mullah

Definition

An honorific title for a scholar of theology and sharia law.

Etymology

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

Example Sentences

• "Leading Republicans do not sympathize with the mullahs, do not repeat their talking points, and do not seek to appease them when they make outrageous claims about other countries."
• "In the first week of March 2018, the Shia mullah issues a fatwa prohibiting vengeance killing and requiring reconciliation."