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Ayatollah: meaning, definitions and examples

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ayatollah

 

[ ˌaɪəˈtoʊlə ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

religious title

Ayatollah is a high-ranking title given to Shia Muslim scholars who are revered for their knowledge and authority in Islamic law and theology. The term originates from the Arabic phrase 'Ayatullah,' which translates to 'Sign of God.' Ayatollahs are often called upon to provide religious guidance, interpret Islamic texts, and lead communities in spiritual and ethical matters. They play a significant role in political and social issues within Shia Islam, especially in countries like Iran, where the political system intertwines with religious authority.

Synonyms

clergyman, religious leader, scholar

Examples of usage

  • The Ayatollah issued a fatwa on the matter.
  • Many people turned to the Ayatollah for spiritual guidance.
  • The Ayatollah's teachings influenced the direction of the revolution.
  • There are many Ayatollahs who focus on different aspects of Islamic jurisprudence.

Translations

Translations of the word "ayatollah" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ayatollah

🇮🇳 अयातुल्ला

🇩🇪 Ayatollah

🇮🇩 ayatollah

🇺🇦 аятола

🇵🇱 ajatollah

🇯🇵 アヤトラ

🇫🇷 ayatollah

🇪🇸 ayatolá

🇹🇷 ayatollah

🇰🇷 아야톨라

🇸🇦 آية الله

🇨🇿 ajatollah

🇸🇰 ajatollah

🇨🇳 阿亚图拉

🇸🇮 ajatollah

🇮🇸 ayatollah

🇰🇿 аятолла

🇬🇪 აიათოლა

🇦🇿 ayətullah

🇲🇽 ayatolá

Etymology

The term 'Ayatollah' has its roots in the Arabic language, where it is derived from the phrase 'Ayatullah' (آیت الله), meaning 'Sign of God.' This title emerged in the 20th century, primarily within the context of Shia Islam, to designate scholars who possess profound knowledge of Islamic law and theology. Prior to this, the title of 'Ayatollah' was not commonly used; instead, various other titles existed for religious leaders and scholars. The rise of Ayatollahs as influential figures in the socio-political landscape, particularly during the Iranian Revolution in 1979, marked a significant shift in the perception of religious authority. Figures like Ayatollah Khomeini became prominent in the public eye, leading to the further establishment of the title within political contexts. Over time, the role and influence of Ayatollahs have grown, particularly in regions with significant Shia populations, where they serve both as spiritual leaders and political advisors.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,771, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.