It is a system applied on the management of
mosques and parishes. This system is mainly applied in the mosques of
Qadim sect.
When a mosque is to choose an imam, all the
Muslims in this parish discuss together and put up the Akhund that they
want to be the imam and then welcome him with a grand ceremony. So, the unique
system is also called inviting an Akhund.
Once they have selected the Akhund,
they will send a representative to give the Akhund some gift and agreed
on the date of his coming to the post. On that day, a team with horses and
carriages, led by the local celebrities will go to meet him. When they arrive at
the mosque, a grand banquet will be held to welcome him.
The Akhund takes the position of imam
for a year. After the various rites of the Feast of the Fast Breaking, the very
important traditional festival for Muslims, The Akhund will announce
before the mass that his term has come to an end and he is ready to leave. At
this time, if the mass think he is outstanding in moral and knowledge, they will
warmly ask him to remain in his post. In this case, he can have another term if
he wants; if he doesn't, people will send him off, which is called seeing an
Akhund off.
Qadim
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