A Survey of the Institution of Imamship in Islamic Jurisprudence

Abstract

The word Imam in Islam connotes a number of meanings. It literally connotes a Muslim leader in congregational prayer in the Masjid (Mosque).  Thus, it is beyond a Muslim leader in the mosque that leads or prays for Muslim congregation in the mosque. However, the roles of Imam is beyond leading the prayers in the mosque as stipulated in the Islamic jurisprudence. He plays a lot of vital roles in the development of a society couple with his primary role as the leader in the mosque. This is a reason why there are classifications of Imams in Isalm with their distinct roles and features. Islam expresses the significance of Imam not only to the mosque and Muslims but also to the entire society at large. Besides, Imamship is an institution in the Shariah. It is a course of study in some advanced higher instiitutions so as to enlighten the populace about the institution and its impacts to the development of humanity. Therefore, this work surveys the institution of Imamship in the studies of Islamic education as well as its significant impacts -beyond the mosque administration-to the society. Etymology and types of Imam are also analysed in the study. The work is expository and historical in nature. Both the primary and secondary methods of data collection were used and recommendations from the findings were also put forward to the society on the practices of Imamship in Yorubaland.

Keywords: Imamship, Shariah, Islam, Muslim, Yorubaland and society.