Imams in America

I read a very interesting article last week in the New York Times called “A Growing Demand for the American Imam.” The article discusses how many imams in America come from overseas, which is increasingly presenting a conflict between the imams and American society. Even though many imams barely speak English, older Muslims often find a sense of familiarity with home. However, foreign born and taught imams aren’t always meeting the needs of the younger generation.

Other imams are trying to incorporate as much American society as possible, such as discussing topics of love and relationships on Valentine’s Day. Imams in the Middle East probably wouldn’t be happy with that idea! The first generation of American-born Muslims are now graduating from college and mosques are seeking more imams who can give advice on issues such as drugs, dating, and even how to set up 401K plans for charitable purposes.

The problem is that there are no real training programs for imams in the United States. Many of the men acting as imams are volunteers who are also doctors and lawyers who have not been trained in Islamic Law or studied the Qur'an and its commentaries in depth. This has opened up a discussion about how much education one must have to be an imam in America. This is difficult, especially in light of the fact that in Sunni Islam there is no hierarchy.

Experts say the problem is exacerbated because few immigrant parents want their children to become imams, but want them to become doctors, engineers, and scientists. As Dr. Bazian comments, “If you suggested that they might want their kid to study to become an imam, they would hold a funeral procession.”

Some fear that this problem will lead to young people becoming disconnected with their own religion and will lead them to abandon it or be attracted to fringe groups.

Of course this situation is not a one new; many other religious communities have been faced this same problem, or still are.