khalifa

The khalifa receives visitors in his grand hall.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A Muslim ruler: "khalifa" refers to a successor or deputy of the Prophet Muhammad, historically serving as the political and religious leader of the Islamic community (caliphate).
   • A title of respect: In some contexts, "khalifa" can be used as a honorific title for a spiritual leader or deputy in certain Sufi orders.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The first khalifa after Muhammad's death was Abu Bakr. (The first successor to lead the Muslim community.)
  • He was recognized as the khalifa of the Sufi order. (He was acknowledged as the spiritual deputy in that religious group.)

Advanced Usage

• "khalifa of the faithful": a formal title for the caliph, emphasizing his role as leader of all believers.

  • The khalifa of the faithful issued a decree on religious matters. (The caliph made a formal religious announcement.)

• "to appoint a khalifa": to designate a successor or deputy.

  • The community appointed a new khalifa after the previous one passed away. (They chose a new leader to take over.)

Variants and Related Words

• Caliph (n): an alternative spelling of "khalifa," more common in English.

  • The caliph ruled over a vast empire. (The Muslim leader governed a large territory.)

• Caliphate (n): the office, territory, or reign of a caliph.

  • The Abbasid caliphate was a golden age of learning. (The period of Abbasid rule was culturally rich.)

Synonyms

• Successor: one who follows another in a position or role.
• Deputy: a person appointed to act on behalf of another.

Related Idioms

• "like a khalifa without a kingdom": a phrase (rare in English) describing someone with authority but no actual power.
  • After losing his lands, he felt like a khalifa without a kingdom. (He had a title but no real control.)