Question about Islamic "clergy"

[catbert836]

When I read something about Islam, I tend to come across some terms used for the "clergy" (yes, I know Islam doesn't have any, but I couldn't think of a better word) that I have no clue as to their meaning. What I'm talking about is Imam, Mufti, Ayatollah, and Caliph.

Can anyone enlighten me? Thank you in advance.

[Orrin_73]

1. Anyone can become an imam

To do a religious duty you dont need an imam, only if it is been done by a group of men then an imam will lead the service. Ayatollah is title used by the shiites. Caliph is the equivalent of the catholic pope, the caliphat was abolished in 1924. The caliph had no religious duties, it was done by the sheikh-ul-islam. Mufti is a title given to a imam of a territory. Mufti's are mostly men who have more knowledge then the average imam.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. Thank you, brother, for this information

In the Sufi tradition, we don't have all of these titles, and I wasn't sure what they meant. Thank you for the information.

One thing I will add; in the Sufi tradition I belong to, Kalif is a title for a stage of initiation; they are honored at that stage, but are not the same as a Murshid (teacher). In the Sufi tradition, what matters is your relationship with your teacher. Teachers can have many names, but they all have one thing in common; they are a bit further along the spiritual path and are there to help you on your way.

[Orrin_73]

3. In Islam there is no hierarchical clergy

but the shiites have. The shiites differ from us sunnis.
Within the sufi orders you sometimes have hierarchies, but it is in no way in conflict with the law against hierarchical clergy.