ABOUT THE IMAM VOCATION

Abstract

The author of this article is an imam for over forty years, thus the text has a tone of subjectivity and that is understandable and justified considering the fact that Islamic literature as well as publications scarcely ever discusses the topic. Presenting the vocation of imam, the author elevates this vocation above the ordinary and common understanding of a profession, giving it a significance that it rightly deserves being carried on by the one that has a task to invite to the righteous Path, a task to explain the religious duties and rituals, teaches religion, leads the prayers, and who builds and supports a jamaat community and the unity within that community. He further stresses the inner position of an imam as a meeting point of one’s personality and the vocation that demands pure faith, high standards of morality, capability of leadership and organisation, and in this sense he suggests the use of Korthagen’s model. He further points out that imam is expected to offer and give more than he is generally rewarded for as the expectation scale offered in the text shows. This vocation, he explains is to a great deal misunderstood by the society, by the jamaat and sometimes even the family. However the author finishes the article with the tone of optimism pointing out the fact that besides all the obstacles and difficulties imams are fortunate to be chosen for this profession.