AYATOLLAHS Meaning and
Definition
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Ayatollahs, also spelled Ayatollah, is a plural noun that refers to a group of religious leaders in the Shiite branch of Islam who are considered highly knowledgeable and learned in Islamic law, philosophy, and theology. The term "ayatollah" itself means "sign of God" in Arabic and is an honorific title given to those who have attained a high level of religious scholarship and expertise.
Ayatollahs play a prominent role in the political and religious structure of Iran, which has a predominantly Shiite population. They are respected figures who provide guidance and interpretation of Islamic teachings, issuing religious rulings (fatwas) on a wide range of issues, including personal conduct, family matters, and societal affairs.
The highest-ranking Ayatollah in Iran holds the title of Supreme Leader and has significant influence over the country's political decisions, while a council of senior Ayatollahs serves as the Guardian Council, which is responsible for vetting and approving candidates for governmental positions.
Outside Iran, the term "Ayatollah" is also used to refer to highly regarded Shiite scholars and religious leaders in other countries with significant Shiite populations, although their authority and influence may vary. Over time, the term has come to symbolize the clerical establishment and religious leadership within the Shiite community.
Top Common Misspellings for AYATOLLAHS *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for AYATOLLAHS
Etymology of AYATOLLAHS
The word "ayatollahs" is derived from the Arabic language. "Ayat" (آیت) means "sign" or "proof", and "ollah" (الله) is the Arabic term for "God". Therefore, "ayatollah" can be translated as "Sign of God" or "Proof of God". In Shia Islam, the term specifically refers to highly respected religious scholars who have attained the rank of marja', or sources of emulation, possessing the authority to issue legal interpretations and guide the community. The term gained widespread use following the Islamic revolution in Iran in 1979, which saw the rise to power of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Since then, "ayatollah" has become associated with the highest rank of Shia clerics.
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