mullah

A mullah is a Muslim religious leader or learned man, especially in Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and parts of Central Asia. The term is commonly used for teachers of Islamic law and theology, local imams who lead prayers, or clerics who provide religious guidance. In some contexts, mullahs may also hold political influence, though the role is not limited to government positions. The term is distinct from mufti, who issues fatwas, and from imam, who leads congregational prayer, though overlaps can occur.

Etymology and usage vary by region. The word mullah derives from the Persian mollā, itself linked to the Arabic mawlā or related forms meaning master, guardian, or teacher. Over time, mollā adopted honorific and clerical connotations in many Muslim communities in South and Central Asia.

Regional variations. In Iran, mullah (mollā) refers to members of the Shia ulama or to senior religious figures. In South Asia and parts of Central Asia, mullah is a common term for local religious teachers or clerics and for mosque leaders; it can range in rank from simple instructor to influential community leader. In Afghanistan and Pakistan, mullahs often run madrasas and serve as social authorities; political movements have been led by individuals who described themselves as mullahs, notably in Afghanistan’s Taliban era with leaders such as Mullah Omar.

Notable examples and usage. The title remains widely used in media and everyday speech to refer to religious figures, with varying implications from purely spiritual leadership to political influence, depending on context and country.