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Today it means

imam

a Muslim leader, especially one who leads prayers in a mosque

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Where does the word "imam" come from? It comes from Arabic imam, and was adopted directly into English (1600s).

Read the full story

Where does the word "imam" come from? It comes from Arabic imam, and was adopted directly into English (1600s).

Imam’s story begins in Arabic: imam meant “a leader, especially in prayer.” Literally leader, one who leads communal prayers in Islam. It reached English by 1600s as imam. Arabic 'one who stands in front'; in Shia Islam, also a divinely guided leader. Today, imam means a Muslim leader, especially one who leads prayers in a mosque.

  1. Stage 1 · Arabic · medieval imam "a leader, especially in prayer", literally leader, one who leads communal prayers in Islam.
  2. Stage 2 · English · 1600s imam "a Muslim worship leader", Arabic 'one who stands in front'; in Shia Islam, also a divinely guided leader.

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