noun
or ule·ma |ülə|mä
( plural ulama or ulamas or ulema or ulemas )
Etymology: Arabic, Turkish & Persian; Turkish & Persian 'ulemā, from Arabic 'ulamā, from plural of 'ālim knowing, learned, from 'alama to know
1. : a group of Muslim theologians and scholars who are professionally occupied with the elaboration and interpretation of the Muslim legal system from a study of its sources in the Koran and hadith, are usually found gathered in groups at various urban centers where they function individually as teachers, jurisconsults, and theologians, and constitute the highest body of religious authorities in Islam — compare alim , shari' a
2. : a member of an ulama