An
imam (;
, plural:
; ) is an
Islamic leadership position. It is most commonly in the context of a worship leader of a
mosque and
Muslim community by
Sunni Muslims. In this context, imams may lead Islamic worship services, serve as community leaders, and provide religious guidance. For
Shi'a Muslims, the imam has a more central meaning and role in Islam through the concept of
Imamah; the term is only applicable to those members of the house of the prophet
ahl al-Bayt, designated as
infallibles.