What does khalifa mean?
A khalifa is a title for a political and religious leader regarded as the successor of Muhammad and the head of the Muslim community. The word is especially associated with Sunni Islamic traditions and with historical Muslim empires, including the Abbasid, Fatimid, Umayyad, and Ottoman states. In contemporary usage, it is more likely to occur in historical, religious, or academic discussion than in everyday English. The term derives from an Arabic word meaning “successor,” reflecting the traditional idea of authority passed on from the Prophet. Although “khalifa” and “caliph” can both denote the same office, “khalifa” is especially common in South Asian, Central Asian, and Middle Eastern contexts, while “caliph” is more widely used in English-language historical writing.
nounA khalifa is a political and religious leader who is regarded as the successor of Muhammad and the leader of the Muslim community. The title is used especially in Sunni Islamic traditions and historically in the Ottoman Empire and other Muslim states.
- A political and religious leader regarded as the successor of Muhammad and the leader of the Muslim community.
"The khalifa addressed the community from the pulpit during Friday prayers."
"The khalifa called for unity among the Muslim community."
"Scholars discussed the historical authority of the khalifa in Islamic governments."
The usual plural is khalifas; khalifas can refer to multiple rulers or to different holders of the title.
"The khalifas signed the agreement in succession."
The word khalifa means “successor”: it identifies a leader as the successor of Muhammad, making its history part of Islamic political tradition.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does khalifa come from?
The word comes from Arabic khalīfa, meaning “successor” or “one who follows,” in reference to succession to Muhammad. Its development is associated with Islamic political and religious history and with the title later applied to rulers of several Muslim empires. The related English form “caliph” comes through Arabic and is a cognate associated with the same Arabic root; “caliphate” derives from the same source.
Related word forms
How khalifa is actually used
The term is chiefly associated with Islamic history and Muslim political usage. In modern usage it is less common outside historical, religious, and academic contexts, and its application varies among different Islamic traditions.