Khalifs

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A title used for the chief Muslim ruler serving as both a political leader and a spiritual head of the Islamic community
2. An Islamic leader regarded as a successor to the Prophet Muhammad, overseeing both religious and administrative duties
3. A position representing the highest authority in Islam, historically responsible for guiding the community in both faith and governance

Etymology: "Khalifs" is the plural of "khalif," a variant spelling of "caliph," the title given to the successors of the Prophet Muhammad as leaders of the Muslim community. The word comes from Arabic "khalīfa," meaning "successor" or "deputy," and it reached English through the same Arabic term that gave rise to the other spellings, with "khalif" representing one of several transliterations.

Synonyms: caliphs, successors, leaders