Sheikh

Sheikh (/ʃeɪk, ʃiːk/ SHAYK, SHEEK,^[1] Arabic: شَيْخ, romanized: shaykh [ʃajx], commonly [ʃeːχ], plural: شُيُوخ, shuyūkh [ʃujuːx])^[a] is an honorific title in the Arabic language, literally meaning "elder".

It commonly designates a tribal chief or a Muslim scholar. A royal family member of the United Arab Emirates also has this title, since the ruler of each emirate is also the sheikh of their tribe.^[2]

It is also used as an honorary title by people claiming to be descended (either patrilineally or matrilineally) from Hasan ibn Ali or Husayn ibn Ali, grandsons of the Islamic prophet Muhammad.^{[citation needed]}

In some countries, it is given as a surname to those of great knowledge in religious affairs, by a prestigious religious leader from a chain of Sufi scholars.^{[citation needed]}

The word is mentioned in the Qur'an in three places: verse 72 of Hud, 78 of Yusuf, and 23 of al-Qasas.

^ "sheikh". Oxford English Dictionary (Online ed.). Oxford University Press. (Subscription or participating institution membership required.)
^ "Sheikh Community, Islam Religion, Middel East". webconte.com.

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[1] "sheikh". Oxford English Dictionary (Online ed.). Oxford University Press. (Subscription or participating institution membership required.)

[3] "Sheikh Community, Islam Religion, Middel East". webconte.com.

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