In the name of Allah THE Rehman, THE Raheem.

Let's analyze the following TWO statements;

STATEMNET ONE:
If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck it MUST be a duck.
STATEMENT TWO:
If A=B AND B=C THEN A=C.

ANALYSIS:
Though the two statements seems to represent the same characteristics, there is a MAJOR Difference.

A.  STATEMENT ONE: Learned behaviour.
B.  STATEMENT TWO: Absolute facts.

The end results for the former change with time or as as more characteristics identified, learned and applied.  The latter on the other hand provides ABSOLUTE facts and will NOT change over time.

Unfortunately the word IMAM has fallen into a category of STATEMENT ONE.  The characteristics learned by an individual are a direct result of "terms" portrayed by the media. 
For Example: HOW MANY people actaully know the name of the IMAM who is associated with mosque on GROUND ZERO, vs JUST knowing that he is refered to as an IMAM.  A head line read the other day "IMAM for Ground Zero mosque to receive funding from IRAN" - again a MASS generalization.

Based on above SHOULD every PRIEST be categroized as a PETIFILE?  I wonder how many have reached that conclusion...

Final thoughts:
From the direct desendents of Abraham (AS) came the ISRIALITES, CHRISTIANS and the MUSLIMS, it's a FACT, just like STATEMENT TWO.  So, what RELIGION was Abraham (AS) and what did he preach?

Do some research and draw your own conclusions....Till next time, keep those thinking caps on.