Sheikh

Sheikh (pronounced ʃeɪk or ʃiːk ; شيخ DIN ʃajx, commonly ʃeːx, plural شيوخ DIN ʃujuːx) is an honorific title in the Arabic language, literally meaning "Elder"; in a monarchical context it is also translated as "Lord/Master". It commonly designates a chief of a tribe or a royal family member in Arabian countries, or a Muslim religious scholar. 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. 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 sheikh is mentioned in the Quran at 3 places, in verse 72 of Surah Hud, in verse 78 of Surah Yusuf and in verse 23 of Surah Al-Qasas. The word in Arabic stems from a triliteral root connected with age and aging: ش-ي-خ, shīn-yā'-khā'''. The title carries the meaning leader, elder, or noble, especially in the Arabian Peninsula within the Tribes of Arabia, where Shaikh became a traditional title of a Bedouin tribal leader in recent centuries. Due to the cultural impact of Arab civilization, and especially through the spread of Islam, the word has gained currency as a religious term or general honorific in many other parts of the world as well, notably in Muslim cultures in Africa and Asia. In Sufism (tasawwuf), the word sheikh is used to represent a spiritual guide who initiates a particular order (tariqa) which leads to Prophet Muhammad, although many saints have this title added before their names out of respect from their followers. A couple of prominent examples are Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani, who initiated the Qadiriyya order, and Sheikh Ahmad al-Tijani, who initiated the Tijaniyyah Sufi order. In the Arabian Peninsula, the title is used for chiefs of tribes. This also includes royalty in most of Eastern Arabia, where the royal families were traditionally considered tribal chiefs.