Praise be to Allah that you came to Y! Answers, I am an Imam.
An Imam is the leader of the mosque, someone who gives advice and helps others who need help, and help the oppressed.
The only way to approach an Imam is on the outside of the mosque, firstly, an Imam should give advice everywhere he encounters it, so if you find a knowledgeable man outside the mosque greet him with Asalamu Alaykum or in english Peace be upon you, he will then reply Alaykum Wasalam, meaning Peace be to you too.
Then ask him what you need.
There is no specific dress code, but if you intend to look like a muslim, then, you should wear a hijab (headscarf), one that reaches the foreback and the upper chest. Serious colours best to wear on would be black. Also, a long dress would be required (with long sleeves so no-one would be able to see your wrist), the dress would also have to be loose fitting so nobody would see your body shape. The dress or skirt should be as long as to touch the ankles, and socks would be required also. No bright colours, I suggest black. Approach him or her slowly and peacefully, and may I remind you to keep a smile on your face.
Insha Allah it will turn fine for you. Amin.
2007-08-02 16:47:41
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answer #1
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answered by Lyrical Peacemaker 2
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You need to dress appropriately first off. Wear a non fitting skirt and shirt and put your up so it's not down and in your face. Have good intentions. Then you go to the mosque and say you want to speak to the Imam, but in a respectful manner. A true Muslim will never turn away from a stranger in need so no worries. Be yourself and talk about what you want to learn and be honest. That's the best approach to an Imam. An Imam is basically the leader of the Mosque. But no way a king or ruler. Hope that helped. Good luck!
2007-08-02 16:52:15
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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bob t:
You hypocrite. You claim you are a soldier fighting for peace in Iraq, yet you preach hate and ignorance and lies about its religion. You say you fight, you would DIE for peace in Iraq. Yet you show no respect for its people. I think you have a hidden agenda up your sleeve...You don't seem like you truly want peace upon these people. You've made it clear, so there is no need to lie. Besides, all the terrorism you mentioned is against Islam. That's right, AGAINST Islam. The killing of ANY innocent is a major sin in Islam, and so is commiting suicide. Get your facts straight. I appreciate the effort though.
I'm sorry, I had to deal with that matter. Now to answer your question (sorry!):
You have at least taken the giant leap to be interested in Islam--this means that you saw through the media's scheme of lies, misleading information, gross exaggerations, inaccurate reports, insults, etc. toward Islam, and took your time out to learn about the religion instead of just believeing what you hear on the TV or what you read on the newspaper, or believeing the hate about Islam that someone told you. Just getting to that point is extremely impressive in a post 9/11 world, so I sincerely commend you for getting that far. And, if in the end, you decide not to convert, it is okay, as you have at least taken this step that few even bother to consider because of all the hateful propoganda surrouning Islam right now. Besides, Islam is never meant to be forced on anyone, as many want to believe.
Anyway, when you approach an imam, he will not expect you to be Muslim when you approach him; you are simply interested in Islam. So even if you approach him "unislamically", I am sure he will understand. I would recommend, however, that you get used to an Islamic way of life, for example,.by practicing wearing the Hijab even while not entirely a Muslim quite yet because you did not convert. Allah (God) will know that you are not doing so to mock the religion, but to instead further your knowledge of it and get used to it. But as far as approaching the imam in perfect Islamic attire, style, etc. is not manditory, nor expected. You are only, after all, interested in Islam. If you so, however, approach him with an Islamic presence and dress Islamically, act like a Muslim woman, etc., it will show that you are dedicated to learning about Islam and are legitimately interested in it. No imam will deny information on Islam to anyone (unless of course they are blatently asking for the sake of mocking or criticizing the religion). In other words, if I were an imam, and you approached me without Hijab, without giving the proper greeting (which is cultural, not religious), with haram clothing or anything about you that is unislamic, I would definitely understand and would not mind you in that state. After all, you would still have much to learn, and I would consider your circumstance. Sorry for the long answer, but I appreciate it if you read this far. Inshallah you will make the right decision, and may Allah (God) guide you. Good luck!
By the way, the proper greeting (universal Islamic greeting) would be "Asalamun Aleykum" (meaning "peace be upon you"). If you are a little off with the pronunciation or whatever, I'm sure the imam will understand, and will still be impressed just because you are dedicated to learning about it and are at least trying.
2007-08-02 16:47:09
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answer #3
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answered by Omer 5
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Imam is like a preist in Islam he is the one who leads the prayers in the Masjid(Mosque) But not necesarily an Aalim ..Aalim is a Scholar with an extensive knowledge about Islam ... make sure That imam is also an Alim ...
and as for the dress code ... Cover your self head to toe ... If you not wish to cover your face its good but if not then only hands and feet and your face should be uncovered ...
2007-08-02 17:02:27
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answer #4
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answered by 3 Boys & a fish called Fabio 2
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i'm a muslim. yet i don't have the persistence to envision what different suggested. i will in basic terms ask this do we muslims have the persistence and flow and kill harmless human beings in the call of what ever that terrorist say they do. Geez,the place in Quran did we detect the verse that asserts kill harmless human beings in the call of the religion or decapitate and instruct the worldwide what fool you're making your self. the place do muslims get all this time to try this hedious issues whilst a musilm might desire to be busy praying. Isnt that why we've been despatched to earth. Then why do we expect of extra of the worldwide, here i will instruct you the surah which i think became no longer in basic terms ment for others yet for us muslims too! 102.Surah At-Takathur (The Piling up) in the call of Allah, maximum Gracious , maximum Merciful one million. The mutual opposition For pillin up (the stable issues Of this worldwide) diverts you (From the extra severe issues), 2. till you flow to the graves. 3. yet no, you quickly shall be conscious of (the certainty). 4. back, you quickly shall be conscious of! 5. No, have been you to be conscious of With actuality of suggestions, (you may pay attention!) 6. You shall incredibly see Hell-hearth! 7. back you shall see it With actuality of sight! 8. then you definately would be puzzled that Day concerning the excitement (You Indulged in!). My question is the place do those style of extremist get all this time to plot their assaults in the event that they are so busy with their prayers and interpreting the meanings of Quran.!!! IS it no longer our accountability to hold back our brothers and sister(who bares such hate for others, forgetting that that's Allah who has created us all and he's to choose for what's to ensue to us) back to the staggering direction. Why are we forgetting the classes of Quran and misinterpreting the incorrect!! Is it suitable to instruct some one a thank you to envision Quran without telling him the meaning on what he's interpreting. Then what's the version between us and a parrot which could in basic terms repeat. If we choose for peace so badly, then it relies upon on the two the muslims and the non-muslims and how they take care of one yet another.
2016-10-09 02:22:09
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answer #5
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answered by Erika 3
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I wouldn't worry about being disrespectful - everybody should be more than happy to help you in your transition. When I embraced Islam, everybody was so welcoming and understanding to my lack of Islamic knowledge. They're just so happy to see somebody being guided by Allah to the truth.
Women should dress modestly (loose, longer clothing, covering hair), and like somebody else said, not to shake hands with men.
In the ladies' section at the mosque, I'm sure there would be a lot of women there who would love to teach you about Islam. Maybe you can find different activities, like learning circles (halaqa) where you can learn about various Islamic topics.
I wish you all the best in your search for the truth and meaning of life, Islam is surely the right path. I'm very happy for you!
2007-08-02 12:56:55
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answer #6
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answered by Bonjour! 2
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Wear conservative clothing, not tight, and bring a scarf if you have to go to the masjid and dont try to shake his hand. It is not an insult or anything meant to insult you. Men and women do not shake hands or touch each other unless they are immediate family. Imam is just the most knowledgeable to lead the prayer. A sheikh is someone who has studied islam extensively.
2007-08-02 12:37:32
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answer #7
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answered by Nunya 5
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Try this link below, it may help you.
http://www.understanding-islam.com/related/text.asp?type=article&aid=35&sscatid=179
Explains a LOT about Islamic Customs and Traditions. BTW, I am not a muslim, but I can use Google. : )
Try it you will be amazed at how easy it is to get the specific answers you are looking for without any guff from strangers on a forum such as this. : )
2007-08-02 12:41:04
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answer #8
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answered by scraven68 4
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A real man of God would know,or should know that it doesnt matter how you dress;just make sure you approach God and Men and women of God honestly and respectfully
2007-08-02 12:36:23
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answer #9
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answered by Maurice H 6
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This is an OPEN forum - ANYONE can answer here. If you want answers from only Muslims, you should go to a "Muslim only" forum, and even there you will encounter non-muslims. Good luck with finding a solution to your problems anyway. Saalam.
2007-08-02 12:36:57
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answer #10
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answered by Paul Hxyz 7
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