Ghulat

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Ghulat (Arabic: غلاة extremists) is the adjectival form of Ghuluww (Arabic: غلو exaggerators). The term is used by mainstream Muslims to describe the minority Muslim groups, which in the view of the majority, exaggerate^{[citation needed]} the status of some saint or member of the Prophet Muhammad's family (most commonly Hadrat 'Ali). The assumption is that the groups thus described have gone too far in ascribing divinity to a person, to the (forbidden) point of associating them with God.

Scholars have come to use these terms as well, perhaps for lack of alternatives. The terms are no reflection upon the political tendencies of such groups, which are typically liberal by Middle Eastern standards.

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