The Changing Roles of Ulama and the Evolution of Islamic Schools: Some Insights from Moroccan and Indonesian Cases

The ulama, who are scholars in the Islamic tradition, play a vital role preserving prophet's teachings and passing them down to future generations. In addition this, they also have other important social functions. combination of religious roles within ulama allows influence change with legitimacy. This article explores how evolved over time this has impacted existence schools. To illustrate examples drawn from literature on Morocco Indonesia during 20th 21st centuries. During colonial period Morocco, schools served as cultural defense against French influence. Meanwhile, Indonesia, led by Ulama became foundation Muslim resistance movement Dutch rule. both cases, demonstrated their ability respond actual situations, highlighting power importance society.