An Islamic leader is a religious figure who is responsible for leading the Islamic community. The most common titles for an Islamic leader are MULLAH, CALIPH, EMIR, AYATOLLAH, and Imam. A MULLAH is a Muslim scholar or religious leader who is often seen as a spiritual guide. A CALIPH is a political and religious leader of the Islamic faith, and is considered to be the successor of the Prophet Muhammad. An EMIR is a ruler or prince of a Muslim state, and is usually a hereditary title. An AYATOLLAH is a high-ranking Shia Muslim cleric, and is seen as a spiritual leader. Lastly, an Imam is a religious leader in the Islamic faith, and is usually seen as a spiritual guide.