Ershad

Ershad (Persian ارشاد) is a term that means guidance or instruction. In Persian and related languages, it is used as both a given name and a surname. The word also appears in transliterations such as Irshad or Ershād, and is common in Iran and other South Asian Muslim communities.

In Iran, Ershad is embedded in government terminology. Vazarat-e Farhang va Ershad (Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance) is the government ministry responsible for culture, media, and religious affairs, illustrating the usage of the word in official contexts.

As a personal name, Ershad is used as a masculine given name in Iran and neighboring regions, and as a surname among Bangladeshis and the South Asian diaspora. Notable individuals include Hussain Muhammad Ershad, a Bangladeshi army officer who served as president from 1983 to 1990.