Sheikh

For the city in Somaliland, see Sheikh, Somaliland. For other uses, see Sheikh (disambiguation).
"Cheikh" redirects here. For other uses, see Cheikh (disambiguation).

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

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

Royal family members of the United Arab Emirates and some other Arab countries also have this title, since the ruler of each emirate is also the sheikh of their tribe.


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