Who Leads Religious Services in Islam? Who leads the religious services in Islam and more importantly how does that relate to Islam on the whole? Reply Islamic forms of worship include two such forms, which have a congregational (or a collective) nature. One is the daily prayer (also the Friday - Jum`ah - and the Eid prayers and address) and the other is Hajj (the pilgrimage). Thus, a question regarding leading services in Islam should only be answered in the light of these two forms of worship. In the case of both the two mentioned services, the method of the selection of the leader for these services would depend on the conditions under which the Muslims (who are to be led) are living. In case the Muslims are living in an Islamic state, the leader for both these services shall be appointed by the Muslim state. This is so because the responsibility of organization, administration and implementation of all matters relating to worships of a congregational nature lies on the Islamic state. On the contrary, if the Muslims are living as a minority, in a non-Muslim state or if they are living in such a Muslim state, which is not fulfilling its obligation of appointing leaders for such services, then the Muslim individuals may appoint from among themselves a person to lead these services. Whatever the case be - whether the leader is appointed by the Muslim state or by the Muslim individuals - the person appointed for the position should have all the necessary qualities to perform the assigned job. Like, for instance, in case of prayers the person appointed should be able to recite the Qur'an properly, he should have a good knowledge of the Islamic law ( Shari`ah ) etc. As far as the second part of your question (i.e. "how does that relate to Islam on the whole") is concerned, it should be quite apparent that Islam does not distinguish between religious and non-religious collective matters. By giving the said authority to the Islamic state (or the group of individuals being led), Islam has also removed all distinction between religious and non-religious collective matters. All collective matters - whether relating to public welfare or to worship - are to be managed and administered by the Islamic state. In this way, Islam does away with sectarian biases and promotes unity and coherence among its followers. People may ascribe to different points of views, but offering their prayers under the same leadership is a great symbol of their unity and a sign to the effect that all their difference are insignificant when seen in the overall perspective of our allegiance to the Almighty. Moreover, by giving the authority of the appointment of the leader of religious services to the Islamic state, Islam has in effect weakened the roots of theocracy - which would recommend exactly the opposite. I hope this helps. In case any question remains unanswered or if any further detail is required on any specific aspect, please feel free in writing back to me at your own convenience. May the Almighty guide us all to the path of His liking. My fondest regards to you and those around you. The Learner