imam

also I·mam (ĭ-mämˈ)

1. a. In law and theology, the caliph who is successor to Muhammad as the lawful temporal leader of the Islamic community.
   b. The male prayer leader in a mosque.
   c. The Muslim worshiper who leads the recitation of prayer when two or more worshipers are present.
2. a. A male spiritual and temporal leader regarded by Shiites as a descendant of Muhammad divinely appointed to guide humans.
   b. An earthly representative of the 12 such leaders recognized by the majority form of Shiism.
3. A ruler claiming descent from Muhammad and exercising authority in an Islamic state.
4. a. Any one of the founders of the four schools of law and theology.
   b. An authoritative scholar who founds a school of law or theology.
5. Used as a title for an imam.