Mullah (/ˈmʌlə, ˈmʊlə, ˈmuːlə/; Persian: ملا) is derived from the Arabic word mawlā, meaning “vicar”, “master” and “guardian”. However, since this word is used ambiguously in the Quran, some publishers have described its usage as a religious title as inappropriate. The term is sometimes applied to a Muslimman, educated in Islamic theology and sacred law. In large parts of the Muslim world, particularly Iran, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Eastern Arabia, Turkey and the Balkans, Central Asia, the Horn of Africaand other parts of the Indian subcontinent, it is the name commonly given to local Islamic clerics or mosque leaders.
