❖ Flawed Selection of Imams and Its Impact on the Community ❖
✿ Existing Issues Among Some Mosque Leaders
It is undeniable that certain mosques are led by imams with notable shortcomings. In some cases, the minbar (pulpit) has become a platform for sectarian debates and fruitless disputes, rather than community reform and education. As a result, many educated individuals grow disillusioned with scholars.✦ Are These Truly 'ʿUlamāʾ'?
To address this crisis sincerely, we must question the credentials of those labeled as "molvi". The Prophet ﷺ said:"العلماء ورثة الأنبياء" – "The scholars are the heirs of the Prophets."
True heirs of the Prophets cannot be corrupt or misleading. Where corruption exists, true knowledge has likely not reached the pulpit.
✿ Who Is Responsible?
The real issue lies in the process of appointment. In many cases, mosque committees comprise retired officers or clerks, who are not equipped to assess religious competence. Their decisions often result in unqualified individuals becoming imams or khateebs.✦ A Case Study in Poor Judgment
A friend shared that, after three months of interviews, a mosque chose a young man as their imam based solely on his melodious voice. This raises the critical question:Should voice and recital be the primary criteria?
The true standards should be knowledge and piety, which are sadly overlooked.
✿ Causes Behind Incompetent Imams
Just as fake educational institutions have emerged in neighborhoods, some mosques employ unqualified individuals at low wages, without verifying if they are even scholars. Many mosque committees are satisfied with a bearded man who can recite a few Sūrahs, regardless of his religious qualifications.The result?
Local communities suffer under the guidance of untrained individuals, and the status of religious scholarship is undermined.
✔ The Solution
➊ Review the eligibility of those making imam appointments. Are they capable of such decisions?➋ Form mosque committees with religiously aware individuals, and involve recognized scholars and institutions in the selection process.
➌ Ensure that imams are either scholars or muftis, not just Huffāẓ. Voice and recitation should be secondary traits.
➍ Provide adequate compensation for qualified imams to attract deserving candidates.
Where the minbar is entrusted to qualified scholars, one finds blessings and community reform. Worshippers become more knowledgeable, and mosques begin playing a constructive societal role.
✔ Summary
➤ Unqualified individuals selecting mosque imams is a root cause of many issues.➤ Communities need righteous, knowledgeable scholars to lead.
➤ Mosque committees should be formed in consultation with ʿulamāʾ.
➤ Improve salaries and standards to uplift the status and influence of mosque imams.
وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ
