Amirs

Amirs, also spelled emirs or ameer, is a title of Arabic origin (amīr), meaning commander, ruler, or prince. It is used across the Muslim world to designate a person who holds authority, often in military or administrative roles. The plural in English is amirs or emirs; transliteration depends on language.

Historically, amirs were appointed as provincial governors within caliphates such as the Umayyad and Abbasid, and later appeared in many Islamic states as military leaders or regional governors. The term also forms part of higher titles such as amir al-mu'minin (commander of the faithful), used for caliphs and, in some contexts, for powerful rulers or leaders.

Regional usage varies. In South Asia and Persia, amir has been used as a noble title and as a given name. In the modern Middle East, emir is a common transliteration, used for rulers known as emirs in Kuwait, Qatar, and other states; in Afghanistan the title has been used for leaders styled Amir al-Mu'minin by some groups.

In contemporary usage, the title remains in use in various monarchies and de facto states, with powers and responsibilities depending on the state. The term also appears in personal names and in historical and literary discussions of Islamic governance.