What does Al-imama al-kbrā mean?

Islam > Glossary > Al-imama al-kbrā

Discover the meaning of the term Al-imama al-kbrā (إمامة الكبرى) in Islamic vocabulary.

Definition Al-imama al-kbrā

Al-imama al-kbrā according to Mu'jam al-Mustalahat al-Fiqhiyya

Al-imama: the masdar of 'amma l-qawma' and 'amma bihim': when one has gone before them and become their imam. Al-imam, plural a'imma: anyone whom a people follow, whether they be on a straight path, as in the Most High's saying: 'wa-ja'alna minhum a'immatan yahduna bi-amrina' (and We made of them leaders guiding by Our command).

Al-imama al-kbrā according to Al-Qamus al-Fiqhi

Among the Hanafis: entitlement to a general superintendence over mankind; or: general leadership in religion and worldly affairs, as the caliphate succeeding the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him).

Related terms: Al-imama al-kbrā