Sheikh
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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. Though this title generally refers to men, there are also a small number of female sheikhs in history. The title Syeikha or Sheikha generally refers to women.
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.[2]
- ^ "sheikh". Oxford English Dictionary (Online ed.). Oxford University Press. (Subscription or participating institution membership required.)
- ^ "Sheikh Community, Islam Religion, Middle East". webconte.com.
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