alSharif

alSharif is a transliteration of the Arabic title al-Sharif, from as-Sharif meaning “the noble” or “the honorable.” In historical use, the term designated descendants of the Prophet Muhammad through the grandsons Hasan and Husayn, within the Banu Hashim clan. It has long been used as a title for sayyids and sharifs, signaling noble lineage and status within Arab society.

Historically, the most prominent holders of the title were the Sharifs of Mecca, who governed the Hejaz region for several centuries. They played a central role in regional politics and in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. After the revolt, members of the Hashemite family established monarchies in neighboring regions: Abdullah I became emir and then king of Transjordan (modern Jordan), while Faisal I became king of Iraq and, briefly, of Syria. The political power of the sharifate declined with the consolidation of Saudi rule over the Hejaz and the shaping of modern national borders in the Arabian Peninsula.

In contemporary usage, al-Sharif or alSharif appears as a surname or component of a name. It is often adopted to signify claimed or historical connection to the Prophet’s family, though not all bearers have verifiable genealogical links. Spelling variants include al-Sharif, Al Sharif, and Al-Sharif, reflecting different transliteration practices. The term remains a common element in Arab naming conventions and in the historical context of leadership and lineage.