Halifa
/həˈliːfə/noun
A variant transliteration of Arabic khalīfa, meaning a successor or deputy, especially the leader of the Muslim community.
Did you know?Arabic khalīfa comes from the root ḫ-l-f, tied to coming after, replacing, and succeeding, which is why the same root also generates words for “behind” and “later.”
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
PSem
*ḫlf
“A root meaning to come after, replace, or succeed”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
خَلِيفَة (khalīfa)
“Successor, deputy, or vicegerent”
Early Islamic Period
Arabic
خَلِيفَة (khalīfa)
“Title for the successor to the Prophet Muhammad and leader of the Muslim community”
Middle English
English
caliphe / calife
“A transliterated form referring to the Muslim ruler”
Modern English
English
caliph
“The title for a Muslim ruler, especially in historical contexts”