Mulla
1
8.4
- noun
- /ˈmʊlə/
- Indian
- And although there are mullahs and religious scholars reportedly against these practices, the custom continues.
- Iranian mullahs
- mulla, ulema
- mad mullahs
Examples
-
In the meantime, however, the mullahs seem likely to do just enough to avoid the abyss.
Academic text (2004) -
I know myself, being Iranian, that the mullahs prefer an Obama victory.
Blog text (18) -
The mullahs have taken to the streets.
-
Unless they fix the economy, the mullahs will be in trouble.
Academic text (2002) -
The mullahs are in a losing battle with human nature, and they know it.
Academic text (2002) -
Likewise, the employment of local ulema and mullahs provides them with a material incentive to spread the message within village society.
Academic text (2011) -
There is a split among the mullahs and significant dismay with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Blog text (12) -
You don't see many mullahs in most Iranian cities, but there are legions of them in Qom.
Academic text (2002) -
Censorship in Muslim countries is often crude and is done by governments, mullahs, imams, and more recently by militant Islamic movements.
Academic text (1999) -
The mulla delivered a sermon on the importance of charity during the Friday prayer.
Synonyms
31
8.5
A Muslim religious leader who teaches Islam and leads prayers in a mosque
1
9.9
A spiritual guide in Sufi Islam who leads people on their inner path
A Muslim religious leader who runs a mosque and teaches Islamic law
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word Mulla comes from Persian mullā, which in turn comes from Arabic mawlā and originally meant 'master' or 'guardian'. A helpful way to remember it is to think of a Mulla as a religious 'teacher' or 'master' who guides people in matters of faith, which is why the word means a Muslim religious leader.