Religious leaders

[Ladyjinx]

Does the muslim religion have one main leader ( like the pope is to catholics)?

[Ali al-Mahdi]

No. There is no "Pope" in Islam. In Shiah Islam, we follow scholars we call "Maraja' Taqlid" (Sources of Emulation). These scholars have to reach the rank of "Ayatollah" before they are accepted as marja's in the Islamic schools called Hawzahs. There is a Hawzah in Najaf, Iraq and one in Qom, Iran. They can't be just anyone, they must be the highest ranking and accepted scholars in Islam. They study, write and teach for more than 20 years usually before they reach the rank of "Grand Ayatollah."

Some majors Maraja' are Ayatollah Ali Sistani (HA), Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (successor of the late Ayatollah Khomaini (RA)), and Ayatollah Fazel Lankarani (HA). There are many more. One chooses the scholar they believe is the most knowledgable and follows his interpretations of Islamic law, which is based on the Qur'an and the traditions of the Prophet (S) as written in accepted Ahadith.

Please see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayatollah
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marja
http://www.shiachat.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=22319

--
(HA) = Hafedhaho Allah = May God guard him (for living people).
(RA) = Radiyah Allaho Anho = May Allah be pleased with him (for people who have died).

[Ladyjinx]

thank you AliMahdi

[cyounus]

Not to confuse you, but just to reinforce what Ali has just said. He is Shiah, Sunni is a little different. I do not want to get into that.

I think it would be safe to say it this way: The person who stands before the congregation leading the prayer is not in any sense a priest, but simply a person who has volunteered to lead, someone who is respected, has knowledge of Islam and can recite during the prayer. Most mosque have regular Imam these day, but this is not a compulsory requirment, and any Muslim may lead prayer in his absence, or when prayer is being carried out elsewhere.

There is no suggestion of priesthood in Islam, every Muslim stands before ALLAH responsible for himslef or herself.

[Ladyjinx]

Thank you Cyounus

[Ali al-Mahdi]

Just to let you know, I answer from a Shiah perspective since that is what I believe in and understand. I don't know the Sunni positions for some things, so I won't comment on that. Sorry if I've confused you.