imamu
ee-MAH-moo
How to say it
Swahiliimamuee-MAH-moo
Englishimam (prayer leader of a mosque)
Frenchimam
Meaning
The man who leads the prayers in a mosque and guides the Muslim community there; also the title of some supreme religious leaders.
Good to know
Plural maimamu or stays imamu. Imamu wa msikiti, the imam of the mosque; Imamu Mkuu, supreme imam, for leaders such as the Aga Khan. Also a surname.
Examples
- Imamu aliongoza sala ya Ijumaa msikitini.The imam led the Friday prayer at the mosque.
- Waumini walimsikiliza imamu akihubiri.The faithful listened to the imam preaching.
- Imamu wa msikiti huu ni mzee mwenye busara.The imam of this mosque is a wise old man.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.