The Real Meaning of an Ulema
What the Term Ulema Really Means and How It Should Be Applied Today
Ulemas are traditionally known as Islamic scholars. By definition, however, they are people of knowledge - even if their ambits include secular issues.
The ulema today is known as a man or woman who is well versed in Islamic jurisprudence. This person is knowledgeable of all matters relating to Islamic creed. Most weight falls upon Islamic beliefs; Qur'anic studies and reading; prayers and other forms of worship as well as the Prophetic sunnah. In the English language, we know the ulema as "the Islamic scholar."
By defining what is Islamic, people's perception of what does not fall under an Islamic scholar's jurisdiction is known as secular matters.
Historically, this is untrue and an unjust division of socio-economic matters in a society. During the time of Prophet Muhammad (blessings upon him), scholars came from a wide range of fields, including education, economics, law, management, medicine and even technology. In today's society we know them as professionals.
The recognition of the ulema during the Prophet's time.
The word ulema stems from the root word 'alim, roughly translated into "a person of knowledge." Members of the society that lived around Prophet Muhammad (peace upon him) were never shy to consult their "scholars" with regards to their daily issues, as long as the concern at hand fell under their purview. Though they were well versed within their fields, these ulemas were also to be well acquainted with the Islamic principles that circulated their respective orbits.
Not all Muslims are required to be professionals in Islamic creed. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) advised his followers to "do whatever they wished, as long as they did not feel embarrassed," (Bukhari). He also once encouraged believers to "seek knowledge to depths of China," (Bukhari).
Having said that however, Muslims are at least required to adhere to Islamic principles that govern their speciality. For example, Muslim bankers are not allowed to seek employment in institutions that rely on interest as an income.
In today's society, the unfortunate definition of the word ulema sidelines religious scholars, disallowing them from expressing their opinions on secular matters. Furthermore, it does not recognise professionals in other fields as scholars in their own right.
How the ulema should be applied today
Applied correctly, a country's administrative body would constitute the head and his designated board of scholars. These scholars would be professionals in the different disciplines vital to a country's development: economics, law, human resource, science and technology, infrastructure, socio-economic issues, youth and minority and the like. In a Muslim country, each scholar should be well versed with Islamic principles relating to their disciplines.
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and his followers built the first civilisation known to mankind. His leadership was very much based on the shura principle - where he consulted his literate and knowledgeable comrades when making decisions. The shura is known as a panel of experts or consults. These consults comprised of his friends and followers who stood by the principles of Islam.
The ulema of today, therefore, should not only be an expert in his or her field but also a representation of a segment of society. Scholars of today are those, by experience and education, consulted to make decisions and give advice for the better of their society.
