Imam is an Islamic leadership position. For Sunni Muslims, Imam is most commonly used as the title of a prayer leader of a mosque. In this context, imams may lead Islamic prayers, serve as community leaders, and provide religious guidance. Thus for Sunnis, anyone can study the basic Islamic sciences and become an Imam.
Mughal Imams in discourse
Prayer in Cairo, painting by Jean-Léon Gérôme, 1865
An Imam reads verses from the Quran after Isha' (night prayers) in the Mughal Empire
Discourse between Islamic Imams in the Mughal Empire
Salah, is the principal form of worship in Islam. Facing Mecca, it consists of units called rak'a, during which the Quran is recited, and prayers from the Sunnah are typically said. The number of rak'a varies from prayer to prayer. Minor details of performing salah may differ according to the madhhab of the person performing it.
The prayer room in Khonakhan Mosque, Uzbekistan
Various prescribed movements in salah, which collectively constitute a rak'ah. From left to right: rukū', qiyām/i'tidal, sujūd, takbīr and qu'ūd/julūs.
Women performing the Friday prayer at a mosque, Ohio, US
A Sunni Muslim (left) and Shia Muslim (right) performing the Friday prayer in Tehran. Some Sunnis perform salah with the hands clasped ("qabd"), while Shia offer salah with their hands at their sides ("sadl").
