What does khalifah mean?
A khalifah is a traditional title for the successor of the Prophet Muhammad as leader of the Muslim community, and it was later applied to rulers of Muslim states and dynasties. The word comes from Arabic and means “successor,” reflecting the early question of who should lead the community after Muhammad's death. Sunni and Shia Muslims developed different understandings of the first khalifahs and of legitimate succession, making the title important in Islamic history as well as in later political and dynastic contexts. In modern English, khalifah is less common than the variant caliph, but it is particularly encountered in academic writing, historical sources, and translations. Although the title can refer to a ruler of a later Islamic state, it retains a stronger connection to Muhammad and the early Muslim community than a general word such as king or emperor.
nounA khalifah is a title traditionally given to the successor of the Prophet Muhammad as leader of the Muslim community, and later used for rulers of certain Islamic states. The title has been used in both Sunni and Shia traditions, though the two communities have historically differed over the rightful succession.
- A traditional title for the successor of the Prophet Muhammad as leader of the Muslim community.
- A title used for the ruler of a Muslim state or political community claiming succession to the Prophet Muhammad.
"The khalifah addressed the gathered scholars before the annual pilgrimage."
"Historians continue to debate the succession of the first khalifah."
"She studied the history of the khalifah who established the dynasty in the 10th century."
The standard plural adds -s; “khalifs” is also possible in writing that uses the related alternative spelling khalif.
"The rival khalifahs claimed the right to lead the Muslim community."
The title khalifah literally means “successor,” but its history turns one Arabic word into a symbol of an entire struggle over leadership in the Muslim world.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of khalifah
The word comes from Arabic Khalīfa, meaning “successor,” derived from the Arabic root khalafa, associated with succeeding or being left behind. It entered English in the early modern period in scholarly and historical accounts of Islamic leadership, with “caliph” becoming the more familiar English form. Related English forms such as caliphate and caliphal continue to reflect the same Arabic root.
Related word forms
How khalifah is actually used
Khalifah is an alternative spelling of caliph and is especially common in scholarly writing, historical discussion, and some translated Islamic texts. It denotes a specific religious and political title rather than a generic ruler or leader.
Easily confused with khalifah
Khalifah and caliph are spelling variants of the same title; caliph is the more common English spelling.
A khalifah is a successor to Muhammad in the traditional Islamic leadership, whereas a sultan is a Muslim ruler whose title is not based on that succession.