ulama

Ulama, also spelled ulema, refers to the body of Islamic scholars recognized as authorities in religious matters. The term derives from the Arabic al-‘ālim, meaning “the learned one,” with ulama as the plural. The designation covers jurists, theologians, hadith scholars, and teachers who study and interpret Islamic law and belief.

The ulama’s responsibilities include interpreting the Qur’an and Hadith, deriving rulings in fiqh, and issuing fatwas (legal opinions). They also oversee religious education, lead mosques, supervise endowments, and sometimes serve as judges or advisers to rulers. Their authority has historically depended on scholarly credentials, networks of madrasas, and, in some periods, political backing.

Education for the ulama commonly took place in traditional madrasas or seminaries where students study Qur’an, jurisprudence, theology, and related disciplines, tracing teaching lines back to classical authorities. Modern variations include state universities and religious councils that formalize training and certification.

Historically, the ulama formed a distinct social class influencing religious and political life across many Muslim societies. Their role has varied by era and region, from formal court councils to independent scholarly institutions. In many countries today, organized bodies of scholars oversee religious education and issue rulings, balancing tradition with contemporary legal and ethical concerns.

This article uses the term in its broad, historical sense of a learned class whose work centers on interpreting and safeguarding Islamic religious knowledge.