AYATOLLAH Meaning and
Definition
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Ayatollah is a term of Arabic origin with religious connotations used primarily in the context of Shia Islam. It is a title held by high-ranking clerics within the Twelver Shia sect, denoting their expertise and earned reputation in Islamic theology and jurisprudence. The word "ayatollah" literally translates to "sign of God" or "proof of God," emphasizing the revered status attributed to these clerical figures.
Ayatollahs are considered to be authoritative spiritual leaders, guiding the religious affairs of the Shia community. They possess advanced knowledge of Islamic principles and possess the ability to interpret religious texts such as the Quran and Hadith. Ayatollahs are typically well-versed in Islamic law and provide legal rulings known as fatwas.
The title of ayatollah is not hereditary and must be earned through rigorous study, examination, and recognition by their peers. The highest-ranking ayatollahs are referred to as marja' al-taqlid or sources of emulation. They have garnered a significant following and wield considerable influence amongst Shia Muslims worldwide.
Ayatollahs often play crucial roles in shaping social, political, and religious discourse within their respective communities. Their leadership extends beyond religious matters, and they may involve themselves in activism, politics, and governance, advocating for social justice, human rights, and upholding Islamic values according to their interpretations.
In summary, an ayatollah is a highly respected religious leader within Shia Islam, recognized for their deep understanding of Islamic teachings, issuing legal rulings, and guiding their followers in matters of faith and practice.
Top Common Misspellings for AYATOLLAH *
* 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 AYATOLLAH
Etymology of AYATOLLAH
The word "ayatollah" has its roots in Arabic. "Ayat" (آيَة) is Arabic for "sign" or "verse", particularly referring to a verse in the Quran. "Allah" (الله) translates to "God" in Arabic. Therefore, "ayatollah" can be roughly translated as "sign of God" or "verse of God". The term is primarily used in Twelver Shia Islam to refer to religious scholars who have reached the highest levels of expertise in Islamic law and theology. It gained widespread familiarity with the rise of Ayatollah Khomeini, the Iranian religious leader and politician, during the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran.
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