Islamic Perspective on Imamship Tussle and Rationale Behind its Prohibition

Abstract

The work examined the Imamship tussle under the shade of Islamic law (Shariah) and the rationale behind its prohibition. The gap identified by the researcher was the restricted rotational system of Imamship which must be addressed according to the Qur’an and Sunnah. The data was gathered through primary sources which required the researcher to interview some personalities both physical and virtual, while the secondary sources were also considered for hitch-free analysis of data. The findings showed some reasons behind the Imamship tussle in some mosques such as hereditary, personal interest and political influences. The work recommended the abolition of restricted rotational system of Imamship in most mosques and to be replaced with unrestricted system of Imamship by making it open to all qualified Muslims irrespective of their background, as well as the reason why they should embrace the verdict of the constituted authority. Finally, the work created an awareness of the evils of the restricted rotational system of Imamship through which qualified candidates outside the rotating families are marginalized, and the essence of embracing peace both before and after the Imamship processes.