Sheikhs

Sheikh, also transliterated as shaikh, shaykh, or sheik, is an Arabic honorific derived from shaykh, meaning “elder,” “leader,” or “chief.” The term is used across the Arab world and beyond to designate a person who holds authority by age, family position, religious scholarship, or personal standing. It can function as a title, a form of address, or a descriptive noun; plural forms include sheikhs, shaikhs, and shaykhs.

In tribal and local settings, a sheikh is the head of a family or clan and may play a mediating or governing role. In many Muslim-majority societies, the term also denotes a respected religious teacher or scholar who commands knowledge and moral authority. It is commonly used to refer to leaders or elders who guide communities and disciplines.

In Sufi orders, a sheikh or shaykh is a spiritual guide or master who leads disciples and transmits teachings. The term has also been employed historically for high-ranking officials, such as “shaykh al-Islam” in some Islamic empires, denoting senior religious authority within a state framework.

In modern Gulf states and surrounding regions, “sheikh” is a royal or noble title used for rulers and members of ruling families, as well as for prominent public figures. Variants reflect transliteration differences; English-language usage includes both “sheik” and “sheikh.” The term’s significance and form vary by country and context, ranging from elder respect to formal political power or religious authority.