Ambiguity over ‘imam’ lets leaders exploit eschatological resonance

Evidence

While, therefore, there will be no more imams in this special sense for the Twelver Shi a, the word “imam” has continued to be used, rather loosely, by both Sunnis and Shi ites, for other religious teachers and leaders, and even for the local officiant who leads prayers in the mosque. There may therefore at times be some uncertainty whether the term “imam” is being used in this lesser sense, or whether it implies a more far-reaching, indeed an eschatological claim. The imam Khomeini was asked about this, more than once, and gave no clear answer. — Bernard Lewis, From Babel to Dragomans, 1448

Categorization

• SEED: Angle: how strategic ambiguity in religious titles lets political leaders keep messianic options open — Khomeini’s non-answers as a case study.
• QUESTION: What exactly did Khomeini say when pressed on whether he claimed imamic status? Worth chasing.