Sharif

Sharif is a traditional Arabic title, the feminine form of which is Sharifa (also spelled Shareefa, Shereefa, or Sherifa). The title is used to denote descendants of Hasan and Husayn, grandsons of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, through his daughter Fatimah and her husband Ali ibn Abi Talib, who was also Muhammad's cousin and a member of the Ahl al-Bayt or "people of the house" (of the Prophet).

Origin and meaning

The word sharif means "noble" or "high-born" in Arabic. In the early Islamic period, it was an honorific title, but by the time of the Abbasid Caliphate it was largely associated with the descendants of Hasan and Husayn.

Use of the title

The title of sharif has been used in the Arab world for over a thousand years, and was traditionally given to those who served as the spiritual leaders of their communities. It is still used today in many Arab countries, and is also used by some Muslims in South Asia.

Sharifian dynasties

Several dynasties have claimed sharifian descent, including the Idrisid dynasty in Morocco, the Hashemite kings of Jordan, and the Sharifate of Mecca.

See also

• Sayyid
• Ashraf
• Emir

Sharif Resources
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