Conflict and Control: The Struggle for Imam Selection in Community Mosques

By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 20 August 2024 Empowering Local Voices: The Right of Muslim Communities to Self-Determine Their Spiritual Leadership Main Points: 1. The selection of an imam in Muslim communities is often influenced by external entities, leading to a disconnect between the mosque's leadership and its congregation. 2. A disconnect between the imam and the local populace can lead to disillusionment and disengagement from religious practices. 3. The local population has the right to elect representatives to address social concerns and oversee education. 4. The local Muslim community has the right to decide what matters for their mosque by electing an Imam from among themselves, provided that they agree on that. 5. Advocates for a more democratic approach in the selection process to ensure that mosques remain vibrant centres of faith and unity, fostering authentic leadership that nurtures both individual and collective spiritual growth. ------- In many Muslim communities, the selection of an imam—a figure traditionally seen as a spiritual leader who leads the prayer in a mosque—has become a contentious issue, often overshadowed by external influences. A poignant example can be found in various mosques where funding organizations exert significant control over this critical appointment, side-lining local voices and preferences. This dynamic not only undermines the community's autonomy but also raises questions about the authenticity of religious leadership. The imposition of externally chosen imams can lead to a disconnect between the mosque’s leadership and its congregation, fostering resentment and division. Therefore, it is imperative to advocate for a more democratic approach to the selection of imams, one that prioritizes local input and reflects the true spirit of communal worship. The influence of funding organizations on the selection of imams has far-reaching implications for community cohesion and spiritual integrity. In many instances, these organizations prioritize their own agendas over the needs and preferences of local congregants. For example, a study published in the *Journal of Islamic Studies* highlights that when external entities control mosque funding, they often impose leaders who align with their ideological perspectives rather than those who resonate with the community's values (Smith, 2020). This practice not only alienates local worshippers but also risks creating an environment where the imam serves more as a mouthpiece for external interests than as a genuine spiritual guide. Critics may argue that funding organizations bring expertise and resources that can enhance the mosque’s operations and outreach. While it is true that financial support can be beneficial, this should not come at the cost of local representation. The essence of Islamic leadership lies in its connection to the community; an imam must understand the cultural and social nuances of the congregation to provide meaningful guidance. A disconnect between the imam and the local populace can lead to disillusionment and disengagement from religious practices, as evidenced by surveys indicating that communities with externally appointed imams report lower levels of participation in mosque activities (Al-Farsi, 2019). Moreover, the argument that external funding is necessary for the survival of mosques fails to recognize the potential for grassroots fundraising and community support. Many successful mosques thrive on local contributions, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among congregants. By prioritizing local input in the selection of imams, mosques can cultivate leaders who are genuinely invested in the community’s welfare, thereby enhancing both spiritual growth and communal unity. The question is whether it is lawful, from Islamic perspective, for any group or institution to choose the Imam, Khateeb, or mosque custodian in opposition to the congregation and Muqtadis, and if a trust contributes financially to a mosque's construction, it can claim the right to name Imams and Khateebs, even if opposition comes from Muqtadis and local populations. The local population has the right to elect representatives to address social concerns and oversee education. They also have the right to choose the imam, Khateeb, and custodian for the mosque, similar to electing representatives to the government. This is common knowledge among the intelligent people and also the way society works. In any sector of life, someone who is imposed by a small group of individuals is not considered to be a representative of the community. Such a person has been disapproved of in Shariah. According to the holy hadith: It was narrated from Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to say that Allah does not accept the prayers of three people: one who becomes the imam of people who dislike him, and the other one who come to pray after the time of prayer has passed, the third one who enslaves a free man or woman. [Abu Dawood, Sunan, Book of Prayer, 1/162, No.: 593] The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is reported to have said: The prayer of three people does not go beyond their ears, a runaway slave until he returns, a woman who spends the night in such a state that her husband is angry with her, and the imam of the people whom people dislike. [Al-Tirmidhi, Sunan, Book of Prayer, 2/193, Hadith 360] Islamic Jurists say of such a person: “If the people are angry with an Imam, it is detested that he leads their prayers, either because they believe the Imam is flawed personally or because they are more worthy of leading the prayers. However, if he is more worthy of leading the prayers, then that is fine.” (Ibn Nujaim, Al-Bahr al-Raiq, 1/ 369) The evidence presented above underscores that the local Muslim community has the right and the ability to decide what matters for their mosque by electing an Imam from among themselves, provided that they agree on that. A trust or institution that donates funds to a mosque does so as an endowment; yet, the mosque remains independent of the trust or organisation. As a result, the opinions of the local population will determine who should be appointed as an imam, preacher, and mosque custodian and who shouldn't. n conclusion, the selection of imams in Muslim communities should prioritize local voices over external influences from funding organizations. The imposition of an Imam who does not resonate with the community undermines spiritual integrity and fosters disconnection among congregants. As evidenced by research, when local input is side-lined, participation in mosque activities declines, jeopardizing the very essence of communal worship. It is crucial for communities to reclaim their agency in choosing spiritual leaders who genuinely reflect their values and needs. Therefore, I urge community members, mosque boards, and funding organizations—to advocate for a more democratic approach in the selection process. By doing so, we can ensure that mosques remain vibrant centres of faith and unity, fostering authentic leadership that nurtures both individual and collective spiritual growth. ---- Kaniz Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam. URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-society/conflict-control-imam-selection-mosques/d/132992 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism