What does caliph mean?
A caliph was the supreme political and religious leader of the Muslim community, regarded as the successor to the Prophet Muhammad. The title emerged after Muhammad's death in 632 CE, when Abu Bakr became the first caliph, and it remained central to Islamic governance for over thirteen centuries. Caliphs ruled vast empires — including the Umayyad caliphate centred on Damascus, the Abbasid caliphate of Baghdad, and later the Ottoman sultans, who assumed the title until its abolition in 1924. The word entered English through Arabic, ultimately deriving from 'khalīfa', meaning 'successor' or 'deputy'. Today 'caliph' appears mainly in historical writing, journalism about extremist claims to the title, and discussions of Islamic history and law. Because the office carries deep religious meaning, the term is treated with respect and precision in both scholarly and popular contexts.
nounThe chief Muslim civil and religious ruler, regarded as the successor of the Prophet Muhammad, in certain historical Islamic states; more broadly, any of the rulers of the historical caliphates.
- The spiritual and political leader of the Muslim community (ummah), regarded as Muhammad's successor.
- A historical ruler of an Islamic caliphate, such as the Umayyad, Abbasid, or Ottoman dynasties.
"Harun al-Rashid, the Abbasid caliph, is remembered as one of the most celebrated rulers of Baghdad's golden age."
"The caliph presided over an empire that stretched from Spain to Central Asia."
"After the Prophet's death, Abu Bakr was chosen as the first caliph to lead the Muslim community."
The standard plural simply adds -s; it is used when referring collectively to multiple holders of the title across different dynasties or periods.
"The Abbasid caliphs ruled for over five centuries from their capital at Baghdad."
The title 'caliph' literally means 'successor' — every caliph claimed to be standing directly in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad himself.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of caliph
'Caliph' comes from the Arabic 'khalīfa' (خليفة), meaning 'successor' or 'deputy', short for 'khalīfat rasūl Allāh' — 'successor of the Messenger of God'. The word passed into English via medieval Latin ('califa') and Old French during the era of the Crusades, entering English by the late Middle Ages. Related forms include 'calif', a shortened variant, and 'caliphate', the noun denoting the realm or institution itself.
Related word forms
How caliph is actually used
A formal, largely historical term used in academic, journalistic, and religious contexts. It carries strong religious significance for Muslims, so writers typically use it with care and precision. The plural is 'caliphs'.
Easily confused with caliph
A caliph is the individual ruler, whereas a caliphate is the state or territory governed by a caliph.