grand mufti: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1+ (Very Low Frequency)Formal, Religious, Academic, Journalistic, Figurative/Humorous
Quick answer
What does “grand mufti” mean?
The highest official of religious law and head of the Muslim religious establishment in a country.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The highest official of religious law and head of the Muslim religious establishment in a country.
A senior Islamic scholar and jurist who issues legal opinions (fatwas) on religious, social, and political matters. Can be used figuratively or jokingly to refer to an authority figure in any field.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is used in both varieties in international news contexts.
Connotations
Figurative/humorous use ('the grand mufti of jazz criticism') may be slightly more common in British English.
Frequency
Equally rare in both, appearing primarily in news about Muslim-majority nations.
Grammar
How to Use “grand mufti” in a Sentence
[The/Country's] Grand Mufti + verb (issued, declared, ruled)Grand Mufti of + [Geographical Entity]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “grand mufti” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Figurative) He grand-muftied the decision, ending all debate.
American English
- (Figurative) She was grand-mufti-ing the entire project plan.
adjective
British English
- (Figurative) He adopted a grand-mufti tone during the meeting.
American English
- (Figurative) It was a grand-mufti-level pronouncement from the CEO.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Figuratively, 'He's the grand mufti of corporate tax law.'
Academic
Used in Religious Studies, Political Science, and Middle Eastern Studies.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Limited to news consumption or figurative/humorous use.
Technical
Specific term in Islamic law and governance.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “grand mufti”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “grand mufti”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grand mufti”
- Capitalization: 'Grand Mufti' is a title and often capitalized. Using it for Shia clergy (who have different hierarchies). Spelling: 'mufty', 'moufti'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. An Imam often leads prayers in a mosque, while a Grand Mufti is a top-level jurist and legal authority who issues formal legal opinions (fatwas).
No. The title and position exist in many Sunni-majority countries (e.g., Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia), but the role's power and method of appointment vary greatly. Some countries have no such official position.
Yes, informally and often humorously. It can mockingly refer to someone who acts as the supreme authority on any subject, e.g., 'the grand mufti of vintage car restoration'.
It comes from the Arabic root 'أَفْتَى' (aftā), meaning 'to give a formal legal opinion'. A mufti is one who is qualified to issue such opinions (fatwas).
The highest official of religious law and head of the Muslim religious establishment in a country.
Grand mufti is usually formal, religious, academic, journalistic, figurative/humorous in register.
Grand mufti: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡrænd ˈmʌfti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡrænd ˈmʌfti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[play] the grand mufti (figurative: act as a pompous authority)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: GRAND (important) + MUFTI (Islamic legal expert). The 'grand' expert who gives the final 'fatwa' (legal opinion).
Conceptual Metaphor
RELIGIOUS AUTHORITY IS A HIERARCHICAL POSITION (The 'grand' implies a peak).
Practice
Quiz
In which context might 'grand mufti' be used figuratively?