Definition

1. Noun:
   • Civilian clothes worn by someone entitled to wear a military or other official uniform: The term refers to ordinary, non-uniform clothing worn by a person, such as a soldier, police officer, or member of a uniformed service, when they are off duty.
   • A Muslim legal expert who interprets Islamic law (Sharia): A mufti is an Islamic scholar qualified to issue a formal legal opinion or ruling (fatwa) on a point of Islamic law.

Usage and Examples

• Noun (Civilian Clothes):

  • After the parade, the officers changed into mufti and went into town.
  • The regulation states that personnel are not permitted to wear mufti while on base.

• Noun (Islamic Scholar):

  • The mufti issued a fatwa clarifying the religious stance on the matter.
  • He consulted the grand mufti of the region for a legal opinion.

Advanced Usage

• "In mufti": This is a common phrase meaning "dressed in civilian clothes," especially for someone who normally wears a uniform.
  • It was strange to see the general in mufti at the supermarket.

Variants and Related Words

• Fatwa (n): A formal legal opinion or decree issued by a mufti.
• Ulama (n): The body of Muslim scholars, which includes muftis.

Synonyms

• For civilian clothes: Civvies (informal), plain clothes, civilian attire.
• For the scholar: Jurist, legal scholar, Islamic jurist.

Notes on Different Meanings

The two meanings of mufti are distinct and originate from different languages/cultures. The clothing sense comes from British military slang in the 19th century, possibly influenced by the loose, non-uniform clothing associated with a mufti (the scholar). The religious title comes from Arabic. Context is essential to determine which meaning is intended.

Noun

1. civilian dress worn by a person who is entitled to wear a military uniform
2. a jurist who interprets Muslim religious law