Imam of Friday Prayer


The Imam of Friday Prayer or Imam Jom'a is the person who conducts the Friday prayer and preaches related sermons.

Qualifications to serve

The imams of Friday prayer are expected to be distinguished for their intellect, faith, and righteousness. Traditionally, a Friday prayer imam used to be required to be male and, according to some, also be of legitimate birth. Moreover, it is recommended that the imam be eloquent, brave, watchful of prayer times, and true in his speech.
There are many rulings, regarding the Friday prayer, that are common to all Islamic denominations; but there are some differences when it comes to who is qualified to serve as the Imam Jom'a. For instance, while there is a consensus about the five conditions—adulthood, intellect, correctness in reciting, and not otherwise excluded—there are disagreements regarding the requirement to be Mo'men.

Infallible imams

According to Islam, historically, when an infallible imam is present, the officer of Friday Imam is related to him or to the person who is appointed by him.

Temporary imams of Friday Prayer

The permanent Imam Jom'a of a city can appoint others as temporary imams Jom'a.