The term Imam refers to the Islamic prayer leader,  a position of honor within the Muslim community. Imams are selected for their piety, knowledge of Islam, and skill in the recitation of the Quran. And the imams of the Grand Mosque in Makkah hold an especially important position.

The imams of Makkah hold an esteemed position with great responsibility. Their Quran recitation must be accurate and inviting since these imams have a highly visible role.

Satellite and online television now broadcast the prayers of Makkah live around the world, and their voices become synonymous with the holy city and Islamic tradition. Because they are principle spiritual leaders, people from around the world seek their counsel. Makkah is the holiest of Islamic cities, and to be the imam of the Grand Mosque (Masjid Al-Haram) is the pinnacle of an imam’s career.

In addition to leading the prayers in the Grand Mosque, the imams of Makkah have other responsibilities. Some of them serve as professors or judges (or both), are members of the Parliament (Majlis Ash-Shura) or Council of Ministers, and participate in international interfaith conferences.

They may also be involved in hosting esteemed visitors from other Muslim countries, serving the poor, facilitating educational programs, and recording recitations of the Quran for worldwide distribution. Several of the imams also regularly give the sermon (khutbah) at Friday prayers. During Ramadan, they rotate duties for the daily prayers and special evening prayers.

The imams of Makkah are selected and appointed by royal decree by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. There are usually several imams on record, as they share duties during various times of day and year, and fill in for one another if one or more are absent.

They are generally very well-educated, multilingual, mild-mannered, and have previously served in other leading mosques before receiving their appointments to Makkah.

Here are some of the leading imams of Makkah:

From https://www.learnreligions.com/