Places like Afghanistan cannot move forward or make changes without the efforts of sheikhs, that`s for sure. Each « tribe » has a sheikh for lack of a better word and will follow the sheikh`s orders in various community and family matters. And it`s not just about respect. Sheikhs are often the richest and most powerful. So, people really have no choice but to follow their orders, although it is mostly out of love and respect for the sheikh and not out of fear. Sheikh, also spelled Sheikh, Shaikh or Shaikh, Arabic Shaykh, Arabic title of respect for pre-Islamic antiquity; Strictly speaking, it means a venerable man over 50 years old. The title of Sheikh is particularly worn by heads of religious orders, principals of colleges such as Al-Azhar University in Cairo, tribal leaders, and chiefs of individual villages and neighborhoods. It is also applied to educated men, especially members of the ʿulamāʾ (theologians) class, and has been applied to anyone who has memorized the entire Qur`an, regardless of age. These sample phrases are automatically selected from various online news sources to reflect the current use of the word « sheikh ». The views expressed in the examples do not represent the views of Merriam-Webster or its editors.

Send us your feedback. In the Maghreb, under the Almohad dynasty, the caliph was also advised by a group of sheikhs. They represented all the different tribes under their rule, including the Arabs (Bedouins), Andalusians and Berbers, and were also responsible for mobilizing their relatives in case of war. [10] From Iran`s point of view, the word or title of sheikh has different meanings, among the elderly and wise it was an honorific title used for elders and scholars, such as: Sheikh al-Rayees Abu Ali Sina, Sheikh Mufid, Sheikh Morteza Ansari. In the past, Islamic scholars who were descendants of the Islamic prophet Muhammad were called Sayyid/Seyyed instead of Sheikh. [17] Sheikhs are clearly not only problem solvers, but leaders in the truest sense of the word. It`s hard for us to understand, I think, because in the West we often distinguish between political and religious leaders. But it seems to me that a sheikh is a leader in all spheres of life. A sheikh or sheikh (Arabic: شيخ shaykh; pl. شيوخ shuyūkh) of Sufism is a Sufi authorized to teach, initiate and lead aspiring dervishes in the Islamic faith. He distracts himself from worldly wealth and women.

The Sheikh is vital for the path of the beginning Sufi, because the Sheikh himself has walked the path of mysticism. Considered a spiritual master, the sheikh forms a formal allegiance (bay`a) to the disciple of Sufism and authorizes the student`s travels and assists the student on the mystical path. [1] The Islamic tradition focuses on the importance of chains and legitimation. In Sufism, sheikhs are connected by a continuous spiritual chain (isnad, sanad, silsila). This chain connects all the ancient Sufi sheikhs and can eventually be traced back to the successors and, later, to the Prophet himself. As Sufism grew, influential Shayks began to acquire spiritual centers and crossing points known as Khanqah, Ribat, and Zawia. [2] Sheikhs reproduce prophetic realities and are also supposed to act as mediators between the Creator and creation, as the sheikh has drawn closer to God through his meditations and spiritual journeys. There are different types of such sheikhs. In modern times, Sheikh may be more of an honorific term. Older, wealthier members of a people can be considered sheikhs. Their experience, wealth and wisdom make them important members of a community and should be consulted on important issues. People can ask this kind of sheikh for advice.

Moreover, virtually all elderly men in a community can be considered sheikhs. But if I`m wrong, please correct me. I would like to learn the most correct interpretation of Sheikh. If a sheikh provides support, then basically, everyone in this tribe will follow suit and help make things happen. But if a sheikh does not agree, nothing is done. For example, in eastern Turkey, the sheikh system exists, although the Turks are not Arabs. And although the country is changing, this system has a very strong influence in the East and continues. Britannica English: Translation of sheikh for Arabic speakers Sheikh[1] (pronounced /ʃeɪk/ SHAYK or /ʃiːk/ SHEEK;[ 2] Arabic: شيخ shaykh [ʃajx], usually pronounced [ʃeːx], plural شيوخ shuyūkh [ʃuju:x]) – also transliterated sheekh, sheyikh, shaykh, shayk, shekh, shaik and shaikh, shak – is an honorific title in Arabic.

It usually refers to a tribal leader or a member of the royal family in Arab countries, in some countries it is also given to those with great knowledge of religious matters as a surname by a prestigious religious leader of a chain of Sufi scholars. It is also commonly used to refer to a Muslim religious scholar. [3] It is also used as an honorific title by people who claim descent from Hasan ibn Ali and Husayn ibn Ali, both patrilineal and matrilineal, who are the grandsons of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. [ref. needed] The term is literally translated as « elder » (also translated as « lord/master » in a monarchical context). The word « Shaykh » is mentioned in verse 23 of Surah Al-Qasas in the Qur`an. In Indonesia and other parts of Southeast Asia, sheikhs are respected by local Muslims. In Indonesia, the term is usually written « syech », and this is usually attributed to older ulema.

The most knowledgeable Islamic scholars in Indonesia are usually referred to as « Ustad » or « Kyai ». [ref. needed] A daughter or wife or mother of a sheikh is also called a sheikh. Currently, the term Shaikhah is often used for women from ruling families in the Arab states of the Arabian Peninsula. [21] The word in Arabic comes from a triliteral root associated with age and aging: ش-ي-خ, shīn-yā`-khā`. The title means chief, elder or noble, especially in the Arabian Peninsula within the tribes of Arabia, where Shaikh has become a traditional title of Bedouin tribal chief in recent centuries. Due to the cultural influence of Arab civilization, and in particular the spread of Islam, the word has also gained prominence as a religious term or general honorific title in many other parts of the world, especially in Muslim cultures in Africa and Asia. [ref. needed] The Western definition of Sheikh limited this term to the ruler of Kuwait.