Mullah

Mullah (Arabic: ملا‎) is generally used to refer to a Muslim man, educated in Islamic theology and sacred law. The title, given to some Islamic clergy, is derived from the Arabic word مَوْلَى mawlā, meaning "vicar", "master" and "guardian". In large parts of the Muslim world, particularly Iran, Azerbaijan, Bosnia, Afghanistan, Turkey, Central Asia, Somalia and South Asia, it is the name commonly given to local Islamic clerics or mosque leaders.

The title has also been used in some Sephardic Jewish communities to refer to the community's leadership, especially religious leadership.

It is primarily understood in the Muslim world as a term of respect for an educated man.