ulema
noun
ule·ma ˌü-lə-ˈmä 
variants or ulama
1
plural in construction : the body of mullahs
2
: mullah
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Head scarves were banned in public buildings; the state selected the country’s clergy, or ulema, and closely monitored their sermons for the slightest expression of religiosity; prayer beads or facial hair were viewed with suspicion. 
New York Times, 12 May 2022 The conservative ulema felt that these philosophers were inappropriately influenced by Greek philosophy and Shia Islam against Sunni beliefs. Ahmet T. Kuru, The Conversation, 20 Feb. 2020 Jokowi said the conference was part of Indonesia's efforts to encourage the role of Islamic clerics, or ulema, in promoting peace in Afghanistan. Fox News, 11 May 2018 But there has been a definite uptick in the targeted killing of scholars — widely known as ulema — as the Taliban have intensified their offensives in the past two years, officials say. Mujib Mashal And Jawad Sukhanyar, New York Times, 28 May 2017
New York Times, 12 May 2022 The conservative ulema felt that these philosophers were inappropriately influenced by Greek philosophy and Shia Islam against Sunni beliefs. Ahmet T. Kuru, The Conversation, 20 Feb. 2020 Jokowi said the conference was part of Indonesia's efforts to encourage the role of Islamic clerics, or ulema, in promoting peace in Afghanistan. Fox News, 11 May 2018 But there has been a definite uptick in the targeted killing of scholars — widely known as ulema — as the Taliban have intensified their offensives in the past two years, officials say. Mujib Mashal And Jawad Sukhanyar, New York Times, 28 May 2017 Word History
Etymology
Arabic, Turkish, & Persian; Turkish & Persian ʽulemā, from Arabic ʽulamā
First Known Use
1688, in the meaning defined at sense 1