kalif

9.9

A religious and political leader of a Muslim country who comes after the Prophet Muhammad

noun
/kəˈlif/

: califa

In the ancient Muslim state, the Kalif was regarded as both a civil and religious leader, guiding the society with divine authority.

Examples

Kris Boyd and Kalif Alhassan, both of whom have missed significant time due to injury, were out with the team today and looked like they participated in the full practice, leaving the door open for potential substitute appearances in tomorrow's game.

Blog text (9)
The Midwest 3AA third round battle featured two of the top running backs in the state: Brown's Kalif Phillips and Cougar junior Elijah Hood.

Blog text (26)
The Kalif delivered a powerful sermon to the community, urging peace and unity among the people.
As the representative of Allah on earth, the Kalif's decisions significantly influenced the lives of millions.

Synonyms

calif

vskalif

Archaic

27 9.9

A leader of a Muslim country who is both its political and religious head

is a variant spelling rather than the standard English form

caliph

vskalif

6 9.9

A chief religious and political leader of a Muslim community seen as the Prophet's successor

is a variant spelling rather than the standard English form

khalif

vskalif

1 9.9

A religious and political leader of a Muslim state

is defined as the successor to the Prophet rather than only an alternative name

kaliph

vskalif

9.9

A religious and political leader who many Muslims see as Muhammad's successor

is the alternate spelling rather than the common English form

khalifah

vskalif

9.9

A Muslim leader who leads both the state and the religion

is less explicit about dual spiritual and political roles

Surface Forms

kalif singular

kalifs plural

Etymology

Kalif comes from the Arabic khalīfah, which means 'successor' or 'steward', someone who comes after and takes responsibility. So a kalif is the civil and religious leader who takes the Prophet's place as leader and representative.