Ulema
/uːˈleɪmə/noun
The body of Muslim religious scholars, especially those learned in Islamic law and theology.
Did you know?In Islamic history, the ulema could legitimize rulers, interpret divine law, and shape public life through mastery of religious knowledge.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
Proto-Semitic
ʿ-L-M
“A root associated with knowing, perceiving, or making something known”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
ʿilm
“Knowledge, learning, or science”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
ʿālim
“A learned person or scholar”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
ʿulamāʾ
“Scholars; the plural of ʿālim”
Ottoman Turkish
Ottoman Turkish
ulema
“The community of Muslim religious scholars”
17th Century
English
ulema
“Muslim religious scholars, particularly authorities in Islamic law and theology”
Modern English
English
ulema
“The body of Muslim scholars or clerics”