mullah

noun7

1. •
   An honorific title for a scholar of theology and sharia law.

   • 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. — 2024
2. •
   An honorific title for a mosque leader.
3. •
   A scholar and teacher of theology and sharia law, and an issuer of fatwas.

   • In the first week of March 2018, the Shia mullah issues a fatwa prohibiting vengeance killing and requiring reconciliation. — 2021
4. •
   (slang, offensive) A conservative Muslim leader or cleric, especially one who is hostile against other religions.
5. •
   (old-fashioned) A low-level cleric who specializes in telling stories of Ashura, rather than teaching or issuing fatwas.
6. •
   (old-fashioned) See also: ruhani
7. •
   (slang, offensive) A Muslim.