mullah
/ˈmʌlə
/ /ˈmʊlə /noun
A Muslim learned in Islamic theology and sacred law: [as title]: Mullah Nasir-ud-Din...
- The family gathers near sunset in the presence of a mullah, who reads from the Qu'ran and recites prayers for the dead over the food.
- A Shiite mullah or imam of such huge importance can't be underestimated.
- The Islamic mullah is called for marriages, circumcisions, and burials.
Origin
Early 17th century: from Persian, Turkish, and Urdu mullā, from Arabic mawlā.