ustadha

Ustadha is the feminine form of the Arabic title ustadh, meaning teacher, lecturer, or scholar. In many Muslim communities, ustadha denotes a woman who teaches Islamic subjects, leads religious instruction, or provides religious guidance, often with formal training or recognized scholarship.

Variants in spelling reflect different languages and transliteration systems. Common forms include ustadhah, ustazah, ustaza, and ustadha. In Indonesian and Malay usage, ustazah is widely used as a title before the name.

Roles and duties associated with ustadha include teaching the Qur’an, hadith, and fiqh; organizing women’s study circles; and providing spiritual and ethical guidance. They may lead prayers in certain contexts and work in mosques, religious schools (madrasahs), universities, or community centers. Qualifications vary; some hold formal degrees in Islamic studies or titles such as alimah, while others rely on traditional lineages of teaching.

Regional context and significance vary, but ustadha are common and influential in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and parts of South Asia, where the title signals respect and religious authority within the community. The use of the title can be ceremonial or functional, serving as both a mark of scholarship and a practical designation for someone who teaches or leads in Islamic education. Debates about female religious authority exist in some communities, reflecting broader conversations about gender and interpretation in Islam.