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mujtahid

American  
[mooj-tah-hid] / mudʒˈtɑ hɪd /

noun

Islam.
  1. a person who has been certified as capable of interpreting religious law.


Etymology

Origin of mujtahid

1805–15; < Arabic: literally, one who exerts himself; see ijtihad

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The supreme leader must also be a mujtahid, a cleric qualified to issue religious rulings.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

In 2022, a news outlet associated with the seminary in the holy city of Qom referred to him as an “ayatollah” for the first time, suggesting he had reached the rank of mujtahid.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

Alireza Arafi, whose name has also come up as a potential successor, attained the rank of an ayatollah, or mujtahid, after publishing over 20 books and articles on Islamic jurisprudence and philosophy.

From Salon • Mar. 6, 2026

The mujtahid arranged a divorce, and wedded the girl to another man.

From Memorials of the Faithful by `Abdu'l-Bahá

With praises showered upon him, he received his new rank from the mujtahid.

From Memorials of the Faithful by `Abdu'l-Bahá