Imâm

Imâm, or IMAM, the officer who in Mohammedan mosques recites the prayers and leads the devotions of the faithful. In Turkey the imâm also performs the ceremonies connected with circuncisions, marriages, and funerals. The prophet Mohammed and his immediate successors bore the title Imâm, because they used personally to conduct the devotions of their followers. Hence the title came to mean head of the faith, and as such is borne by the Sultan of Turkey. For 'the Hidden Imâm,' see ISMAILIS, MAHDI.