sharifs

Sharif (Arabic: شريف) is a title and surname derived from sharaf, meaning honor or nobility. Traditionally, it has been used for descendants of the Prophet Muhammad, particularly through his grandsons Hasan and Husayn, signifying noble status and authority in various Islamic communities. In historical contexts, the term has also designated ruling or aristocratic lines in the Muslim world, especially in the Hejaz region.

Historically, the Sharifs of Mecca were a ruling family who governed Mecca for centuries, with authority tied to lineage tracing back to the Prophet. The title has been associated with other noble or ruling families across the Arab world and North Africa, where lines claiming Sharifian descent have played important political and religious roles. In some contexts, Sharif is used as an honorific rather than a strict genealogical label.

In modern times, Sharif is a common surname in South Asia and the wider Muslim world. It does not denote a single political affiliation or office, but it can be associated with families that have attained political prominence in various countries. Notable contemporary figures with the surname include Nawaz Sharif, who served as prime minister of Pakistan on multiple occasions, and his brother Shehbaz Sharif, who has held high office in Pakistan as well.

The term remains in use today as both an honorific and a surname, reflecting historical associations with nobility, lineage, and leadership within Islamic communities. Distinctions between Sharif and related terms such as Sayyid or other genealogical labels can vary by region and tradition.