Salaam Alaykum, as we know, today is the first of Ramadan and I'd like to wish all of you a blessed Ramadan. My question is, I'm now currently living with my aunty/with my cousins, and I have one female cousin, and 2 males making a total of 4 with my aunt included. Now, they want me to pray the evening prayer together, (put in mind, they are my ajnab) and I'm worried that it might be impermissible... So what is the ruling for this? Is this permissible? And if it is, can I lead them as imam? P.s I'd really appreciate if I get an answer quick cause time for iftar is really close

I am not a Muslim, but I have visited a mosque before and enjoyed the service. When I visited, the local imam approached me and we talked a little about questions that I had regarding the service. I understand that imams have a very special position in the community. * Is there a special way to address an imam to show respect? * Also, is there a special way to talk about an imam with friends? I found [this question](http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100201213129AA6Y0RK) on Yahoo Answers particularly interesting, but the accepted answer seemed like a better fit for a first-time visitor. I'm hesitant to use Arabic phrases that a Muslim would use because I don't want to sound like I'm mocking him.

What are the qualities an imam must have. Is there any specific qualities which an imam must have to be so. And is it possible to force someone to be imam or someone becomes imam while other people are not liking it. What islam says in both of these situations too. **(Sunni- With complete references please.)**

I am suspicious about **Imam's beliefs** regarding (Walee Ullah). His saying about pious people (Walee Ullah) is that they are closer to GOD. So ask them to pray for you instead pray directly. He put example that "my son is in bank and bank official will give more importance to my work if my son ask them to do that work, otherwise they will not listen to me". On Juma prayer he use to discuss minor contradictions in beliefs of "Deoband Followers" and "Bralli Followers" and make fun of "Deoband Followers", I want to know I am doubtful about his basic beliefs regarding GOD's "oneness" and about "Holly Prophet's Death" should I offer my prayer in his imam-at? Will Such prayer be accepted in front of GOD. With answer please mention **reference**.