Imam - A word used in several senses. In general use and lower-cased, it means the leader of congregational prayers; as such it implies no ordination or special spiritual powers beyond sufficient education to carry out this function. Imam is also used figuratively by many Sunni Muslims to mean the leader of the Islamic community.

The male prayer leader in a mosque." or "The Muslim worshiper who leads the recitation of prayer when two or more worshipers are present.

The spiritual leader of a Muslim community. He leads the congregation in prayer and acts as an advisor and advocate for and to the community. He is not a priest and has authority by knowing the Qur'an and other sacred texts well.