Mullah
Clerical address, capitalized
A mullah is a Muslim cleric or religious leader, particularly in Shia Islam.
The term applies broadly to those educated in Islamic theology and law who lead prayers, teach, and interpret religious texts.
In Western media, mullah often appears in coverage of Iran or Afghanistan: The mullahs who rule Iran.
The word can carry dismissive overtones when used by outsiders.
Afghan Islamist movement
- IranIslamic republic in Asia
- theocracyRule by religious authority
- regimeSystem of governance
- councilAdvisory deliberative group
authority · revolutionary · Khomeini · Afghanistan · governance · ruling · decree · power
Ordained religious leader
- imamMuslim religious guide
- ayatollahShia jurisprudence master
- scholarLearned, studious person
- preacherReligious sermon deliverer
theologian · jurist · sheikh · fatwa · sermon · madrasa · seminary · mosque
One who instructs others
- instructorOne who teaches skills
- tutorIndividual instruction provider
- madrasaMuslim religious school
- studentOne formally enrolled somewhere
lesson · recitation · memorization · scripture · learning · Arabic · commentary · knowledge
Taliban
Afghan Islamist movement
council · authority · revolutionary · Khomeini · Afghanistan · governance · ruling · decree · power · influence
cleric
Ordained religious leader
preacher · theologian · jurist · sheikh · fatwa · sermon · madrasa · seminary · mosque · pulpit
teacher
One who instructs others
- instructorOne who teaches skills
- tutorIndividual instruction provider
- madrasaMuslim religious school
student · lesson · recitation · memorization · scripture · learning · Arabic · commentary · knowledge · disciple
village
Small rural community
mediator · ceremony · wedding · funeral · blessing · dispute resolution · advisor · respected · community leader · rural
Mullahcivil authority
Non-religious governmental power
secularist · politician · president · prime minister · governor
Mullahlayperson
Non-specialist or unordained person
layman · kafir · congregant · parishioner · unbeliever