The term ‘ulama’ refers to theologians. In an Islamic socio-political system, ulama class is a reservoir of knowledge on Islamic jurisprudence. These theologians and their opinion tended to carry a lot of weight because they would pronounce on the compatibility of any act with the basic tenets of Islam. Sultans and Badshahs enthusiastically sought their support. Their approval meant that Sultan was ruling in compliance with Islam for they gave verdict on whether something was Islamic or unislamic. They often occupied important royal and religious positions. Intentional mixing of spiritual and temporalnpower in Sharia made the ulama class very powerful.
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