp. 112, Hadees 643)" An IMAM candidate is chosen by the community if they believe them to be capable, have religious qualifications,honest, trustworthy, and intelligent. The Imam must be familiar with the Quran, understand it, and be able to recite it elegantly and correctly. (Thanks to dawateislami.net)
In the Islamic world a century ago respect, honour, status and role of IMAM and
TEACHER were at the peak in every society. Everyone young and old never
dares to talk loud before them. Always obeys their teachings and orders.
How have we lost the glory of Islam?
The selfish and unwarranted intervention of the imperialist powers in disguise of traders overpowered the Islamic world. Their first attempt was character assassination and destroying the economic strength of the Muslim nation. They attacked religious and educational institutions by snatching their sources of income.
They were forced to comply with the imposed syllabus. To humiliate, disgrace and de-seat these two prominent figures, they imposed a new command system, comprising their loyal, ignorant and illiterate persons.
Unfortunately in imitation of outsider masters, we also started humiliating and
degrading the IMAM and Teacher. So a result in the shape of backwardness of the
Islamic world in every field of life is before us.
Infiltrators inculcated the
germs of hate in the minds of Muslims against the IMAM, Teachers and religious
leaders. We are following them till today.
Why do we
blame only 'Imam Masjid'
Now just peep slightly into the role of present IMAM or MOLANA. On short
summer nights, when the call to prayer is made at 3:15 in the morning, have you
ever wondered who gave the call to prayer?
On the chilly nights when all other
humans are wrapped in blankets, Allah-o- Akbar's voice resounds daily and at a certain time every day. Ever wonder who is this who has just
woken up? And he has come to offer prayers. Who gives this adhan five times a
day at the appointed time?
Never two minutes late. Wearing clean clothes five times a day, the person with
accurate timing like the alarm of a clock goes ahead and picks up the place of
the masjid 'Mehraab' and leads the prayers.
There is no point in being late for
two or five minutes in every department of the world. If the imam of a mosque
is late for a few seconds, then the worshipers become restless and turn
themselves towards the main gate.
Performing adhan and prayers on time. Cleaning of the mosque. Arrangement of
the mosque which hundreds of people visit five times a day but still clean
every time. Saffs (Rows) are correct.
And who does all the cleaning and
management of the mosque? Have you ever wondered how it all happens so quietly, easily, and in orderly?
If 300 people have to come to our wedding, how many days in advance does the
arrangement start? How many days after the wedding do you have to wrap up?
Hundreds of people visit the mosque five times a day.
How does it happen? What is this? No noise, no fuss and no showiness. If the prayer is late, the IMAM is late, the call to prayer is delayed, and the door of the mosque is open late in Fajr, then what kind of talk do we give to this helpless IMAM or the Muazzin and they cheerfully and quietly continue to serve. No anger, no strike and no sit-down protest.
A person
who has no value/respect at home, his wife, and his children do not obey or value him.
He also sometimes complains about the IMAM and sometimes complains about the
muezzin to the trustees or masjid committee.
Lacking knowledge and awareness,
uneducated, unsophisticated and Ignorant
trustees oppose the IMAM and muezzin
without listening to them.
And then one day, as a reward for telling the
truth, sometimes entering the mosque or on a
highway, they are killed with bullets. Their
families are immediately ordered to vacate the
residence provided by the masjid
administration. The new IMAM is engaged in
the same service without any delay.
What do you think? Do these people
never get sick? Do their children not get sick?
Performing prayers with full devotion,
concentration and attention in every prayer
with a smile and happiness.And how carefully
we pray for ourselves. We all know this very well.
where stands our attention. Is it easy for
people to smile in response to those who are
constantly praying for their marriages and
funerals?
Ever wondered how people behave
and ask meaningless questions to the imam?
Despite all this, they are blamed by the media
and liberals for their misbehaviour and they
are considered an obstacle to the
development of the nation.
Their stipend is less
than that of every section of society and their work is more than every member of society. Not a month, not a year, not a lifetime holiday. On Fridays, their responsibilities increase and work increases. Everybody has a holiday on the day of Eid and they offer six prayers instead of five. Whoever stands up again for Zuhr's prayers.
Then all of us should bow our heads before
them with politeness and devotion and never
raise our voices in front of them.
But what is happening is in front of us. By
Allah, Muslims! Do some justice to your
scholars, Teachers, do some justice to your
IMAM and your muezzin and the servant of
your mosque. It is my ample wish that my
words should touch your hearts. The only
desire is to write a few words so that if one
goes on the wrong path if he does not stop.
He will surely fall into thoughts.
Some advice for Imam
Imam Sahib, a few words for you. If you abide by these principles you will never be humiliated or disgraced. You are a TORCH BEARER. You are the inheritor and Successor of Member-e-Rasool. You don't deserve humiliation. Recognize your status and keep it up:
a. Always keep yourself clean and pure inwardly and outwardly.
b. Must follow the Golden lifestyle of the Holy Prophet and wear Immama
Shareef.
c. Must have an attitude of kindness, gentleness and affection.
d. Keep in coordination with trustees or the masjid committee.
e. Avoid unnecessary leaves. In case of leave, arrange for IMAM.
f. Keep an eye on the performance, behaviour and acts of Khadim and muezzin.
f. Must obey the rules/regulations imparted by the government.
g. Acts and habits below standard and against etiquette, like smoking,
eating, talking, and sitting should be avoided.
h. Never, Never ask for any loan from everyone.
i. Keep your eyes lowered as much as possible. The evil of unlawful gaze has
widespread in our society. The imam must guard himself against this fatal evil.
j. Do not use social media unnecessarily.
k. Do not indulge in sale purchase matters.
l. Avoid cheating, fraudulent and impermissible activities.
m. Try to avoid foul language, lying and backbiting.
The imam in Islam is indeed a torchbearer, embodying the divine light that guides the hearts and souls of believers. His role extends far beyond leading prayers or conducting religious ceremonies.
The imam is entrusted with the profound responsibility of nurturing spiritual growth, safeguarding the faith.
He can promote justice and unity within the Muslim community. Throughout history, imams have played a vital role in upholding the teachings of Islam, preserving the purity of the faith, and transmitting the rich Islamic heritage to future generations.
Their wisdom, knowledge, and moral character inspire and guide Muslims in navigating the complexities of modern life while remaining true to their religious principles.
The imam serves as a bridge between the sacred and the secular, engaging with their communities. By addressing social issues, and advocating for justice. Their guidance extends beyond the mosque, touching the lives of individuals and communities, providing solace, counsel, and inspiration.
In an era of misinformation, the imam is a beacon of authentic knowledge. He ensures correct interpretations of Islamic texts, disseminates them, and dispels misconceptions.
The Imam encourages critical thinking, intellectual growth, and understanding of Islam. Enabling Muslims to navigate the complexities of the modern world while remaining steadfast in their faith.
As we reflect upon the significance of the imam in Islam. We recognize their invaluable contributions as torch bearers, like illuminating our paths and strengthening our connection with Allah.
Their dedication, leadership, and devotion serve as a source of inspiration for all Muslims. They guide us towards a deeper understanding of our faith and a more fulfilling spiritual journey.
Let us appreciate and support the imams in our communities, recognizing their tireless efforts and the immense responsibility they shoulder.
May we strive to learn from their wisdom, emulate their moral character, and seek their guidance on our quest for spiritual enlightenment. By recognizing and valuing the role of the imam as a torchbearer, we strengthen the fabric of our communities and enhance our collective journey towards spiritual growth and fulfillment in Islam.
CONCLUSION
It is very sad to comment that we are so habitual in cribbing others and advising others to be good. We do not try to change ourselves. If we apply and adopt the aforesaid advice, we could be successful, pious and noble Muslims in this world and the hereafter. Maybe what I am saying touches your heart. For more pieces of information, about lethargy, laziness and frustration
Author: Rab Nawaz
MA, BEd Principal Steps School Rawalpindi
