1. plural of imam; Islamic religious leaders or prayer leaders in a mosque
Usage: Most common sense; refers to clergy in Islam
2. In Shia Islam, the divinely guided spiritual leaders of the Muslim community, considered infallible
Usage: Theological sense specific to Shia tradition

Examples

• The imams at the local mosque lead prayers five times a day.
• Several imams gathered to discuss community outreach programs.
• In Shia Islam, the Imams are believed to be successors of the Prophet Muhammad.
• The imams provided spiritual guidance to their congregations.
• Young imams are trained in Islamic theology and law.
• Different imams may have varying interpretations of religious texts.