What defines a mullah? I was actually reading this thread, and i repeatedly noticed the word coming up. Quite annoying really. We, Pakistanis, have LET the “mullahs” take charge over the years by accepting all that they have fed our way. We ratta-fy the Quran when we are young.. we read the arabic but understand nothing, and when we need a ruling on a masla, we are quick to run to the local masjid and get the fatwa, but we have no idea where the ruling came from. Then why do we blame these same people later?? For all the corruption, all indecent acts and such??
And what exactly is a mullah?? Is it anyone with a beard? Does it make one a mullah to follow what Islam says? Whats wrong with following what one KNOWS to be the truth? I have had this problem ever since I kept the beard, and to anyone who calls me a mullah, i’ve often pointed out that its not a label i’d be happy to have, with all its negative meanings.
I find it quite unfair to use this word as a scapegoat. Infact, most parhe likhe religiously inclined people that i’ve come across have known and understood where they got their religion from, and are still painted with this label.
that term is freely thrown around too.. without regard to the differences in kaffir..
there are kaffirs who reject.. kaffirs who are uncertain.. kaffirs who do not know better.. or kaffirs who simply don't agree with how you came to understand the same information they looked at..
Mullah would live as long as infidel, kaffir, mod-muslim etc would be used.
PA, i dont think that term should be thrown around either. It is the most extreme judgement one can pass on another person. But there has been enough stuff being said about the "mullahs" who declare others to be kafir, lets put those in the spotlight now who use the word mullah a little too freely.
Most of the times, the term "mullah" is used in a sarcastic manner-- here on gs.People will say ridiculous things at times, but anyhow, the actual meaning should be that its a learned scholar, or one who has an in depth study of Islam.
^^ MQ is right. Mullah :amamah: is used sarcastically. The proper way to address them is :maulvidis Mohlvi Sahib. The :maulvidis Mohlvi Sahib’s don’t necessarily have to have a beard, but it is a more symbolic thing now, just like the turban in sikhs. Some :maulvidis Mohlvis from Bosnia, Kosovo are beardless.
Generally speaking, the word 'mullah' I feel is used as a derogatory term to distinguish those who practice Islam even the slightest, especially if it's apparent in their dresscode and/or lifestyle.
In my opinion, such a term should only be left to label those who are by no means sheikhs (or in an authority to give fatawa) and yet they go around telling people what to do without making any references to Quran and Sunnah.