Mulla

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This article is an extract from

THE TRIBES and CASTES of BENGAL. By H.H. RISLEY, INDIAN CIVIL SERVICE, OFFICIER D'ACADÉMIE FRANÇAISE. Ethnographic Glossary. CALCUTTA: Printed at the Bengal Secretariat Press. 1891. .

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Mulla

The Mulla, more generally known by the less pretentious title of Talib-ul-'ilm, or the searcher after knowledge, either resides in a Mosque supported by the inhabitants around, or lodges in the house of some respectable Muhammadan. He teaches boys the Arabic alphabet, and, when this is mastered, the Am-sipara, or last of the thirty sections of the Koran; the pupil having advanced thus far has the Koran recited, but seldom explained, as the teacher's knowledge of Arabic is superficial, and for doing this the Mulla receives from four to eight anas a month from each pupil.

When he resides in a Mosque the Mulla proclaims the Azan, or summons to prayer; and occasionally leads the public service in the absence of the Farazi Maulavi, who usually officiates. In former times the Mulla was engaged as the Qari, or reader of the Fatiha over the graves of deceased relatives; but of late this practice has been dying out.

When a Mulla is a man of ability, and has mastered Muhammadan science and philosophy, he is known as "Maulanah." In the city of Dacca there are two celebrated philosophers wbo instruct youths gratis, receiving, however, presents at the great yearly festivals. The one, Maulana-ud-din Muhammad, resides in a Mosque and is deeply read in logic and philosophy; the other, Maulana Na'man, is a bookseller distinguished for his profound knowledge of sciences.