sharifian

Sharifian is an English adjective used to describe things related to Sharif, a historic title conferred on descendants of the Prophet Muhammad from the Quraysh tribe, particularly the Hashimite line. The word sharif means noble or honorable in Arabic, and Sharifian then denotes lineage, authority, symbols, or institutions associated with that lineage.

Historically, Sharifs of Mecca held religious and political authority in the Hejaz under Ottoman suzerainty, serving as custodians of Islamic holy sites and as regional leaders. In the 20th century, several Hashemite dynasties—most notably the royal families that ruled Jordan and, at various times, Iraq and Syria—described themselves as Sharifian, asserting legitimacy through their claimed descent from the Prophet. In scholarly and historical writing, Sharifian is used to discuss governance, ceremonial roles, and legitimacy claims tied to Sharifian rulers, as well as the broader political movements and state-building efforts that invoked Sharifian heritage. The term appears primarily in historical, genealogical, and political contexts rather than in everyday usage. See also Sharif, Hashemite dynasty, Mecca, Hejaz.