Social functions of imam in the modern Russian Islamic society (by a case study of Muslims in the Republic of Bashkortostan)

The study describes the main qualities of imam, an Islamic religious leader, required for his successful activities. The research defines the social functions of imam in the Russian Muslim society by a case study of the Republic of Bashkortostan. The major social functions of imam include holding religious rites, spiritual activities as a psychologist, preacher, and prayer, educating and controlling functions, organizational and social work with people, preserving and maintaining traditions of mutual respect and tolerance. The paper considers certain factors that have an adverse impact on imam preaching (the lack of religious knowledge, negligence). The authors believe that imam plays a special role in promoting interfaith harmony in Russia in general and the Republic of Bashkortostan in particular, improving religious education of the population, and resolving conflicts between people.