Sheikh (/ʃeɪk, ʃiːk/ SHAYK, SHEEK,[1] Arabic: شَيْخ, romanized: shaykh [ʃajx], commonly [ʃeːχ], plural: شُيُوخ, shuyūkh [ʃujuːx])[a] is an honorific title in the Arabic language, literally meaning "elder". It commonly designates a tribal chief or a Muslim scholar. A royal family member of the United Arab Emirates and some other Arab countries, also has this title, since the ruler of each emirate is also the sheikh of their tribe.[2]
In some countries, it is given as a surname to those of great knowledge in religious affairs, by a prestigious religious leader from a chain of Sufi scholars.[citation needed]
The word is mentioned in the Qur'an in three places: verse 72 of Hud, 78 of Yusuf, and 23 of al-Qasas.
This title generally refers to men, there are also a small number of female sheikhs in history, Syeikha or Sheikha this generally refers to women.
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