Alid

Alid is a term with multiple uses in historical and contemporary contexts. In Islamic historiography, the Alids are the descendants of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, and their supporters. The designation has been used to identify lineages and dynasties that claimed legitimacy by descent from Ali, including various ruling houses in the medieval Islamic world. The term emphasizes kinship with the Prophet’s family, the Ahl al-Bayt, and has been applied across different regions and periods by historians and political actors alike.

In modern usage, Alid can appear as a surname or personal name in several languages and communities. As with many historical terms, transliteration from Arabic and other scripts can yield different spellings in English texts. The meaning of Alid thus depends on context, ranging from a genealogical identifier to a contemporary family name.

See also: Alids; Ahl al-Bayt; Fatimid Caliphate.