Khalif (Noun)
Meaning
The civil and religious leader of a Muslim state considered to be a representative of Allah on earth; "many radical Muslims believe a Khalifah will unite all Islamic lands and people and subjugate the rest of the world".
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- The Khalif of the Islamic state was a highly revered figure, responsible for interpreting and enforcing Sharia law.
- Radical Islamic groups believe that a Khalif will arise to reclaim and unite the territories that were once part of the Islamic caliphate.
- Many Sunnis consider the Ottoman Sultan to have been the last legitimate Khalif of the Islamic world.
- Some Muslim scholars argue that the Khalif's role is not limited to the spiritual realm, but also includes responsibility for the economic and social well-being of the community.
- In Islamic eschatology, the Mahdi is often associated with the role of the Khalif, who will guide the faithful and vanquish the enemies of Islam before the end of time.