There are two types of Imaamat Sugra is the Imaamat that is performed in Salaah.
Imaamat Kubra is in relation to representing the Messenger of Allah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). To qualify in this category of Imaamat it is necessary that one has the following criteria: He is a Muslim, is free (i.e. not a slave), male, sane, adult, belonging to the tribe of Quraish and one who has power. It is not necessary for one to be from the family of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), i.e. Hashmi, or from the family of Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) i.e. Alawi, or to be Ma'soom (immune from sin). It is also not necessary that one has to be the most virtuous from their nation.
It is obligatory on all Muslims to obey the Imaam when his orders are not against the Shari'ah (Islamic Law) because one cannot follow anybody's orders if they are against the Shariah. An Imaam should be made only if he is courageous, a politician and an Islamic scholar (Aalim) or works with the help of Ulema. A female or child's Imaamat is not allowed. |
