mullah

Meanings

1. An honorific title for a scholar of theology and sharia law.
2. An honorific title for a mosque leader.
3. A scholar and teacher of theology and sharia law, and an issuer of fatwas.
4. A conservative Muslim leader or cleric, especially one who is hostile against other religions.
5. A Muslim.
6. A low-level cleric who specializes in telling stories of Ashura, rather than teaching or issuing fatwas.
7. A low-level cleric who specializes in telling stories of Ashura, rather than teaching or issuing fatwas. See also: ruhani
8. See also: ruhani

1. Alternative form of muller (“to beat, thrash”).

Etymology

Derived from Classical Persian مُلَّا (mullā), from Arabic مَوْلًى (mawlan, “vicar, guardian”).