Zulfikar

Zulfikar is a masculine given name of Arabic origin. In Islamic tradition, Zulfiqar (also spelled Zulfiqar, Zulficar, or Zulfikar) is the legendary bifurcated sword attributed to Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad. The name is used in several Muslim-majority countries and among diaspora communities.

Etymology and variants: The name derives from the Arabic Dhūl-Faqār, a compound in Arabic often interpreted as "the possessor of the split/blade." The blade is typically depicted with a forked tip. Spelling variants include Zulfiqar, Zulfiqar, Zulficar, and Zulfikar.

Symbolism and usage: Zulfiqar is a symbol of courage, justice, and leadership in Islamic tradition, and it appears in religious art, poetry, heraldry, and popular culture. The name is widely used across South Asia, the Middle East, and among Muslim communities worldwide.

Notable people: Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (1928–1979), Pakistani statesman and founder of the Pakistan People's Party, who served as both president and prime minister, is a prominent bearer of the name. Other individuals named Zulfikar appear in various fields such as politics, sports, and academia.

In modern usage, Zulfikar remains a common given name in South Asia and the Middle East, and among Muslims in other regions; the association with Ali's sword often informs the thematic use of the name in literature and media.